Fancy breaking the tension around appraisals and meetings by venturing off-site and away from the office? Take some inspiration from Rebecca Morris who shares Benchmark Recruit’s top alternative locations in South Yorkshire to help you break out from your usual environment – and focus ‘on’ the business rather than ‘in’ the business…
Chimney House – The Living Room
Located in the award-winning Chimney House on Kelham Island’s historic waterways, The Living Room is a bright space with inspiring views to get creativity flowing. Plus it’s perfect for winter gatherings with a log-burning stove and fireside armchairs. It holds up to ten people and there’s even an interconnecting larger meeting room should you want to have a team meeting afterwards.
Victoria Barge, Terminal Warehouse
A bespoke 60 x 12ft wide beam canal barge. Yes, you heard it right – a barge which has been fully kitted out as a luxurious living and meeting area. This is indeed one special venue, and is a unique space in Sheffield for intimate meetings such as appraisals.
Virgin Money Lounge 
The Virgin Money Lounge has been a real hit with the business community of Sheffield – it’s also the venue unLTD hosted both its social events so far, so we ought to know! The Lounge is a great place for a less formal appraisal location, free to Virgin Money customers and well-used by businesses for one-to-one sessions and meetings.
The Workstation – The Creative Snug
An intimate and private space located in the creative hub of The Workstation, it’s ideal for one-to-ones and can be hired out by the hour at a very affordable rate. If the appraisals are a real success, and cause for celebration, there’s the added bonus of the Showroom Bar and Café literally being next door for lunch or drinks.
Ecclesall Woods Woodland Discovery Centre – Hectors House
Nestled in in one of Sheffield’s finest woodlands, Ecclesall Woods and built from local oak, which was destined for the sawmill, its twisting wooden shingle roof gives it an almost fairy tale feel. Plus the woods themselves are accessible should you want to walk and talk.
Grimm & Co Apothecary 
Grimm & Co is a spellbinding centre in Rotherham offering creative support to encourage literacy development of children and young people. Depending on the format of your appraisals, you can choose from three amazing spaces:
– The Writer’s Centre: a private meeting room with seating for eight and featuring toilet door graffiti of a literary bent!
– The Writers Pad: A light open space with tables, chairs, cushions and a unique exit – a beanstalk! A Jumanji style area with walls of greenery, a lawn floor, a book shop and ancient library.
– The Imagination Gym: a quirky, open space with comfy sofa seating – plus a brain duster and mind oiler always available for any sluggish meetings.
