Fall in love with your city

The heart of Nottingham beats fierce and true, whilst echoes from the past remind us of its romantic roots. A city cloaked in poetry, passion and folklore, it isn’t surprising that it’s one of the top tourist destinations of the Midlands.

Look up when you visit the new library and there are poetic quotes for literary inspiration. Gaze around when you walk up from the train station at the evolving green landscape of the old Broad Marsh site. And as you wander up Weekday Cross, glance back at the intricate painted lace pattern softening the edges of the multi-storey, reminding us of our city’s heritage.

The home of the British lace industry, the Victorian redbrick buildings now house a vibrant selection of boutiques, restaurants, and bars but the legacy remains. Innovation and creativity can be found around every corner.

Visit day or night and discover the Yin and Yang of our city, where old conventions mingle with the novel and the audacious. You get a real sense of the push and pull between work and leisure. There always seems to be a place for a quick coffee stop, relaxed lunch spot or a meal early doors, whether you are at work or play.

Write your own love story.

Book a romantic table for two at Piccolino if you fancy fine Italian dining, duck down Byard Lane for a hearty bowl of Hot Ramen or to take your time over tapas at Baresca. There are so many options you will simply want to come back for more – we’ve heard they do a superb Sunday roast at The Cross Keys.

Why not join friends at the conveyor belt for sushi, bag yourselves a burger or visit one of the many pizza emporiums in the area. Indulge your rebel heart’s desires at new artisans on the block, Pizza Punks, where you can satisfy your hunger with one of their signature sourdough bases topped with anything you could wish for.

As you move into Hockley you will discover a true taste of world cuisine, with Chinese, Indian and Sri Lankan food on the menu. And that’s before you even begin to explore the side streets. You will also find some of our quirkier pubs and bars – who doesn’t love the hidden doorway in Pit and Pendulum?

With around twenty local breweries, it is not surprising that Nottingham has a number of award-winning real ale pubs, ideal spaces to meet and uphold the secular tradition of gathering in taverns. But there is a lot more to this city’s nightlife than its drinking culture.

You can enjoy a game of shuffleboard with your pint at Box as well as taco goodness at Taquero. There’s live music at Billy Bootleggers, one of the pubs that still has a designated dance floor, as well as a happy hour if you fancy some blues with your bourbon.

If you are looking for a totally game centred experience, then allow yourself to be enticed into the doors of Penny Lane on Fletcher Gate for a dose of nostalgia and hours of entertainment. They serve up delicious diner food and a family friendly atmosphere. Savour your meal to a soundtrack from the seventies and eighties, bathed in neon with the promise of a win on the vintage arcade games later.

At the weekend, there’s no need to leave town; its cloak has many pockets of green to escape into. And if you arrive on the train, you might be lucky enough to be serenaded by a stranger on the public piano.

Go on, fall in love with your Nottingham.

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