I don’t think the Tap at the Midland Station is as good as it was when it first opened. It seems to have lost some of its charm and become a bit ‘blokey’ on the last few occasions I’ve been in recently.
The Kelham Island area is a good call if you like hoppy beer etc:
The Fat Cat (rather than Black Cat??), Kelham Island Tavern, The Ship and The Milestone are all worth a visit.
I’d avoid most of the pubs and bars on West Street unless you are either a student or the kind of older bloke that likes standing in groups staring at female students … 🙁
The Devonshire Quarter – i.e. Devonshire Street/Green is a bit more mixed but probably hasn’t changed that much in the past 8 years. There’s a ‘Brew Dog’ opened fairly recently that might appeal depending on your tastes; the Washington (due to ‘re-open/rebirth’ very soon); The Devonshire Cat (owned by Kelham Island Brewery mentioned ^^) and The Green Room. They are all pretty busy at the weekend.
Nightclub wise things have gone a bit more quiet in recent years as many of the pubs and bars have late licences. The Leadmill has its Saturday night ‘Sonic’ with DJ Adam Morley – who has been DJing the Saturday nights for 20+ years and The Corporation (Devonshire Green) has its ‘Drop’ alternative Friday night