Every Friday morning, in a central Sheffield café, a tech community tradition unfolds. There are no name tags, no formal agenda, and no sales pitches. Just a group of people coming together over coffee and breakfast to share ideas, swap stories, and support each other. This is GeekBrekky—a Sheffield institution that has, for over twenty years, played a fundamental role in the city’s digital tech ecosystem.

From spontaneity to tradition

GeekBrekky didn’t start with a grand vision or an official launch. It was just a gathering of like-minded people who wanted to connect outside of their work environments. The exact details of its origins aren’t known; some say it began as early as the 1990s, but certainly by the mid-2000s, it had become a more recognisable fixture in Sheffield’s tech scene.

At first, the meetups were sporadic—someone would suggest a time and place, and whoever was available would turn up. The rise of Twitter in the mid-2000s made organising much easier, allowing a small but dedicated group to amplify the event meaning more people turned up. Over time, GeekBrekky became a more consistent presence, moving through various venues until it found its current home at HowSt café, where it now takes place every Friday without fail.

In 2015, Sheffield Digital took a step towards solidifying the event’s place in the ecosystem. Rather than reinventing the wheel, Chris Dymond – a director of our organisation and regular GeekBrekky attendee – simply committed to making sure it happened every single week, at the same time and in the same place. This decision turned GeekBrekky from an occasional, and quite cliquey, happening into a reliable, accessible part of Sheffield’s digital landscape.

Unscripted and uncomplicated

Unlike many networking events, GeekBrekky has no set agenda. There’s no speaker, no planned topics, and no expectation that attendees must contribute anything beyond their presence. Some people come every week; others drop in occasionally. There’s no pressure to speak, or even eat breakfast, no structured agenda—just natural, informal conversations that flow organically.

Sometimes, discussions revolve around deep technical debates. Other times, they are about the latest industry trends, job opportunities, or even the best sci-fi shows to binge-watch. Very often the conversations have nothing to do with tech or geekdom whatsoever. For those new to the event, there’s an openness that makes it easy to integrate—regular attendees make sure no one is left out, and there’s always space for a new voice in the mix.

While the event has never been explicitly about job-seeking, mentorship, or business development, all of these things happen naturally. It’s common to see someone new to the industry being guided by a seasoned professional or an entrepreneur refining an idea based on insights from peers. It’s the kind of organic, unforced networking that rarely happens in structured settings.

Who comes to GeekBrekky?

The beauty of GeekBrekky lies in its diversity. It’s not just for software developers or tech entrepreneurs. Over the years, it has attracted students, designers, academics, public officials, policy makers, consultants, and startup founders. There are regulars—those who come almost every week, forming the backbone of the group. There are irregulars—those who drop in every few months when they happen to have a free Friday morning. And then there are the brand-new attendees, often made aware of GeekBrekky by word-of-mouth, looking for their first introduction to Sheffield’s tech community.

Some people come with a purpose. They’re job-hunting, seeking advice, or looking to make new connections. Others simply want to break the isolation of remote work, catch up with friends, or enjoy a relaxed but invigorating start to their Friday. The mix ensures that every week feels slightly different, with new conversations and fresh perspectives constantly shaping the event.

The value of conversation

The success of GeekBrekky isn’t just in its longevity—it’s in the quiet impact it has had on Sheffield’s tech ecosystem. It has helped people find jobs, form collaborations, and even launch startups. It has provided a space where those feeling disconnected from the industry can re-engage and where newcomers to the city can find their footing.

During the COVID-19 lockdowns, Zoom calls replaced the in-person meetings, maintaining a sense of connection for those who needed it most. While the virtual version lacked the atmosphere of a café, it offered a human connectionto those struggling with the isolation of repeated lockdowns. Post-pandemic, GeekBrekky has returned to its physical space, but we learnt something valuable: consistency and community matter more than format.

Another key ingredient in GeekBrekky’s success is its welcoming nature. It’s a safe space where difficult topics—whether about industry challenges, job uncertainty, or just the trials of everyday life—can be discussed openly. While the name suggests a focus on technology, you don’t have to be a geek to feel at home. Conversations can be technical, but they can just as easily be about books, music, or current events. What matters are the sense of belonging it fosters and the relationships it creates.

Our surroundings also play a huge part and we’ve settled on HowSt Cafe as a host venue largely because of the friendly and accommodating atmosphere the fantastic team have created there. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the staff at HowSt Cafe – Mariana, Stewart, Liz and everyone else – you do an amazing job.

Looking ahead

GeekBrekky doesn’t need reinvention. Its strength lies in its informality, its consistency, and its ability to remain relevant and valuable, whatever is happening in the tech landscape. While there’s always room for small refinements—perhaps a more structured way to introduce new attendees—the core essence of the event will remain the same.

For those who haven’t attended, consider this an invitation. Whether you’re new to Sheffield’s tech scene, looking for inspiration, or simply in search of good coffee and great company, GeekBrekky is there for you. Just turn up on a Friday morning at HowSt café and there will always be people there between 9 and 10:30am. No need to RSVP. No need to prepare. Just come as you are and see where the conversation takes you.