sign in sign up
<<
Home , Forest Fields, Lace Market Theatre, National Ice Centre, Nottingham Arts Theatre, Nottingham City Centre, Nottingham Contemporary

This guide was produced by The University of , January 2012. Design and photography: www.campbellrowley.com Photography page 10-11: www.ashleybird.com

Cover image: Edin’s,

Paper made from FSC accredited 100% recycled material. City guide for students www.nottingham.ac.uk #LoveNotts Contents #LoveNotts

04 Hey big spender! If you’re just discovering Nottingham, 08 Go on... be a sport lucky you… 10 And the beat goes on... “Nottingham is a city of legends. And not just that Sheriff-bothering man 14 Lights, luvvies and laughter in tights or the two-time European Cup champions or the world’s oldest 16 Top nosh football league club or the world famous Ground 20 After dark or those literary heroes DH Lawrence and Lord Byron or international fashion icon Sir Paul Smith or commercial giants like Boots and Raleigh… 22 The great outdoors (Editor’s note: get to the point!) – Nottingham is also home to the UK’s 24 Culture vultures oldest live , three of the world’s oldest pubs and the biggest 28 Seasonal sessions entertainment venue in the East (where you can see everyone 30 Business is booming from Peter Kay and Michael McIntyre to Beyoncé and Metallica). It’s recognised as one of the UK’s top shopping cities, has hundreds of 34 And now for the sensible stuff... restaurants and bars and three comedy clubs – Ricky Gervais made his stand-up debut here, as did Ken Dodd but that’s another story. In fact, it’s so good, I wish I was a student again. Happy exploring!”

Simon Wilson, Entertainment Editor at The

With more than 300 bars, cafes and restaurants in the city centre alone, Nottingham has something for everyone.

02 03 Hey big spender! #LoveNotts

Have you heard? Nottingham is in the UK’s top 10 shopping destinations. The city came in sixth, ahead of and Newcastle, according to a 2010 retail survey.

What the celebs say “I used to come to Nottingham when I lived up here. I’d always head straight for Hockley, but now the city has so much more to offer, it has all the brands to choose from.”

TV fashion guru Gok Kwan (from )

The vintage charity shops in Hockley Village are little treasure troves – and just metres from the market square.

04 05 #LoveNotts

From quirky outlets and vintage boutiques to giants of the high street, Nottingham’s got it all. Here’s our top of the shops:

1 The 6 Victoria Centre Market Mansfield Road Upstairs in the Victoria Centre Good for: all things high street. Good for: fruit and veg, fabric and the odd clothes bargain. 2 Beeston’s charity shops Beeston town centre 7 Page 45 Good for: fancy dress, vintage rails Market Street and second-hand books. Good for: quality comics, graphic novels and a warm welcome. 3 Fopp Queen Street 8 The Bead Shop Good for: vinyl – its extensive Market Street collection of records is hard Good for: when you want to create to beat. rather than buy jewellery.

4 Tokenhouse 9 Backlash Bridlesmith Gate Norfolk Place Good for: wiling away an hour Good for: vintage clothes and looking at trinkets and quirky cards. accessories from every decade.

5 Wild 10 American Apparel Broad Street Bridlesmith Gate Good for: interesting retro and Good for: big-name hoodies and American-style clothing. other fashionable basics.

Nottingham’s Kitsch boutique offers retro and modern fashion and jewellery made from an eclectic mix of fabric and memorabilia. Lovely.

06 07 Go on… be a sport #LoveNotts

They say Nottingham has more sports facilities per What the celebs say head of population than anywhere else in Europe. “It’s not just famous for Robin Hood. Its vibrant What’s your game? sports and arts scene caters to all ages and it’s no surprise so many people love living here.” 1 Nottingham Forest and Notts 6 Trent Bridge Cricket Ground Phil Spencer, Location, Location, Location, County football clubs Good for: international cricket on a Channel 4, 2011 Good for: a day on the terraces summer’s afternoon. and learning to cope with disappointment. 7 Nottingham Climbing Centre Good for: bouldering, top-roping 2 and lead-climbing. Good for: messing about on the river in a canoe or rowing boat. 8 Cycle trails around Nottingham Good for: getting around the city 3 National Water Sports Centre for free. Good for: adrenaline-inducing water sports. 9 Good for: dressing up and strutting 4 your stuff in the enclosure. Good for: taking lessons through the Learn to Skate Programme. 10 The Robin Hood Marathon and Half-Marathon 5 Nottingham Tennis Centre Good for: pushing yourself to the Good for: all levels, from pay-and- limit for a good cause. play to high-level tournaments.

Speed-skating student Gemma Cooper may’ve missed legendary ’s Bolero victory but she too makes the most of Nottingham’s impressive ice facilities.

08 09 And the beat goes on… #LoveNotts

“Nottingham is undoubtedly the ’ buzzing music capital, with a handful of the best small-medium sized venues in the UK, heaps of intriguing bar and back-room stages and even a genuinely great arena – right in the heart of the city – for the superstar acts. You can pretty much find an interesting gig to go to on any given night if you look hard enough, and that makes Nottingham a special place to be.”

Ashley Bird, music journalist and photographer

Rock band Not Advised play , an alternative music venue described by NME sa “ sweaty but truly indie”.

10 11 Making music is second nature in Nottingham – #LoveNotts so many live gigs, so little time…

1 Capital FM Arena 4 Rock City 7 Dot-to-Dot Festival Not forgetting Good for: big-name acts from Good for: alternative bands and Good for: a whole load of bands, Kasabian to Rihanna. big names in intimate venues. at smallish venues across the city. If you want to showcase your talent, there are lots of open mic 2 Glee Club 5 Splendour Festival, 8 Royal Concert Hall nights across the city. Start your Good for: a beard-heavy mix of Park Good for: classical, pop, rock search here indie folk, Americana and blues. Good for: big and small bands and musical theatre from www.nottinghamgigguide.com/ in a beautiful park. international artists. act/open_mic_night 3 The Bodega Social Club Good for: watching bands up 6 Rescue Rooms 9 Spanky Van Dykes close before they make it big. Good for: great gigs – and it’s a Good for: cool surroundings and bar, live venue and club all in one. pretty much any kind of live music you can think of.

10 Jam Cafe Good for: open mic nights, bistro food and a boho vibe.

Rock City is just one of many live music venues across the city. But it’s so good, we had to picture it twice.

12 13 Lights, luvvies and laughter #LoveNotts

This city’s got cinemas and stages aplenty and with no My Nottingham less than three comedy clubs, it’s true that people in Ibtisam Ahmed, BA History and Politics Nottingham laugh more than anywhere else in the UK “I love the Savoy Cinema. I can’t think of anywhere else (note: this claim is completely unsubstantiated). you can watch a good movie for less than £4 (with a student card of course). It’s relatively close 1 Broadway 6 to campus as well, so I can always meet friends for dinner on Good for: art-house and Good for: its outdoor campus and then head off for a night of cinematic magic.” mainstream cinema in ultra-cool theatre season. screen rooms. 7 Lakeside Arts Centre, 2 University Park Campus Good for: drama, dance, new Good for: an eclectic mix of music, writing and a beautiful outdoor theatre, dance and visual art. terrace. 8 Theatre Royal 3 Glee Club, Jongleurs Good for: the big touring musicals and Just the Tonic and plays, and a panto at Good for: laughing at the Christmas. latest comedians. 9 Cineworld 4 Good for: catching the latest Good for: opportunities to blockbuster in one of 14 screens. contribute to a community theatre. 10 Theatre 5 Savoy Cinema Good for: friendly amateur theatre Good for: “I’ve-spent-all-my- – get involved! student-loan” moments.

With Sir Paul Smith helping with the decor, not to mention food and films to tickle all taste buds, Broadway is a “reel” attraction (see what we did there?).

14 15 Top nosh #LoveNotts

My Nottingham Harriet Goodwin, BA Art History “In Nottingham there are plenty of alternatives to mainstream coffee shops. Head to Paul Smith’s favourite – The Walk Cafe – which serves quirky afternoon teas in mismatching china. Lee Rosy’s is also a great little tea shop with a huge variety of teas. Not to advocate spending loads of money on meals out or anything but I have to recommend Jamie’s Italian as well as Le Petit Paris as my two favourite restaurants in Nottingham. Good if you feel like treating yourself.”

Edin’s cafe offers an affordable taste of bohemian Paris in the heart of Nottingham’s own boho district, Hockley.

16 17 Whether you want kebab and chips al fresco or a slap #LoveNotts up meal in a celebrity chef’s restaurant, Nottingham’s nosh options are hard to beat.

1 Crocus Cafe 7 Fred Hallam Ltd (traditional Church Square, Lenton greengrocers in Beeston) Good for: affordable, ethically High Road, Beeston sourced dishes and friendly service. Good for: a quaint alternative to the supermarket – fruit and veg, herbs 2 Dad’s Kitchen and fresh fish. Alfreton Road Good for: Caribbean takeaways. 8 Alley Cafe Bar Long Row West 3 Sir John Borlase Warren Good for: imaginative vegetarian Ilkeston Road and vegan meals. Good for: steak night, open mic and chilling out in a beer garden. 9 The Walk Bridlesmith Walk 4 The Library Good for: tea and cakes with your Wollaton Road, Beeston parents – worth the queue for a Good for: tapas-sized portions special occasion. of international favourites. 10 Edin’s Deli Cafe 5 Mayfair Restaurant Broad Street Mansfield Road Good for: tapas specials and Good for: cheap but morish continental-style decor. Chinese food and the option to bring your own alcohol. 11 (because it’s too good to leave out) Lee Rosy’s 6 Mogul-E-Azam Broad Street Goldsmith Street Good for: tea – they sell over Good for: purse-friendly Indian 100 types. dishes and student discount.

Few veg shops look as impressive as Fred Hallam’s in Beeston, one of Nottingham’s biggest student areas. Think fresh, organic loveliness.

18 19 After dark #LoveNotts

When darkness falls on the city, there are plenty of 8 NG1 My Nottingham places to play – from high-class cocktail bars to Good for: partying at the biggest and best gay venue in Ben Driver, BA History with more cheese than Cheshire. the East Midlands. “Wax Bar in Broad Street is a great stop off for a cheeky cocktail and 1 Saltwater 5 Dogma 9 Stealth to chill to the likes of Beach Boys, Good for: pre-club cocktails with a Good for: DJs in urban Good for: dance, garage, live Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.” view of Nottingham’s rooftops. surroundings and free student- music and DJs. entry on Thursdays. 2 Coco Tang 10 Pandora’s Box Good for: a secret world of cocktail 6 Tilt Good for: live music from local creations and late-night glamour. Good for: live blues music and a bands in a bespoke boutique club. tailor-made cocktail menu. 3 Gatecrasher Nottingham Good for: house and dance in a 7 Cookie Club grade A listed building. Good for: indie, , retro, pop and rock and cheap drinks on 4 Oceana and Ocean a Wednesday. Good for: themed rooms at Oceana and top-quality cheese at Ocean.

Saltwater in Nottingham’s Cornerhouse entertainment complex boasts a great view of the city’s rooftops.

20 21 The great outdoors #LoveNotts

For a healthy dose of fresh air, we’ve got parks, forests and even spots of tranquillity nestled neatly in the city centre.

1 Sherwood Forest 8 Twycross Zoo Good for: playing tourist and (aka The World Primate Centre) looking for Robin Hood’s Good for: a fun day out. Major Oak. 9 Newstead Abbey 2 and Deer Park Good for: getting all poetic – Lord Good for: walking round the lake Byron used to live here. and, you’ve guessed it, deer. 10 Highfields Lake, University 3 The Arboretum Park Campus Good for: taking a break from Good for: hiring a rowing boat shopping in the city centre with in the summer and relaxing a blanket and a book. between lectures. 4 Rufford Abbey Country Park Not forgetting Good for: exploring the abbey ruins and taking the sculpture trail. Nottingham is not far from the Peak District, a stunning national 5 Clumber Park park packed full of pretty market Good for: hiring a bike and towns and dramatic landscapes. A exploring part of Sherwood Forest. favourite with filmmakers, the Peak District has been featured in films 6 Nottingham Castle such as Jane Eyre, The Duchess Good for: learning about kings, and Pride and Prejudice. conquerors and the city’s maze of caves.

7 Attenborough Nature Reserve Good for: getting in touch History lesson: the original medieval Nottingham Castle was largely with nature. demolished in 1649. A magnificent 17th century ducal mansion now stands on the site, complete with art gallery and museum.

22 23 Culture vultures #LoveNotts

“I’m excited by Nottingham because I think it has a fantastic creative scene… the scene that young artists have created has been very, very exciting… Nottingham is one of the places to be right now.”

Alex Farquharson, Director,

Nottingham Playhouse’s website says it produces bold and thrilling theatre in one of the region’s most popular landmarks. We agree.

24 25 From contemporary art galleries to social history #LoveNotts museums, Nottingham has a host of cultural offerings to inspire you. 1 Nottingham Contemporary 4 True Colours Art Gallery 7 Whitewall Gallery Not forgetting Good for: world-class Good for: ceramics, paintings, Good for: fine and contemporary contemporary exhibitions and photography and jewellery by art for the consumer. There are lots of arty events to get quirky cultural events. local artists. involved in. Lee Rosy’s tea shop 8 Museum of Life at runs a writing group, Nottingham 2 The New Art Exchange 5 Surface Gallery Brewhouse Yard Contemporary hosts spoken word Good for: African, African- Good for: discovering new talent. Good for: learning about night Scribal Gathering, and Caribbean and South Asian Nottingham’s social history. Broadway screens special film contemporary art. 6 Nottingham Castle events throughout the year. And Good for: its permanent exhibition 9 The Bonington Gallery that’s just for starters. 3 Djanogly Art Gallery at of major historical works. Good for: a glimpse of the future Lakeside Arts Centre through interesting displays Good for: fascinating exhibitions and events. right by the lake on University Park Campus. 10 Wollaton Hall Good for: its natural history museum.

What better way to enjoy a day out on a budget than visiting one of the great exhibitions at Nottingham Contemporary? It’s completely free and world class.

26 27 Seasonal sessions #LoveNotts

Temporary markets, festive events and a city centre What: Robin Hood Beer Festival My Nottingham beach all roll in with the seasons to ensure Nottingham When: October Where: Nottingham Castle Sophie Gelsthorpe-Hill, is never quite the same. Here’s just a few: BA Modern Language What: bonfire celebrations Studies What: farmers’ and food markets What: Britain’s biggest urban beach When: either the big night itself When: regularly When: summer or the nearest weekend “The Vintage Fair travels around Where: Market Square Where: Market Square Where: the country and comes to Recreation Ground Nottingham a few times a year. What: Riverside Festival What: the legendary Goose Fair It’s only £1 to get in and there are When: August When: autumn (usually soon after What: Christmas market loads of different stalls selling a huge Where: next to the River Trent, Freshers’ Week) When: usually sets up at the end variety of vintage clothes, shoes and Where: Forest Fields of November accessories at affordable prices. Recreation Ground Where: Market Square There’s even a tearoom which sells lots of lovely cupcakes.”

If you love mulled wine, tall rides, mini pancakes, festive tunes, warmed-up Vimto, potatoes mixed with German sausages and novelty hats, you’ll love the Christmas market.

28 29 In 1970, Nottingham lad Sir Paul Smith opened a tiny shop #LoveNotts in the city. His name is now an international brand. Business boomed for him and here’s his flagship store.

Business is booming

“The best thing about Nottingham is that it is not dissimilar to , obviously on a much smaller scale, but in terms of its cultural mix, eclectic restaurants, shops and retail offer, some fantastic theatres, and a great asset to the city, the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery. Another important factor is Nottingham’s excellent road connections. It’s reasonably close to the A1, very close to the M1 and it’s got great rail links to London and the rest of the country.”

Victor Ktori, Director, Savills Nottingham

30 31 Once you’ve studied here you’ll probably want to stick What the celebs say #LoveNotts around. Nottingham attracts many major employers, is “Nottingham is on the up. With affordable a designated Science City, offers affordable housing housing, huge investment in public transport and is well connected to the rest of the country. and many big businesses calling it home, this city is booming.” • Nottingham is one of Europe’s Mercedes Benz, Nottingham City Kirsty Allsop, Location, Location, Location, leading Science and Technology Council, Ofsted, Rolls-Royce, Channel 4, 2011 Centres of Excellence with many Siemens, Specsavers, Speedo strengths including biomedical and Toyota. sciences, low carbon technologies, ICT, and advanced engineering. • The cost of living is considerably less compared to other cities in • Major employers in Nottingham the UK meaning that you can live include Boots, Browne Jacobson, in trendy and prosperous areas of Capital One, Coutts, E.ON, Nottingham for a fraction of what Eversheds, Experian, Geldards it would cost in equivalent areas LLP, HBOS, HM Revenue and of London. Customs, HSBC, John Lewis,

Few British cities have trams, but Nottingham does and the network is set to expand, providing fast links from key student areas to the centre.

32 33 And now for the #LoveNotts sensible stuff… Nottingham is a compact city with an excellent transport Airport Keep up to date network and a national award that recognises it as a safe The Skylink bus runs from the city centre to Use the links below to find out and enjoyable place for a night out. every 30 minutes. The airport offers what’s happening on campus. flights, some at bargain prices, to a www.nottingham.ac.uk/connect Getting around Trams range of European cities including www.nottingham.ac.uk/events The tram network runs to certain Amsterdam, Barcelona, Edinburgh, Cycling towns outside the city centre – Paris and Rome – Useful websites A poll by Cycling Plus magazine www.thetram.net If you’re not www.eastmidlandsairport.com found Nottingham to be Britain’s used to trams, be aware, they are www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk second best city for cycling. The almost silent. Safer city www..gov.uk website www.experience has information on cycle routes Trains Safety is a key priority for the nottinghamshire.com authorities in Nottingham. The latest around the city – Nottingham is right in the centre of www.thisisnottingham.co.uk www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk the country and is very well police stats show crime in the city is connected to all other major cities at its lowest for 30 years, with figures Buses by the train network – from the Government revealing that Contact us: Nottingham City Transport run www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk offences in Nottingham are reducing t: +44 (0)115 951 5559 buses in and around the city – three times faster than the average. e: [email protected] www.nctx.co.uk – while other Be sure to book as far in advance w: www.nottingham.ac.uk/faqs student areas, such as Beeston, as possible for the cheapest tickets The city was also named one of the are serviced by Trent Barton – and check out East Midlands best and safest places for a night www..co.uk Both Parkway Station – it’s close to out in the UK in 2011. It retained companies offer good late-night Campus and its Purple Flag Award, an accolade transport alternatives. often does deals on fares. that recognises excellence in the running of town and city centres at Megabus coaches also run from Taxis night. Nottingham is the only city in the centre and East Midlands There are plenty of taxi ranks in town, the East Midlands to have the status, Parkway Station, linking most notably around the outside and one of only 16 in the UK. Nottingham to London, York and of Market Square. If you want to other cities across the UK from as book a cab in advance, google ‘taxi little as £1 – Nottingham’ for numbers. This publication is available www.megabus.com in alternative formats. t: +44 (0)115 951 4591 34 35