Our tips for a great
getaway in... Nottingham England
Nottingham is fast making a name for itself as one of the UK’s most cultural cities. With live music venues, ground-breaking theatres and two new contemporary art galleries, there’s always something to keep visitors entertained. It’s all down to a large number of redevelopment projects that have given the city a tangible buzz. The Lace Market area is a particular highlight which, as the name suggests, was a thriving lace-making quarter in the 18th century. A sense of style and creativity lies at its heart to this day, with all the best places to shop, eat and drink lining its medieval cobbled streets.
besttheatre: Nottingham Playhouse One of a handful of innovative theatres in the city, the Nottingham Playhouse is a cultural gem and its brave new works frequently move on to grace the West End stage. If nothing else, it’s worth a visit just to take in the 1960s architecture and the Sky Mirror, a public art installation reflecting an inverted skyline, by world-famous sculptor Anish Kapoor. Sit outside in the courtyard and watch the world go by. Where >Nottingham Playhouse, Wellington Circus (near Nottingham Castle), Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 947 4361. view map Website > www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
bestdesigner store: Paul Smith The patron saint of Nottingham’s fashion quarter, Sir Paul Smith opened his first shop on Byard Lane. It still trades in his name, while more recently he opened this flagship store. It’s just as much an ode to his love of architecture and antiques as it is a place to house his famous brand of clothes, all of which reflect his eccentric English take on design. Where >Paul Smith, Willoughby House, 20 Low Pavement, Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 968 5990. view map Website > www.paulsmith.co.uk
bestsouvenir: Robin Hood hat If you want people to know where you’ve been, nothing evokes a sense of Nottingham better than a Robin Hood hat, complete with feather. Buy it from Nottingham tourism centre, where there’s a range of trinkets to take home. Where >Nottingham tourism centre, 1-4 Smithy Row, Nottingham (by the side of the Council House, just off Old Market Square), Tel: +44 (0) 8444 77 5678. view map Website > www.visitnotts.com
bestcafé: Malt Cross Café-bar A haven for bohemians, the Malt Cross café-bar is just a stone’s throw from Old Market Square. It’s set in a Victorian music hall and offers a great selection of fair trade coffees and healthy food options. Perfect for a sit-down with a good book by day, or for catching up with friends by night. Where >Malt Cross Café-bar, 16 St James’s Street, Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 941 1048. view map Website > www.maltcross.com
bestarea for independent shops: Hockley Nottingham’s Soho, Hockley (near the Lace Market) is the “alternative” area of the city. Pick up a pair of perfect fit Levi’s from Wild Clothing, which sells a selection of vintage gear including pre-loved (and therefore nicely worn-in!) leather jackets and old-school t-shirts. Ladies will find off-the-peg couture from Pink & Lilly, while Ice Nine provides a vast selection of silver jewellery and semi-precious stones. Where >Hockley, between Broad Street and Stoney Street, Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 941 3928. view map Website > www.pinkandlilly.co.uk
bestart-house cinema: Broadway Media Centre Voted one of the world’s top ten cinemas by Total Film magazine, the Broadway Media Centre offers an eclectic mix of Hollywood flicks and independent films from around the world. A regular programme of festivals, talks and workshops makes this a refreshing alternative to the mainstream cinemas. A stunning glass front, upon which digital art installations can be displayed, plus a Sir Paul Smith-designed screen room with seats in his signature stripes, add to its artistic credentials. Where >Broadway Media Centre, 14-18 Broad Street, Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 952 6622. view map Website > www.broadway.org.uk
besttourist attraction: NCCL Galleries of Justice The history of the British judicial system is shown at the NCCL Galleries of Justice, Shire Hall in all its gory detail. An interactive tour takes you through the ages and down into the dreaded dungeons. In the Victorian courtroom you can even put your friends and loved ones on trial! Recent evidence suggests that Robin Hood could have been jailed here by the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Where >NCCL Galleries of Justice, Shire Hall, High Pavement, The Lace Market, Nottingham, Tel: +44 (0)115 952 0555. view map Website > www.galleriesofjustice.org.uk
Compiled by Alex Green
besttrivia
Little John, the striking bell behind the chimes of the Council House clock on Old Market Square, is reputed to have the deepest tone in the country and can be heard up to seven miles away!
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