Erskine Bowling, a night before Naconf, Nottingham, 19. January 2011


Image by Robert Sedovšek

Poster @ Brewhouse Yard Museum, Nottingham


Image by timparkinson

On the market for a great night out

Old Market Square in the heart of Nottingham will feature heavily in your trip to the city. Whether passing through, meeting friends or hopping on the city trams, this bustling piazza is often centre stage for events, celebrations and chance meetings. On reaching this vast quadrangle, you could easily find yourself amidst a fairground or festival – in fact, for the summer of 2009 it was transformed into a beach – no mean feat for a city 75 miles from the sea.

A pair of stone lions sits proudly either side of the grand council building. Meeting at the left lion in particular has become quite a tradition. If you manage to avert your gaze from these sedentary big cats, you’ll notice the building’s distinctive dome which houses ‘Little John’, a bell with a particularly gravelly tone and a 7-mile range. Best sample this racket before you sample the bevy of watering holes nearby.

First port of call for an instant shot of nostalgia is the Bell Inn. This 15th-century coaching hostelry is one of the UK’s oldest pubs. Look for its grand Georgian frontage and row of leprosy windows where folklore claims customers had their fingers counted before being allowed to enter. The pub cellars are natural underground caves – ideal for chilling a welcome pint to perfection.

Just up the road from a commemorative statue of local legend Brian Clough is the Centre for Contemporary Art, a pocket of culture amongst a throng of activity. Promising to keep its exhibitions free of charge, take the opportunity to seize a rare tranquil moment.

If you’re planning to splash the cash, sample some Old Market wares before hot-footing it to the city’s niche retail districts. Take a jaunt around the spectacular Exchange Arcade and browse the chic boutiques of Flying Horse Walk.

If all the mingling has whetted your appetite, there are many restaurants a mere stone’s throw away. Nottingham has a reputation for its Indian cuisine, so sample 4550 Miles from Delhi, a lively Indian eatery where chefs cook up a feast an open theatre kitchen. Or try the ultra-modern Curry Lounge with its massive fibre optic chandeliers a stark contrast to its traditional dishes. Alternatively, visit the Alley Café Bar tucked away in a courtyard for relaxed, arty vegetarian food serenaded by guest DJs.

Then stroll to Cucamara, a cocktail bar that has certainly perfected its recipes. This place has no dress code and ladles of drinks offers. Bar Humbug promises a serene beer garden in the heart of the city, while the Malt Cross, situated in an old Victorian Music Hall, adds a slosh of culture to your evening pitcher. In a stark contrast to some of its Lace Market neighbours, the Cookie Club brings indie anthems, funk and retro tunes and pop and rock sounds to a 500-strong throng.

Although your visit to Nottingham will lead you around an endless warren of destinations, Old Market Square will be the hub of your activities – whether passing time in the afternoon or staggering past in the early hours.

A regal good night out

If you fancy injecting some culture into your trip to Nottingham, head for the Royal Centre. Even if you don’t take the opportunity to take in a show, the area is buzzing with creative types radiating arty vibes.

The Royal Centre is home to two of Nottingham’s leading arthouses, conveniently placed together so you don’t have to roam far to find your ideal culture shot. Theatre Royal was established over 200 years ago by two Nottingham lace dressers with a shared ambition to build a ‘temple of drama’. This Corinthian-columned Victorian vision first raised its curtain in 1856 and is now regarded as one of the best touring venues in the country. With a speciality in musicals, Theatre Royal is credited for staging the world premiere of The Mousetrap in 1952 before it moved to the West End and became the longest-running theatrical production in the world.

Sharing centre stage is the Royal Concert Hall, which hosts world-leading orchestras, comedians, dance acts, rock bands and solo singers. Previously the ‘Empire Palace of Varieties’, this contemporary auditorium was built in 1980 and first opened its doors in 1982 with Elton John as its first act.

The latest landmark to share the Royal Centre spotlight is leisure complex The Cornerhouse. Built in 2001, it’s bursting with bars, restaurants, cinema complex and casino. A particular highlight is Saltwater, Nottingham’s only rooftop restaurant and bar boasting a modern British menu with an international twist. This award-winning eatery attracts top live musicians, artists and DJs to serenade you as you enjoy spectacular panoramic views across the city.

For something a little lower-key, a visit to Tamatanga urban Indian cuisine won’t disappoint. Undersold as the Indian Wagamama, it mixes communal tables amidst bright pink and orange hues. Orders are taken on electronic handheld devices which beam your requests straight to the chef for a lightening-fast service, ideal for catching curtain-up.

If the theatre isn’t for you, you don’t have to travel too far for some evening entertainment. EQ, on the former site of Jumpin Jaks is the Cornerhouse nightclub serving a mix of commercial music for all tastes.

Besides its three imposing landmarks, the Royal Centre is packed with evening entertainment to suit every palette and wallet. If you’re looking for another club to move on to, you can’t go wrong with original superclub, Gatecrasher. Housed in a listed 1920s theatre, expect large beats over three storeys from some of the UK’s most renowned artists and sets from DJs including Pete Tong and Roger Sanchez.

For something a little edgier, Foremans’ old-school punk rock attitude takes the gleam right off this glitzy corner of town. The grubby toilets are as legendary and offensive as the music it worships. For something a little more polished, fly over to Halo, a shiny new nightclub with four rooms, a mix of fresh music and an open-air terrace for themed party and club nights.

Whether you want to soak up the culture or drink in some top clubs, Royal Centre has a rich programme of acts to entertain from sun-up to curtain-down.

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When people think of Nightlife, and the best places in the country go out, they immediately think of the huge cities, London, Manchester etc which do indeed have some great bars and clubs for all tastes. But with these large names and exclusive venues, a premium is placed on the drinks and entry, often making the good nights out too expensive for the average clubber. So where else is there for the nightlife junkie?? Where can some of the best nightlife in the country be found, at affordable prices? I’ll tell you where, Nottingham, thats where.

Due to its high student population, clubs and bars are cheap and plentiful for all, meaning that almost any clubber will find the right venue for them. From Underground music, such as drum n bass and heavy techno, to cheesy student nights and RnB, its all here. Its not just for students either, the general public are allowed in many of the venues during the week, and almost all at the weekends. Many locals complain about students, but at the end of the day, they are the ones responsible for the lower drinks and entry prices in the city throughout the week.

So what exactly does Nottingham have to offer in the way of Nightlife? Currently it offers some of the biggest and best clubs in the country, with Gatecrasher having recently taken over Media, providing top music and some of the biggest DJs from around the world.

For more details on nightclubs in Nottingham simply browse the rest of the NottingJam.com site.