True North acquires Abbeydale Picture House

True North Brew Co., an independent Sheffield-based hospitality group, has officially acquired the historic Grade II listed Abbeydale Picture House, aiming to restore it as a premier entertainment venue, taking over the Picture House Social bar, and marking a new chapter in the revival of this much-loved Sheffield landmark.The Abbeydale Picture House, known as the “Picture Palace,” opened on Abbeydale Road in December 1920. Its art deco styling, tile-clad façade, and luxurious spaces made it the go-to destination for cinema and dance audiences across Sheffield. However, changing markets and difficulties with renovation eventually led to its decline, repurposing, and closure in February 2024. The building has remained unused since.True North’s acquisition comes with a significant investment to restore the Picture House’s architectural grandeur while modernising it to meet the needs of today’s audiences. “Our vision is to make it a vibrant entertainment destination for all demographics across Sheffield and beyond,” says Kane Yeardley, Sheffield entrepreneur and owner of True North.

“This is the biggest and perhaps the most challenging project we’ve ever undertaken, especially as the Picture House is Grade II listed; and we couldn’t be more excited,”Kane added. “When we heard larger national companies were interested, it only strengthened our resolve to become its custodians. The last thing Abbeydale Road needs is a non-independent chain serving heavily discounted beer.“Sheffield deserves an authentic local brand that understands the significance of this building and ensures its future remains rooted in the city. We’re here to ensure this space remains a proud part of Sheffield, by Sheffield, for Sheffield.”

When fully restored, the Abbeydale Picture House will host live music, comedy, art events, and food and drink festivals, creating a space for everyone to enjoy. True North will work with local building, architectural, and heritage experts to transform the site’s spaces, including balconies, bars, backstage areas, and dressing rooms, ensuring they are safe, stylish, and event ready.The venue is also expected to boost the local economy, creating around fifty jobs and supporting skills development through training opportunities. “By working with local and regional experts, we aim to employ people with the right skills, attitudes, and passion to grow careers in hospitality and event management,” Kane says.True North Brew Co. has a proven track record in ambitious restoration projects, including The Forum on Devonshire Street, The Broadfield, and The Punch Bowl in Sheffield, as well as The Crown and Anchor in Barnsley and The British Oak in Mosborough.

The restoration of the Picture House will be phased over the next two years, reflecting the scale and historic significance of the project. True North is collaborating with previous occupant CADS (Creative Arts Development Space), who have already shared building surveys and architectural expertise from their time working on the building and Professor Vanessa Toulmin from the University of Sheffield, who will advise on its importance as a historic cinema and theatre.This collaborative approach builds on the foundations laid by CADS during their eight years at The Abbeydale Picture House, where they played a pivotal role in revitalising the space, hosting everything from art exhibitions and live music to immersive film screenings and theatre performances. Although CADS were unable to acquire the building themselves, they are fully supportive of the new ownership and pleased that the building will be locally and independently owned.Meanwhile, the iconic Picture House Social bar will close in March, reopening under True North in May following refurbishment. James O’Hara and James Hill, who originally transformed the former billiard club into a vibrant bar, are fully supportive of this next chapter.

James O’Hara said: “We’ve loved our time in the basement of the picture palace and have seen Abbeydale Road transform over the years – a transformation True North helped start with The Broadfield. This building has always needed the right owner, someone with the vision and means to restore it and make it relevant for the next one hundred years.”He adds: “I’m excited to confirm that I’ll be coming back to help guide the True North team in bringing the very best music, events, and content to a venue close to my heart. I can’t wait for people to see what’s in store.”For True North Brew Co., the Abbeydale Picture House is more than a restoration project—it’s an investment in Sheffield’s heritage and future. Kane concluded: “We want to create a space buzzing with energy that supports the continued growth of Abbeydale Road and Sheffield as a whole.