Known as a guitarist with Milburn, frontman of Dead Sons and a touring member of Arctic Monkeys, Tom Rowley embraces the solo spotlight. Drawing on 70s-inspired riffs, lounge singer intonation and soaring solos for his own take on lush baroque pop.
Tom Roper
Our Favourite Places would be nothing without our contributors — a massive thanks to all of them!
Tell us about you…
I moved to Sheffield from Norfolk to study. Like most people, I fell in love with the city and didn’t want to leave; now I work at the University of Sheffield.
I enjoy making music, doing pub quizzes, playing cricket and watching documentaries.
What does Sheffield mean to you?
To me, Sheffield means having the opportunity to be creative. It has a great DIY culture where people who want to make things or start new projects can.
What’s your favourite Sheffield place?
There are so many! I’m lucky enough to live next to Two Steps fish and chip shop on Sharrow Vale Road which makes it a real challenge to not eat their delicious, well priced, generously portioned food every single day. In a similar, but slightly healthier vein, I love Blue Moon Cafe next to the Cathedral – it serves great vegetarian food at a low price and you get loads on your plate!
Bear Tree Records is my favourite new shop in Sheffield, Joe gets some great stuff in so it’s always worth a visit. Likewise, the Showroom always has something interesting to watch and is a great place to go for a cosy evening. My favourite places to go for a drink are the Sheffield Tap next to the train station, the Sheaf View in Heeley, and Picture House Social on Abbeydale Road.
What would you do to improve the city?
I’d ban the needless demolition of buildings and encourage renovation of all the beautiful empty spaces.
Latest contributions
Martin McAloon of Prefab Sprout
Sat. 13 December 2025
Sidney & Matilda
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Prefab Sprout’s landmark album Steve McQueen, founding member Martin McAloon performs it in its entirety. Widely hailed as a defining record of the 80s, the album became a cornerstone of post-punk and new-wave.
Emergence Collective
Fri. 28 November 2025
Highfield Trinity Church, Holland Place, S2 4US
The acoustic improvisatory ensemble celebrate their debut album release. Drawing on influences from European folk, jazz, early music and contemporary classical, all their music is completely improvised using a unique combination of instruments.
Suntou Susso
Thu. 27 November 2025
Cafe #9
A master and innovator of the kora – a 21-stringed instrument that's become been used to express the music of the West African Mandinka culture for more than seven centuries. Taking Cafe #9 on a journey into heritage, belonging, ecology and dreams.