Well every other forum has one of these with plenty of discussion in each one so I thought I'd start one here.
Nottingham is renownded for having a good nightlife but IMO it seems to of declined in the past few years especially as the police don't seem to agree with the opening of new clubs etc due to the trouble of the past in places such as The Works.

I think Nottingham could easily sustain 2 or 3 more big clubs but I'd like to see them offer something abit different from the norm rather than just be a place that plays commercial music and attracts people that end up getting in fights. Media used to be terrible for trouble especially at kicking out time. Mode also had a few incidents. The bar/club near Sneinton Market even had a shooting in it.

What would you like to see in Nottingham to promote it's nightlife? Not all of you may be into this sort of thing but it does bring a huge amount of money into the city.

I'd like to see maybe 2 or 3 large clubs open that don't just play pop/dance music all the time. Alot of places in Leeds seem to be really popular especially clubs that play electro etc. Quite a few clubs seem to do special events with a certain genre of music. Alot of places are hosting dubstep and bassline nights which seem to be popular and attract a wide range of people.

What resturants and bars would you like to see introduced into the city? There must be some we don't have.

Discuss.

I agree, the nightlife in Nottingham has declined of late, I am finding that there are a lot more tossers out and about now too (or maybe I am just getting old. Lol). I would not like to see any more big clubs in Nottingham simply because I don't think Nott's can sustain that sort of venue anymore. There was a time when it was THE venue in the UK for stag and hen parties, however I have read articles that say that it has now lost this title (which is not necessariy a bad thing) but at that time I would have said that 2-3 big clubs would have been sustainable but in the current climate I don't think its possible. Its not just that though, where would any new big clubs go?

I would like to see more bars, not of the Wetherspoons or Liberty's mould as invariably these places are full of chav scum, but more along the lines of Saltwater or Muse as these tend to have a more relaxed atmosphere and little or no trouble. Admittedly these venues are more expensive to drink in but this discourages the sort of dickheads who think it makes them a big man if they neck 8 pints and then smash some windows or smash someones face!

In terms of restaurants I would like to see a decent Mexican.....mmmmh fajitas!!!

Im glad someone else has noticed the decline in the Nottingham nightlife.I was away for about 5 years living in the south west and when i came back i couldnt belive how dead it seemed,i was begining to think it was me lol.

I think the problem is at the moment,the police keep closing these nightclubs down if someone gets stabed or killed in them,but the reality is this can happen in any bar or club. Their are only so many procautions these bars and clubs can take and if they are using all these precautions then i dont see how it is justifiable for the police to close thise venues down.

I think its a shame this has happened, and a big loss to Nottinghams night time economy.I think we need to be trying to get the nightlife to how it was and if this means opening more clubs then im all for it , but to be truthful i really carnt see Nottinghams nightlife ever being like it was.

Was out in Nottingham the other night ... can't really say that there is anything interest at the moment setting Nottingham apart from other big towns and cities ... seems to be a lot of generic drinking holes !

I agree with Migmoge about having some better bars in town ... I would definitely pay more for drinks in a decent relaxed placed rather than some cheap bar worrying about what weapon the person next to me has ... maybe I am getting old too ? ... but so so so many kids about on a Saturday night .... most of them can't even shave properly ! or afford a decent razor! haha ...

^^ I noticed an increasing amount of young lads hanging around town at night. It's not exactly like there is anything for them to do as there not old enough to go in bars.
I went to Bar 11 the other week and it's really good in there. Pretty chilled out but when it gets later they start playing music and people start dancing. Really good atmosphere in there.
I'd like to see more places like that. Dogma is another good place I'd like to see some more bars that are of a similar style.

I was in Nottingham the other week to buy graffiti paint from the West End Arcade and a chap was telling me about a pretty violent fight at the Cornerhouse "the cash machine was covered in blood".

I had good times at Stealth and the Horn in Hand a few years back, though £6 to get home on the Red Arrow was dreadful, one thing that Derby has in abundance is pubs and clubs so I was and still am sorted there.

I think a large part of the problem not only in Nottingham but in a lot of cities is the distinct lack of variety in the availablility of places to go out at night. So many places are all owned by bigger companies (e.g Lloyds and Wetherspoons, or La Tasca+ Slug and Lettuce) it means that all the cities end up the same. Nottingham has lost a lot of the distinctive bars and pubs it used to be able to boast, and they have been replacedby chains. One thing we win hands down for in the region is restaurants. I am a firm believer that we don't as a city appreciate anywhere near enough the massive variety we have in such a small space.

An example is the Broadway road..you have Shaws (a bar, full service restaurant and Tapas bar), Edins (delicious italian and organic food), Revolution bar (offering limited food i think), that new Sri Lankan restaurant, Rosy Lees tea house, Broadway (really good honest food and a lovely bar), Lord Roberts (part of Nottingham's dying gay community), plus another couple of bars/pubs i cant rememeber the names of...and this is all down really quite a short street.

Nottingham needs to do a lot better at marketing itself...i think something like an interactive map of the city centre online would be great..all the streets with all pubs, bars, clubs, restuarants, arts centres, cinemas etc...u click what u want click, go to the establishment, buy ure tickets or book ure table. It would make it impossibly easy for visitors not to spend more time (and importantly money) in Nottingham.

In terms of nightclubs, the reason Nottinghams nightclub scene has suffered enormously is one place...Oceana. When oceana opened, it totally skewed the club scene, leading to the deaths of Media, Mode and argueably the Works. Even though the Works used to have some trouble, all clubs do. Oceana has some major problems with overcrowding in there...its an awkward club. It will all change again no doubt when (or if, lol) Broadmarsh gets going, as Ocean will be demolished, and that place is sold out to capicity every weds and friday with students...so the other clubs will be desperate to grab that market!

We're doing ok...but similar to the Retail, we're slipping somewhat

Oceana is shit anyway I don't mind if that goes.
I went a couple of weeks ago for a friends birthday and it's just full of twats. Loads of people were far too drunk bumping into other people it's just not enjoyable when things like that happen. There was an argument outside with one of the bouncers and some guy that he refused to let in (again for being too drunk).
There was sick in the toilets and my shoes were completely wrecked from the number of people that trod on my feet.
There were alot of girls in there that were completely smashed and could barely walk. Why get yourself into that state? It makes the night worse, and the morning after for that matter. I ended up leaving early because it was crowded and full of idiots.

I really like your idea Pharmj about a website with events etc on it'd really make it easier for people and families that don't normally go into the city centre at night to have a good time.

On the resturant side of things I completely agree that Nottingham punches well above it's weight in that field. I like how the city centre is quite compact which makes it easy to reach other bars, resturants or whatever.
Leeds for example (I don't think) has as many resturants as Nottingham or they may just be spread out which makes parts of the city centre completely dead after all the shops have closed.

In the future (after the Broadmarsh has been completed) I think Listergate could be a really good part of town for ew resturants to open up. It's a fairly wide street so tables and chairs could be put out up to where the benches are along there now.

Good discussion Stef, thanks for starting this thread.

I dont go out in town that often anymore, maybe once or twice a month, but I'd agree that the nightlife has been in a bit of a decline recently. I think there are a number of reasons for this. The main one is the mainstream club scene and the closure of Media and the Works and the dominance of the new Oceana. The Works did have to go though and I think Gatecrasher is now beginning to redress the balance.

Then there is the Council's saturation policy towards new drinking establishments. This basically came out of all the concerns about binge drinking and the bad press the city was getting. They've idenitified areas where they wont allow new pubs and bars and it seems like it might cover the whole city centre! The effects of this policy are stark - I can think of maybe a dozen new restaurants that have opened over the past 2-3 years but can anyone think of 1 new (as opposed to replacement) pub or bar that has opened? The lack of new venues may be harming the vibrancy of the nightlife. That said I do think something needed to be done to curb the drinking culture that was getting out of hand - I have to say Ive not noticed the increase in lout behaviour that Stef suggests.

The other factors that have to be taken into account are the smoking ban, some pub chains struggling to turn profits, big increases in taxes on alcohol and people having less money to spend on going out because of the rising cost of living. These will be affecting Nottingham as much as anywhere. I also think the binge drink culture is slowly changing and a cosmpolitan place like Nottingham should feel the effects of that first.

On the plus side the range of restaurants continues to grow, is excellent and probably difficult to beat in any major city. This should be where the future of nightlife is as well as the unique and independent bars and pubs. I dont agree with pharmj that the independent places are being replaced by the chain places and think these can go from strength to strength. That website idea is very smart though.

Reading that promotion would help Nottingham's night scene, I remember in Derby somebody made a spoof tube map based on geographic locations of pubs in the city which was quite a good idea.

I'm only aware of of clubs in the rock/indie/electro scene, overall Nottingham was what I expected - like Derby only bigger and better, and strangely not many incidents of violence at least round the Upper Parliament Street area. In contrast I went to Leeds and didn't feel very impressed, I think the East Midlands excels in clubs (I'm basing Leicester opinions on what friends said, I've unfortunately never been myself for a night out).

I dont mind oceana really, I go quite often I know it gets packed but ive had no trouble in there. Cookie club is pretty good too if you're into the indy scene, although a bit small and you get the odd idiot in there as well! Media was my favourate back in the day I havent even been to gatecrasher yet but doubt its as good and supposed to be a rip off! Mode / halo whatever the hell its called is shite and full of rudeboys. Didnt really rate the works didnt that guy from e 17 get a good hiding there one night?! Then of course theres loveshack lol friday nights in there were a laugh cheesy 80s music all night cant beat it! Nowdays its 90s though I hear which is crap! Think Nottingham could do with one more big club on the scale of oceana especially as ocean is gonna be gone soon

Reading that promotion would help Nottingham's night scene, I remember in Derby somebody made a spoof tube map based on geographic locations of pubs in the city which was quite a good idea.

I'm only aware of of clubs in the rock/indie/electro scene, overall Nottingham was what I expected - like Derby only bigger and better, and strangely not many incidents of violence at least round the Upper Parliament Street area. In contrast I went to Leeds and didn't feel very impressed, I think the East Midlands excels in clubs (I'm basing Leicester opinions on what friends said, I've unfortunately never been myself for a night out).

As long as you stayed clear of Libertys!

I think one of the problems with Nottingham is its councillors...

We have councillors who say nightlife in Nottingham is fantastic, we have more bars per person than every country blaa blaa blaa... but these same councillors hardly ever go into town??

They ASSUME we have fantastic night life in Notts, the ASSUME we have variety, the ASSUME we've got all the big clubs we need. They ASSUME all this without experiencing nightlife in Notts for themselves, and more importantly, without consulting the younger generations (to whom the night scene is so important).

After all these assumptions, they then believe they know what's best for their city. The problem is their views on what's best are based on their incorrect assumptions.

Nightlife in Notts is not that good. I know so man who regularly travel to other cities to have a good night out. We're don't really have that much choice, or variety.

But because they now believe they know what's best for the city they put rules in place to limit the amount of big clubs that can open up, limit the amount of new clubs/bars that can be developed, and put big restrictions on clubs that are now way near residential areas.... All this, limits how good night life in Nottingham currently is, and how good it can get.

In my opinion, the problem is we have councillors who now nothing about what they are passing rules and restrictions over. The councillors in Nottingham think nightlife is better than it actually is.

Interestingly, was walking past Gatecrasher, and they have a pick sign up saying basically that they have cancelled RnB on Saturdays due to the 'poor behaviour by a minority' Its good to see they are being responsible and trying to sort it out, I havnt seen a club be that heavy about it before.

Stef, I like the idea of Lister gate being more alive at night, it could do with something down there, as there's no reason to go down that end of town.

Depending on what you are into, Nottingham is actually considered 2nd best for the metal/black metal/rock scene in many cases. Rock city is a real draw, and there a lot of international underground bands that literally play in Nottingham and London, and that's it. It may not affect a lot of the city, but definately separates us from the rest.

Dan, I agree about the smoking ban, the company that own Slug and Lettuce and La Tasca are on the verge of going into adminstration, and are blaming that. However I think there is the start of an attitude change. The smoking ban has encouraged a lot of other people to go out more, as you dont smell at the end of the night. Nottingham needs to some more independent bars and restaurant to compliment the national chains. I think they all have their place.

I'm not on about the smoking ban as such, I'm talking about restrictions on the number of bars in the city, restrictions on new clubs being included in developments, restrictions on opening hours etc.

I'm not saying the council should let clubs open up anywhere and everywhere, i'm not saying clubs should open all night, I'm saying we should fill the city with clubs and pubs... what I'm saying is I don't think they're in a position to now what's right or wrong without consulting those who make the most use of such destinations.

I remember when Nottingham's nightlife was the envy of most English cities - but that was before they turned it into a stag and hen paradise full of shite chain bars and tacky clubs. Even the lace market has gone downhill.

Whoever decided to build two Wetherspoons pubs off Market Square was on mind bending drugs. It must look awful to visitors when they walk past and see the dregs coming out of those places - half cut on a Wednesday afternoon.

I agree about the restaurants though, lots of diversity and pretty good quality to boot. I just wish they would knock down Flares, Reflex, Oceana, Libertys, etc. and replace them with decent quality boozers or little cafe bars with restricted opening hours.

Although it might count as advertising, I want to take this thread to recommend Shaws and Le Mistral restaurants in Nottingham. They are both perfect examples of what makes Nottingham so special, brilliant local restaurants sitting alongside the national chains. Its the variety that makes it so vibrant and exciting here.

That restaurant at the top of Victoria street/hockley needs to open up again.

The restaurant that used to be Ultimate Burger and Immo pizzeria has now closed and is being turned into a Prezzo. Its the same company that owns them, but this is their first branch in the city. Im guessing since Ultimate Burger are moving into Trinity...this is good tho, Prezzo are nice

A listed building application has gone in to refurb the Hard Rock - looks like a new tennant has been found.

I hope the lighting scheme isn't changed on it.

Good news that there is a tenant though, it is a prime spot.

Just a shame that Hard Rock left...

^^ Yeh I don't understand why they left as they even said it was a good performing outlet compared to the one in Leeds which also closed.

Ego Mediterrainean restuarants are targetting Nottingham for a new opening (reported April 2008), along with 2 other locations.

http://www.egorestaurants.co.uk/

They look pretty good, and are well respected in the resturant circuit.

I remember when Nottingham's nightlife was the envy of most English cities - but that was before they turned it into a stag and hen paradise full of shite chain bars and tacky clubs. Even the lace market has gone downhill.

right i'm glad that other people seem to have noticed how shite the nightlife in Notts is these days. generally if i want to go for a decent night out, or visit any kind of decent club with good music and a good atmosphere - i'm forced to travel to Manchester or sheffield, because there is simply nothing in Nottingham most weekends. Just an endless choice of chain bars full of fat bald headed retards listening to Abba.

Dan, i'm feeling what ur saying about councillors who don't know what they're talking about. they think a 'club' or 'a big club' is some shit pit like Ocean, where people go to get drunk and fight, and try to pull someone else who also has a limited mental capacity.

There used to be really good clubs in Notts [The Bomb springs to mind, surprise, surprise] catering for people who wanted to go out CLUBBING, ie listen to good music and experience a really intimate, friendly atmosphere.

We still have the Garvey Centre, Blueprint and Igloo these days so i guess it isn't quite all doom and gloom but the pattern is there for all to see. Binge-drinkjing-twat culture seems to dominate.



On the other hand.......anyone else go to Detonate festival last nighht at Rock City/Stealth? it was total carnage!!

Its amazing how its changed in even such a short space of time.

When i came to notts...not that long ago, we had Ocean, The Bomb, Fuse, Mode, Media, The Works,Lost Weekend, NG1, Faces..my memory wanes a bit..

..now we have Oceana (killer of all clubs), Halo, Gatecrasher, Ocean, NG1. The more indie/rock places seem to have survived a lot better than what you might call the more mainstream clubs. Its odd, I think the arrival of the two super-clubs hasnt helped at all. On the surface it looks really good, but its really damaged the variety in where you have to go.

Bar-wise i think we are doing as well as we ever did. I cant think of many that have closed in that time that were notable...apart from Quilted Llama which I used to love. The place thats there now is shit compared.

Nottingham definately does well but needs something new to maintain the vibrancy. The effects of Oceana and Gatecrasher opening have worn off now me thinks

Is Faces still open? I've only been there once but thought it was alright when I was there. The problem is is that that stretch of bars etc is abit out of the way from everything else so I never really venture up there when Im on a night out.

In Nottinghams defence I will say some of the downturn in the nightlife of Nottingham depends on what kind of night one wants and what kind of music and "scene" one is more likely to be into. I think if you are into the kind of night The Social or Rescue Rooms provide you are pretty well catered for as you are for live music.

I live opposite Faces and I can't remember it opening at all over the last few months, it seemed to close down not long after Sugar and Geisha did. Both Bluu and Skin still seem to be regularly opening and doing alright though as does Lizard Lounge.
The place that is where Quilted Llama was has also closed down now I think, and if it hasn't it should because it looks shite, smashed windows and others boarded up, bits ripped off the walls....terrible!
I think that there is a chance that the opening of all the units in Lace Market Square will reinvigorate the Lace Market, at least I hope that's what will happen. I noticed that Brownes seems to have closed down at the moment too, although when I walked past it during the daytime on the weekend, there was loads of banging and drilling going on in the unit next door, could it be that they are expanding into next door too? Anyone heard anything?

There is a bar on the corner of LMS (owned and leased out by the Council) which closed down because the tenant couldn't wait any longer for it to open with no passing trade, and once LMS is ready then that will be a prime spot. Not sure how to go about getting people back to the Broadway though, other than a complete culture change of entertainment venues along there. I mentioned in an earlier post it would be great to see it pedestrianised (or at least the pedestrianisation enforced) with outside seating along the route of cafes and resturants rather than bars as the location is a real missed opportunity for outside dining. It would be amazing in the summer and a real boost to the Lace Market......I live in hope!!!!

what's Gatecrasher lioke? i hope it doesn't have a dress code. that's always the first indication of a really dreadful club: it has a dress code.

i guess it's a newer generation of ppl goin there but trust me gatecrasher Nottingham is definitely not the Gatecrasher i know about. to be honest it's not likely to have changed much since it was Media - the acoustics and atmosphere were always utterly crap in there.

the real night life killer has been Stealth. but that's old news now so i won't bother going on. Stealth is truly rubbish even though they have an awesome sound system in there. ok i did go on a bit.

I've never been to Gatecrasher but what from people have told me it's not much different that media.
I hate clubs that don't let you in if you have trainers on. I never wear shoes when I go out.

Some sad news, but Vechia Romangne and Ben Bowers on Derby Road between Citygate and the Ropewalk have both closed. This is a real dent to what was becoming a nice little independent area of Nottingham City. Hopefully something equally good will take their place.

Some sad news, but Vechia Romangne and Ben Bowers on Derby Road between Citygate and the Ropewalk have both closed. This is a real dent to what was becoming a nice little independent area of Nottingham City. Hopefully something equally good will take their place.Really?! I didn't know that. That's quite a shame, both had pretty good reputations. Do you know why they closed? Anyone know what's going to take their place?

Really?! I didn't know that. That's quite a shame, both had pretty good reputations. Do you know why they closed? Anyone know what's going to take their place?

I think there is talk a new development in that part of town as there are a few derelict buildings down that way. Perhaps they are clearing a few buildings in preparation.

Is there a thread on here does anyone know?

The buildings being developed are the ones on the other side of the road as far as I am aware. I would have thought with the student flats being built, restaurants would have been perfect businesses in that location

There's a new development called Regents Court being worked on above the shops opposite Budgens - its all being converted into one and two bedroom apartments. Think a company called Axis (there're an investment firm) were offering these for completion sometime this Summer.

Real shame that about the restaurants, particularly Ben Bowers as I thought all the redevelopment at the top of Canning Circus had benefitted the area. That end of Derby Road was starting to be quite different with independent restaurants and more eclectic shops. Fingers crossed some quality places replace them.

I thought Regents Court was just a refurb of existing Metropolitan Housing flats?

Some of it might be - think its being extended though and will cover the entire top section of that strip of shops. Its all being sold to private investors and the spec looks pretty good.

Can't think of any other development specifically on that part of Derby Road though? Road beind it (Wollaton Street?) has more scope for redevelopment as there's a few empty buildings/ warehouse.

Yes, there are residnetial developments planned for the top (pointy bits!) of both Wollaton Street and Talbot Street.

I went into the city centre tonight round a few bars and noticed just how much of a rowdy nightlife Nottingham has. Lots of people shouting, singing loudly, stumbling everywhere etc.
I was completely sober as I was driving and I noticed it alot more than I would if I had had a few drinks.
It was a little intimidating at times especially outside Revolution where I had two pissheads that were built like brick shithouses start talking to me.

i agree, i was out on friday just for a meal and the noise coming from those bars on parliament street was pretty bad. Reflex, Flares and Foxys are all awful for the amount of trouble they have every night. Theres always police by those places.

This is the part of the trouble with Nottingham's nightlife. I was also out on Friday and had drinks in Tonic, Fat Cats and then spent the rest of the night in Saltwater. Really nice places and good atmosphere.

However - walked along Parliament Street to reach the CornerHouse and that strip of bars already had police vans parked outside and there'd clearly been trouble. Nottingham seems to concentrate all the cheaper bars in one location (around the square is the worst area) which makes some areas a bit of a no-go.

The council seem reluctant to grant new licenses which I think is the wrong approach - it would seem a better approach to encourage better bars/ clubs (those that don't offer massive discounts on beer!) which would make Nottingham more attractive to those people not intent on getting totally pissed up and looking for a fight every Friday night! Look how succesful the Chapel Bar area is...

Putting a flares next to a reflex was a really bad idea. I think the removal of the works has been a good thing but there are still too many rough places around for my liking.

The whole of that road (with Flares, Reflex, etc) is a complete disgrace. It's dirty, shabby, and only really attracts the arse end of Nottingham on nights out. The Nottingham scene caters very much towards the student market, so when you're past that and over going to clubs, you're very limited with where you can go.

The restaurant culture is dying a little bit in my opinion. I can't think of many independent restaurants that are reasonably priced. Sure we have Harts, Sat Bains etc, but when you want to go out for a nice meal with your boyfriend/girlfriend and don't want chain restaurants or to spend in excess of £40-£50 a head, where do you go?!

Sat Bains himself recommends French Living on Queen Street (King Street?)

Bentons, World Service, Cast (Playhouse), Shaws, Larder on Goosegate. Or come to West Bridgford - nice gastropub fayre at the Larwood and Voce at Trent Bridge.

Petit Paris which is on one of those alleyways leading up to Cornerhouse. Its meant to be French but run by Italians. My sister ate at Sat Bains last week and said it was prob the best meal shes ever had. What is needed is to boot off the cheap pubs on Market Square and put in decent Cafes and Restaurants. With large outdoor areas, not those small bits where you only have three tables.

^^ Move Schuh, Pizza Hut etc and have some nice cafes along that little stretch. There is more pavement space on that side of the square.

^^ Yeah, the square could be so attractive if Schuh, Pizza Hut, etc all get moved to new locations and made into nice restaurants with outside space. The Cornerhouse is great for outside eating (although they are all chains), it's nice in the summer just people watching. Is Debenhams planning on moving locations at any point in the future? If that whole square was made into a restaurant/cafe area, it would be great.

Debenhams plan to move to Broadmarsh when that's completed, though by that time we may be downloading instant space food through our mobile teleportation devices rather than "eating out".

:lol:

^^ too true!

The real shame of Parliament Street being so bad in that part is that it is one of Nottinghams primary streets and yet at one end it is a collection of ragtag shops and low end pubs and the other end offered virtually nothing.

I think alot of money would need to be spent smartening up Parliament Street before any decent bars and resturants opened up there. There are a few decent resturants near the old Coop building but at the moment it does look quite tatty in parts especially near Oceana.
It could be a really good looking street if it was smartened and had abit more night time entertainment along there.

^^ It might start to look a lot better when that bridge from the Vic Centre gets demolished.

^^ Yeh true. It'll definately open up the street more. I just wish the block that the bridge is connected to next to Wilko's was going aswell. It's horrible round there at the moment especially down the side of Sports World.
We could have a little square if that was demolished with some cafes etc.

^^ Yeh true. It'll definately open up the street more. I just wish the block that the bridge is connected to next to Wilko's was going aswell. It's horrible round there at the moment especially down the side of Sports World.
We could have a little square if that was demolished with some cafes etc.That's a really good idea actually. Why isn't that block being demoslished? It's the ugliest building ever! There's only 3 shops in it too.

I've decided to write a list of shops/restaruants/bars that need to go from Upper/Lower Parliament Street:

JJB Sports - Seems a bit random being stuck there. They should at least change the signage, it's so dated!

Libertys - Dirty and disgusting. Does little for Nottingham's bar scene.

KFC/Burger King/Subway - Nothing wrong with them per se, but they just attract a load of idiots who think it's cool to hang around them. Maybe they will be moved when the Broadmarsh is finished to the food court.

Anyone got more to add?

The dry cleaners that is next to Wilko's could go aswell. Im sure it occupies a chapel or small church that could look good if it was put to better use.

The dry cleaners that is next to Wilko's could go aswell. Im sure it occupies a chapel or small church that could look good if it was put to better use.Is that a dry cleaners now? What a waste of a church.

Bedding Shop - Next to KFC I think, awful and scummy. Get rid!

No keep libertys its an absolute dive I know but at least most of the scumbags in there stay there all night and thus they wont be bothering me if im out!

What about the shopping centre (West End Arcade) and Hurts Yard. The West End section is about the worst set of shops in Nottingham and looks like its about to fall down internally. Hurts Yard used to be a nice Victorian shopping street and is now a bit of an eyesore. Both of these link Upper Parliament to Chapel Bar and have real potential if someone had a bit of imagination.

Is Hurts Yard the one with Cucamaras on? I think that the only reason people really go down there.

West End Arcade is as trampy as it gets. It should be demolished.

Upper Parliament Street seemed well paved when I last visited, looked like 21st century style paving so I guess it was fairly recent? Unfortunately these shabby shops as you speak clearly have a trade - I buy spray paint from a shop in West End Arcade which gets a lot of business. It is grotty I agree but its still fulfilling its purpose.

West End and Hurts yard could be a lot better than they are, as they are they remain tatty and make the area look rundown if it wasnt for the fact that the rest of the area is shabby too.

As for around Oceana, well the area may look a bit better when the Fashion Centre is turned into a media centre and renovated.

Is that a dry cleaners now? What a waste of a church.

Bedding Shop - Next to KFC I think, awful and scummy. Get rid!

I think it is. It's been there for years I think.

I think both Hurts Yard and West End Arcade have a niche in Nottingham, i just feel they could be made more welcoming and Hurts yard is underused. As for the cheap bars etc, they have a place too, i just wish it was somewhere else other than on that road.

The Church is still there, its just that part of the ground floor was converted into a commercial unit and as Stefan says has been a drycleaners for years.

No keep libertys its an absolute dive I know but at least most of the scumbags in there stay there all night and thus they wont be bothering me if im out!

I tend to agree! You need some shitholes for chavscum to drink in otherwise they'll be getting lairy on Stella in the bars that normal folk like to go to!

Liberty's has closed down now though, following that bloke getting his nose bitten off on the dancefloor....I guess that their old clientele now go to Flares, The Dog and Partridge (next to Wilko) or The Thurland, all of which are total shitholes full of chavs.

It's a shame we have such shit bars in Market Square. We have Q Lounge, Weatherspoons and Yates. Is Q Lounge still open? I've been in there once and hated it. Never been in Yates but I've seen police cars outside it enough times to know not to go in.

I agree it is a shame, but there's not much that can be done about it. As the number of chavpits decreases those that are left will make more money and stick with their prime locations.....bad times.

Q Lounge is also shut now though....good times.

I hate Yates, there's always lairy twats stumbling around outside when you walk past ready to go some if you "look at them funny"....Pricks!

I know it not in the centre but i was wandering if anyone know whats going on with Casa on Trent Bridge. I noticed that it wasn't open when i was back for the footy the other week and was wandering if anyone had any news?

what's everyone's problem with west end arcade?! just because it doesn't have posh shops in it? i quite like the place. hurts' yard is a quality little corner as well.

some of those shops are well useful, although i think the record shops and art gallery have shut down.

west end arcade serves it's purpose well. i value it even if you lot don't!

The record shop and the shop that sells loads of random shit in the West End Arcade are quite good.
Where's Hurts Yard and whats there? I've probably been there before but can't remember where it is.

Hurts Yard is the one near Tesco's on Long Row - up near the library. About ten years ago it was a proper shopping area - now it has Cucumara's, a hairdressers and a load of vacant units. Not helped that one end is a greasy, KFC rip-off fried chicken joint!

West End Arcade has absolutely no redeeming features - its run-down, dilipidated and a complete waste of space! There are some useful shops in there but they never last that long because not too many people actually realise there's a shopping arcade there. I doubt its ever been refurbed/ maintained any time in the last ten years! Considering its location (right next to Chapel Bar) it could be so much more.......

Hurts Yard does look a little run down but it could look really eally good with abit of investment. At the moment it's not very inviting looking. Even something as simple as handing some lights above the walkway and give it a lick of paint would do the trick.

You can't knock the graffiti paint shop in West End either!

£3 for a good sized can and a dozen colours you can't knock it! Better then that plasticote shite from Wilkos and so much cheaper! As Nottingham is renown nationally for quality graffiti artists (very few cities can claim that) as well as being the shop of choice for people across the East Midlands (most Derby artists go there for paint) I doubt it'll close anytime soon.

^^ It isn't the shops in WEA that are the problem, but the centre itself. It looks tatty, dilapitated and not too inviting at all. If the shops moved into Hockley or somewhere that has a lot of independant shops, they would probably do a lot better than being stuck in WEA.

Hurts Yard is a missed opportunity. I only ever go up there for Cucamaras, which is the only thing I can think of thats up there! The SFC should go, it lowers the tone of the area, what with Chapel Bar becoming more popular, and it smells so bad. I think the place could be spruced up a lot, and could be a nice little 'street' for quirky bars and pubs.

All of our arcades and alleyways are lost opportunities IMO.

^^ It isn't the shops in WEA that are the problem, but the centre itself. It looks tatty, dilapitated and not too inviting at all. If the shops moved into Hockley or somewhere that has a lot of independant shops, they would probably do a lot better than being stuck in WEA.

Hurts Yard is a missed opportunity. I only ever go up there for Cucamaras, which is the only thing I can think of thats up there! The SFC should go, it lowers the tone of the area, what with Chapel Bar becoming more popular, and it smells so bad. I think the place could be spruced up a lot, and could be a nice little 'street' for quirky bars and pubs.

SFC is a shithole. Im sure they just go out with an air rifle and shoot some of the pigeons in the square for there meat. It's disgusting and the pavement outside seems to have a permenant layer of grease on it from all the chips and kebabs that are dropped there.

SFC is a shithole. Im sure they just go out with an air rifle and shoot some of the pigeons in the square for there meat. It's disgusting and the pavement outside seems to have a permenant layer of grease on it from all the chips and kebabs that are dropped there.

Now you come to mention it ,i have noticed a reduction in the pigeon population in the square. :)

After starting a new job, I now have to get a bus which sadly drives me along Upper Parliament Street. There are so many missed oportunities! The old Co-Op building looks great, yet next door you've got a bar/cafe called Vision that stands empty and Hollies Cafe which looks like it has fallen out of the 70s. A developer really needs to get in there and use the space! If anyone drives down that road on their way into Nottingham I wouldn't blaming them for turning round and going back home.

I walked past Vision the other day and there was a note on the door saying that someone had already taken ownership and were in the middle of refurbing the place.

Just hope its a decent venue for such a prominent spot.

I walked past Vision the other day and there was a note on the door saying that someone had already taken ownership and were in the middle of refurbing the place.

Just hope its a decent venue for such a prominent spot.Ah, that sounds promising! I wonder what it could be, most things on that road (apart from the old Co-Op) seem to turn into scummy pubs or crappy cafes. There needs to be something that draws people that way, as if I was ever in town, I wouldn't even venture down Upper Parliament Street (unless it was to get to Chapel Bar).

Its a funny part of town really because you have the axis development, which is great, but then you have the ropey bars and Kismet kebabs!

If they can get rid of the dodgy bars, etc. and turn vision into a quality establishment, it could be a really nice little area.

That is exactly what is happening to that end of town, apparently. Bunters cafe is closing down because the area is being redeveloped. Now I've heard nothing on the internet or in the papers, but hopefully it'll involve knocking down everything from Liberty's down to the roundabout! Especially West End Arcade!!

That is exactly what is happening to that end of town, apparently. Bunters cafe is closing down because the area is being redeveloped. Now I've heard nothing on the internet or in the papers, but hopefully it'll involve knocking down everything from Liberty's down to the roundabout! Especially West End Arcade!!I can see the building work going off, but it'll stick out like a sore thumb next to the WEA and other such buildings. They need to do it properly and knock down the out date, run down buildings starting from Flares all the way down to the roundabout, and restore the nicer buildings (if there are any!). It'll make the centre seem a lot bigger, as I don't think i've ever been down that end of town during a shopping trip.

Vision is going to be yet another Chinese buffet restaurant just like Big Wok a few seconds walk up the road in Axis.

Another one?! So we have New Ocean City, Big Wok and yet another one within half a mile of each other.

(I actually think Big Wok is the best of the chinese buffet's in town, much better than No.1 George St buffet)

I think buffet restaurants are crap and we have enough of them in Notts.

If this is true I find it a very disappointing use of this space.

How crap. I have nothing more to say on the matter.

Apart from this: Is it a 2 or 3 storey development? If it is, they should try and make it into a club of some sort (TigerTiger etc), something along those lines. How disapointing if it's another chinese. What is the need? We already have 4 buffets!

I suppose it all depends if there is a demand for that kind of thing.
Everytime ive walked past big wok its full.

It's very unlikely the council/police will alow a Tiger, Tiger style bar/club to be licenced. Tiger, Tiger applied to be in the new development at the top of Angel Row, but the application was rejected. Ocean wanted to move to a new club where What everyone Wants was (is that now Tesco?), but that was rejected. The police object very strongly to large "vertical drinking" establishments, and I think the law has recently been changed to make it more difficult to get a licence for new places.

[QUOTE=xcatherinex;21537664]How crap. I have nothing more to say on the matter.
QUOTE]

I just hate buffet style restaurants. Self service is one reason, another is the weird mixture of food that you end up with, not to mention the freaks/chavs that frequent them. I like to relax when I eat out, not que for for a meal like I am at in school canteen.

Another one?! So we have New Ocean City, Big Wok and yet another one within half a mile of each other.

(I actually think Big Wok is the best of the chinese buffet's in town, much better than No.1 George St buffet)

No way, flying dragon has far more choice.

Sorry but you're both wrong! Red Hot Buffet Shack every time.

Worst one is the George Street Chinese buffet place - surely the most excessive use of grease in any restuarant ever!

There's a new bar/club/resturant opening on the Broadway where Geisha used to be. Its being fitted out at the moment. I can't remember exactly what the advertising outside said but I think the bar/club part is going to be called Parisian nights or something shite like that. The restaurant part is going to be modern Indian cuisine though which is good for me as I means I'll have a curry house right on the doorstep!
The old Sugar bar at the Broadway/Stoney Street junction is also now under offer so hopefully something will be opening up there relatively soon too. I just hope that both venues manage to keep decent clientele this time around and not descend into the stinking chav scum holes they both became before closing down.

[QUOTE=xcatherinex;21537664]How crap. I have nothing more to say on the matter.
QUOTE]

I just hate buffet style restaurants. Self service is one reason, another is the weird mixture of food that you end up with, not to mention the freaks/chavs that frequent them. I like to relax when I eat out, not que for for a meal like I am at in school canteen.

I agree, most of the one's in Nott's are basically just shit in a tray merchants.:puke: The George Street one is definitely the worst by a long way though.

Sorry but you're both wrong! Red Hot Buffet Shack every time.

Worst one is the George Street Chinese buffet place - surely the most excessive use of grease in any restuarant ever!

Lets face it ... most chinese buffets are filled with grease! it's the only cheap way to fill out the sauces and dishes etc to ensure people get stuffed (well ... that and an excessive use of flour (corn flavour in particular as a thickening agent and carb fillers!)... has anyone ever smelled their top or coat after coming out of one of those buffets in town? distinct smell of grease!

agree with the comments about queueing in a school canteen! :)

Walked past the new chinese buffet, they are getting on with it pretty quickly! The signs are all up and from what I could see inside, it looked like there were food serving things (although that could just be something left over from when it was Vision). It was, and still is a wasted space. Why do we need 5 buffets?! Especially 2 within 100 yards of one another.

Not sure if anyone will know much about it, but there used to be a bar on Mapperley Top called Soft, then it turned into Tangerine (disgustingly expensive), but has closed down and is standing empty. Although it was expensive, it was nice having something up there that wasn't a pub. A very wasted opportunity. Also, there are a few other vacant stops up there: the video shop which has just closed, and the old All Days plot next to the Bread and Bitter. Anyone got any information on this at all?

I cannot believe that Vision is to become a Chinese Buffet.

That shocks and saddens me.

I am about to start work in the Axis and was looking forward to a decent place to eat at lunchtime on the doorstep.

Meh

Mapperley Top is underused in terms of nightlife. Shame that Tangerine shut down but there must have been some reason for it.

the old All Days plot next to the Bread and Bitter. Anyone got any information on this at all?

The Alldays site is going to become another pub, I believe.

Walked past the new chinese buffet, they are getting on with it pretty quickly! The signs are all up and from what I could see inside, it looked like there were food serving things (although that could just be something left over from when it was Vision). It was, and still is a wasted space. Why do we need 5 buffets?! Especially 2 within 100 yards of one another.

Not sure if anyone will know much about it, but there used to be a bar on Mapperley Top called Soft, then it turned into Tangerine (disgustingly expensive), but has closed down and is standing empty. Although it was expensive, it was nice having something up there that wasn't a pub. A very wasted opportunity. Also, there are a few other vacant stops up there: the video shop which has just closed, and the old All Days plot next to the Bread and Bitter. Anyone got any information on this at all?

I used to live off Westdale Lane and Soft was my local, it was a great little spot until it became Tangerine and then it went to pot, like you say Catherine, expensive drinks, but also shite service and terrible redec.:ohno: I was gutted when Soft became Tangerine but it was even worse to have nothing like that up on Mapperley Top. However Chungs is the greatest Chinese restaurant in the world EVER!!!

The Alldays site is going to become another pub, I believe.

Am I right in thinking Wetherspoons won a planning appeal for this site? Not sure if I am I may be confusing it with another similar one?!

Yes, Wetherspoons - that was it!

I used to live off Westdale Lane and Soft was my local, it was a great little spot until it became Tangerine and then it went to pot, like you say Catherine, expensive drinks, but also shite service and terrible redec.:ohno: I was gutted when Soft became Tangerine but it was even worse to have nothing like that up on Mapperley Top. However Chungs is the greatest Chinese restaurant in the world EVER!!!I agree with everything you've said. And Chungs is my favourite restaurant in the entire world!! Their spare ribs are to die for.

I heard it was to become a Wetherspoons but havn't heard anything about it for so long assumed they had passed on the opportunity. Also heard that the Plainsman was going too, maybe this is connected to the Weatherspoons. They need to hurry up with that, the old All Days looks awful! Are they planning on knocking it down, or what?

Its paper wrapped prawns, prawn toast and crab claws for me everytime at Chungs, gotta love the awesome service and amazing food. I agree, its probably the best restaurant in the whole world!!!

I think that they are just converting the existing Alldays shell into a typical enormous Wetherspoons, just a standard job like they always do. It would be a shame to see the Plainsman go as I always thought that was a decent local pub too. There's a new pub opened next to the Alldays site, to the rear of the Cheesecake Shop, not sure what its called but its a dead nice little pub. It was a bit of an unexpected find too, I was wandering past one night and saw people drinking beers outside, took a wander down and found a new pub....good times!!

The Bread and Bitter (http://www.castlerockbrewery.co.uk/pub-breadandbitter.html). A Tynemill pub. They're always pretty good.

Yea that's the one. I don't think I have been to a single Castle Rock pub that's not great.

Yea that's the one. I don't think I have been to a single Castle Rock pub that's not great.Yeah, Castle Rock pubs are ace. The Stratford in West Bridgford is really nice too.

The new buffet restaurant (May Sum) has all of its signage up now, but there are still old Vision signs which look awful. I get the impression it'll be a little more up market from Big Wok, but we shall all have to wait and see!

Anyone got any news of any bar/pub openings? I havn't seen anything new crop up for quite a while. The old Hard Rock Cafe site is sat there empty and it's such a lovely building! When the paving has been done outside of there it'll be a great little spot.

^^ Yes it's in such a prime location too. I doubt it'll stay empty for long once the paving is all done.

apparently what was tangerine is now going to be an arcade. disappointed with that, couldve been another nice little bar. IMO, bread and bitters shite, full of boring middle aged real ale lovers, fuck that.
apparently theyre knocking down the plainsman to make was for the wetherspoons and developers have got whats left of the land or summat.
as for the video shop, god knows. would love it to be a decent bar/restaurant but cant see it happening.

full of boring middle aged real ale lovers,

Any more of that sonny, and you'll get no pocket money this week.

Bread and Bitters a great little pub as is the Stratford Haven which we discoverd during the rain delay to the third day of the test. As for MPR you obviously prefer those big drinking halls, like weatherspoons, that serve p**s poor beer with no taste. Bread and Bitter does do decent continental lagers.

Driving past Mapperley Top earlier and there are boards around the old All Days site, with a sign saying demolition, I think (I was on the bus so couldn't see properly). It's about time this development got under way!

Coal is the perfect location, whatever the occasion.

You can experience Coal Grill & Bar at our newly opened Basingstoke restaurant at Festival Place and our flagship restaurant at The Broadway in Wimbledon. Our venues feature outdoor eating areas to allow you to enjoy an alfresco atmosphere as you dine.

Exciting future openings coming soon in Sheffield, Nottingham and Bristol...watch this space!

http://www.coalgrillandbar.co.uk/findus/FC/find_coal.html

http://www.coalgrillandbar.co.uk/findus/FC/find_coal.htmlFrom that website saying they specialise in outdoor eating (or something along those lines), makes me think they'll be in Trinity Square, opposite The Works. Menu sounds pretty nice, but very pricey for what it offers! Might not do as well as they think with those prices.

After going out last night, I found myself in a bit of a dillema, where to go if you don't want to go to a club? After trying to get into Oceana (they tried to charge £7, with a discount card!) and saying thanks-but-no-thanks to their extortionate entry prices, we couldn't find anywhere at all to go that was open late. None of us fancied another club, so ended up in a dive of a bar next to the equally lovely Bar Schnapps. How is it that there can only be 2 late bars in Nottingham?! Or am I missing something here?

On a more positive note, they've started the demolition of the old All Days site on Mapperley Top. Makes me wonder what type of Whetherspoons (if that is whats going to be there) they would open? I've been to a few and none of them are particularly amazing.

From that website saying they specialise in outdoor eating (or something along those lines), makes me think they'll be in Trinity Square, opposite The Works. Menu sounds pretty nice, but very pricey for what it offers! Might not do as well as they think with those prices.

After going out last night, I found myself in a bit of a dillema, where to go if you don't want to go to a club? After trying to get into Oceana (they tried to charge £7, with a discount card!) and saying thanks-but-no-thanks to their extortionate entry prices, we couldn't find anywhere at all to go that was open late. None of us fancied another club, so ended up in a dive of a bar next to the equally lovely Bar Schnapps. How is it that there can only be 2 late bars in Nottingham?! Or am I missing something here?

On a more positive note, they've started the demolition of the old All Days site on Mapperley Top. Makes me wonder what type of Whetherspoons (if that is whats going to be there) they would open? I've been to a few and none of them are particularly amazing.

Loads of bars are open past midnight if you walk through hockley/the lace market e.g. market bar, eleven, bluu, etc.

Problem is that if you're not already in the place before midnight they often don't let you in!

Was in Saltwater a couple of weeks ago and they cleared everyone out at 12.30 - I didn't really fancy queuing up for hours outside Gatecrasher so my only other choices were Reflex or home. Guess which I picked?!

Can I also ask - am I the only person who can't find their way out of Gatecrasher. Took me half an hour to find an exit, got bored and went through a fire exit instead. :bash:

^^ I've not been in Gatecrasher yet and Im not itching to go in tbh. I've not been in Halo either but the one in Leeds is shit! Mode was class!
I saw on East Midlands Today a couple of days ago that Gatecrasher had been turned down to extending there opening time to 6.30am because councilors and police didn't like the idea.
Personally I'd rather it was open till late. Media had the same problem when it was open. It's a pretty big club and at closing time there are loads and loads of people leaving all at once there is bound to be trouble. If it shut at 6.30 that number would be reduced alot because people would leave when they want to.
Nottingham's night life is shit IMO. We need to spread it out so there aren't thousands of people within such a small area which is what it's like at the moment (and has been for a while).
The bar I do like that it's in Hockley is Bar Eleven. It's pretty chilled out and plays decent music so you can dance if you want to.
What happened to Niche? Has that fully closed down now? And has Edge closed too?

The Approach is open till past 2am and lets people in late.

Loads of bars are open past midnight if you walk through hockley/the lace market e.g. market bar, eleven, bluu, etc.Yeah, but when you are in the Lace Market/Hockely, it's a fair walk. And like someone else said, not many places let you in after a certain time.

Agree the night life has gone down hill in recent years.

How can they not give gatecrasher the go ahead, the place would be better if they had a longer opening time,

Yeah, but when you are in the Lace Market/Hockely, it's a fair walk. And like someone else said, not many places let you in after a certain time.

To be honest I pretty much agree, was just playing devil's advocate really.

I hate going out in Nottm these days, thankfully I don't have to much as I no longer live there but when I come back to visit family/go to the footie, etc. it depresses me a little. It used to be great but now it just appeals to townies and chavs.

Less reflex, more bomb IMO.

Thankfully loads of place now seem to be under offer and ready to reopen - the old Geisha bar is now set to be a new Asian influence bar/restuarant, Sugar bar is under offer (been closed for a while), the place near Scuuh on Market Square is under offer plus the leisure space under Hockley Mill (near what used to be Berlins) also has Let By boards on it.

Plus, looking at the FHP website the site where the Bomb used to be is also Under Offer! (Please bring back The Bomb - clubbing in Notts is really crap for a big City!)

Personally, I still love heading out into Nottingham - I live and work right in the centre but too many closures have limited what venues you can head too. Its still light years ahead of Bristol and, in IMO, Leeds though.

Notts is ahead of Leeds in terms of retail and especially resturants and bars. When it comes to clubs though Leeds is miles ahead especially when Notts doesn't have a decent club (if any) that are open until the early hours of the morning. Leeds has clubs that are open until 8.30am and in some cases 10am.
Nottingham has an advantage over Leeds in that the city centre is really compact (this can also be bad too in terms of violence with so many people in a small area) which means moving from bar to bar is within easy walking distance.

Thankfully loads of place now seem to be under offer and ready to reopen - the old Geisha bar is now set to be a new Asian influence bar/restuarant, Sugar bar is under offer (been closed for a while), the place near Scuuh on Market Square is under offer plus the leisure space under Hockley Mill (near what used to be Berlins) also has Let By boards on it.

Plus, looking at the FHP website the site where the Bomb used to be is also Under Offer! (Please bring back The Bomb - clubbing in Notts is really crap for a big City!)

Personally, I still love heading out into Nottingham - I live and work right in the centre but too many closures have limited what venues you can head too. Its still light years ahead of Bristol and, in IMO, Leeds though.


Being a Bristolian I've got to pull you up on that Redarmy!! How can you say that Nottingham is light years ahead of Bristol in terms of night life when in the paragraph before you say that clubbing in Nott's is crap? :bash:
When was the last time you went to Bristol for a night out (if ever)? It's a great spot, and due to the fact that venues are not crammed into a small area like Nott's you get less aggro from inbred muppets. If you have been to Bristol recently then I suspect you just found the same old commercial shite along the Harbour that can be found in Nott's too, but if you had bothered to look around you'd have found some great venues around town like The Thekla, Apple, Browns and plenty of other stuff around Park Street/Park Row, Welsh Back, Clifton Village, Whiteladies Road!!

Sorry - think I've inadvertently started a Bristol V Nottingham argument here!

Actually spent a lot of time in Bristol (lived there for a while and I'm there in a fortnight) and too me its the place closest to Nottingham in terms of atmosphere, style, amenities etc. Know what you mean about the Harbour Side area but I love Clifton and (some) parts of White Ladies Road.

However - there isn't the variety that Nottingham has to offer and some of the so-called bigger streets (Corn Street) really declined - still love the place and I'm there every couple of months - I just really prefer the Nottingham option (clubbing excepted but then I am nearly thirty so I'm getting picky!)

Leeds - I've always seem to have a bad experience there and wind up encountering some real muppets. Probably started off in the wrong way though as I ended up in Bondai Beach with the revolving dance floor on my first visit. I gather now that was a really bad idea!

Plus, clubbing is only one small aspect of night-life - I love eating out and there really is no better place than Nottingham for variety and choice.

I went to Stealth last night. They played pretty good music, loads of people there, no trouble at all but earlier on in the night when we were walking from the square I realised that there are loads of arseholes that go out in Nottingham. Blind drunk people shouting, stepping in front of cars, chanting things and just acting like idiots. It must give such a bad impression to foreign visitors that are in the city centre at night.
The toilets in Stealth are pitch black too you can't see a bloody thing. Apparently it's to prevent people from taking coke in there. It means though that the floor is covered in piss and it stinks.

Ok, little survey here...

Favourite Restaurant, Bar and Club in Nottingham

I'll kick things off.

Restaurant- Le Mistral- Food is delicious, an excellent and comprehensive wine list and the friendliest staff possible!

Bar- Saltwater/Pitcher and Piano- Despite them both being quite pricey, the cocktails are made professionally and both are iconic. The terrace at Saltwater, and the church conversion of P&P both speak for themselves really.

Club- Not much of a clubber anymore, but I think Stealth/Rescue Rooms on saturdays as they have a huge variation in music, food, a nice outdoor bit and theres never trouble there that ive seen.

Restaurant- I think 'Le Bistrot Pierre' has the best food that I've been to, but there are so many in Nottingham. Kayal on Broad Street is the best Indian.

Bar- Brass Monkey has great cocktails but I agree for 'wow factor' Saltwater and P+P are best. Bar Eleven on Goose Gate is good too.

Club- for me, it's NG1 as I swing that way!But otherwise I'd say Rescue rooms/Stealth on a Saturday night is brilliant.

Restaurant: Chungs (in Mapperley). Amazing Cantonese food, friendly staff who've been there for years, and great atmosphere.

Bar: Brass Monkey/Bluu/Saltwater/Coco Lounge are my favourites. All serve great cocktails and you don't get the riff raff that a lot of other places attract.

Club: I'm not a huge fan of clubbing, but Cookie Club has always been pretty good.

Anyone been to the new Vienna restaurant yet (where Hard Rock used to be)? The re-fit looks good and the menu seemed nice, but havnt had a chance to go yet.

Also, Derby Road has two new bar/pubs open about half way up, one where the Hand and Heart was, the other next door. At the top on Canning Circus, Ben Bowers has closed, and has been ripped out. A new restaurant 1884 is due to open soon.

Finally, the old restaurant next to the Ropewalk bar, thats currently painted a horrid colour has scaffolding up on it, and the plaster work is being chipped off. Good news, that was a real eyesore IMO.

What's the menu like at Vienna, pharmj? Do they have any restaurants elsewhere or is ours a first?

For those of you who were asking about Vienna. Review in todays Metro

Vienna waltzes off with the plaudits
by AL NEEDHAM - Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Vienna
With the country apparently teetering on the brink of recession, Nottingham - with its twin obsessions of shopping and the night-time economy - has felt the wind of change blowing up its civic skirt a lot sooner than most. As a result, any restaurateur looking to start afresh in the area is either criminally insane or knows that they're going to have to pull out all the stops to make a splash in an already crowded scene.

Thankfully, our night at Vienna left us with the impression that the people involved know what they're doing. A combination of prime location, superior decor, outstanding service and quality food (albeit with a few odd twists that don't always come off - but more of that later), means the place slips effortlessly into the upper echelon of Nottingham restaurants.

The first thing you notice about the place is the fact that - thank God - it isn't the Hard Rock Café any more. The former tourist magnet now has an interior that its beautiful outer shell has been crying out for. The artefacts purloined from Status Quo and Rush have been replaced with one of the swankiest refurbs this side of the Lace Market. Dark woods, cream textures and burgundy hangings create an airy, spacious intimacy. But the biggest change is that someone has actually opened the curtains, allowing you to gaze at some of the finest examples of Watson Fothergill's architecture. So far, so good.

After getting stuck into a bottle of Berri Estates Shiraz 2006/07 (£14.95), we perused a menu put together by award-winning chef David Lem, who has been trained by Gordon Ramsay and Marco Pierre White, which must make him exceedingly proficient at what he does, as well as a tad deaf. The overriding tone is nouvelle British; mainly traditional fare, peppered with quirky additions that leap off the page and beg you to try them.

My friend's oven-roasted pigeon breast (£7.95) thankfully wasn't locally sourced 30 feet away in the Old Market Square; it came in compact, tight rolls of meat, wrapped in slivers of Parma ham, stuffed with more meat and complemented by an apple cake and drizzled beetroot purée. The pigeon-leg lollipop on the side, however, was a step too far. Coated with what appeared to be bonfire toffee, I can't see it catching on at Goose Fair.

My crab and avocado wafer sandwich (£7.45), on the other hand, made a perfect starter, and it took supreme measures of willpower not to pick it up, devour it in three bites and ask for another. The wafer was satisfyingly sticky and complemented the filling to a tee, as did the hunk of tomato jelly and the shot glass of Bloody Mary sorbet (which we'd like Wall's to make into a Calippo flavour as soon as possible). The staff shuttled back and forth, enquiring but never intruding, and even offering samples of their mushroom consommé.

The mains were even more impressive. The organic salmon roulade (£15.45) was a densely packed fist of prime fish with a subtly crisp outer layer, balanced with the fluffiest, non-glutinous lemon and crayfish risotto I've ever had the pleasure of nicking off someone else's plate, rounded off with braised Mediterranean veg. Similarly, the saddle of lamb (£16.95) was a tour de force of traditional fare spiked with new trimmings, accompanied by comfit shoulder, a splendidly moreish cube of fondant potato, roasted salsify, perfectly wilted baby spinach and thyme jus. Both dishes were deceptively filling, adventurously laid out and up there with the best examples of their kind I've tasted in town.

After another free sample - this time, a lime crème brûlée that needs to go on the menu post-haste - we sipped liqueur coffees and got stuck into the most eclectic dessert menu in the parish. My orange parfait with orange and lemon thyme jelly and warm madeleines (£6.95) was quite easily the orangiest dish I've ever sampled (it even came with a shot-glass of orangeade, sitting in a puddle of orange syrup), but my friend's ravioli of cherries with bitter dark chocolate mousse and pistachio foam (£7.45) took the biscuit, if not the whole packet. Pasta with cherries? Sort of - the cherries nestled in shells of a more pancake-like demeanour. Like most of the dishes on offer, it sounded odd, but it actually worked.

The only downside to Vienna is that it could easily put a sizeable dent in your wallet (around £45 a head all-in). But it's great to see a restaurant with such lofty goals in the centre of town, and there are grazing and set menus available if you don't want to push the boat out too much. There's also a concerted effort to make it a proper venue (with DJs and live bands), and you have to admire their rescuing of a tarnished venue. We recommend it without hesitation.

11 King Street, Nottingham. Mon noon to 12.30am; Tue to Wed 10am to midnight; Thu to Sat 10am to 1am; Sun noon to midnight. Tel: 0115 947 4201. www.vienna.uk.com

Sounds good, I might have to give it a try next time I am in Notts.

Vienna sounds like a great place to go. It's good that we have such a nice restaurant in one of Nottingham's most attractive buildings. Let's hope it stays.

restaurant:

barely been to any so fuck knows. too expensive for me. which is a shame because i love food.

bar:

Alley cafe, or Ride. decent music in both usually. niether of them are Westside tho. good old days! anyone remember Westside? it was a classic place! there are quite a few nice pubs that do decent beer.

club:

this is where Notts falls on it's arse. Igloo is actually pretty good but hardly a clubber's dream. Stealth is occasionally decent but generally suffers from being a total ponce-hole. i have on occasions experienced a decent up-for-it atmosphere in there, tho! Blueprint (on Alfreton Road) can be pretty good but they have a rubbish sound system, and the place is too often empty. the fact it's so far out of town is a bonus as you don't get random townie cocks there causing trouble. The Bomb = sorely missed.

to be honest anyone under 23 is too young to know what proper clubbing is. it's something that does n't exist in Notts any more. kinda sad, because anyone who seriously thinks Stealth is 'a club' or Steath vs rescued is a 'decent club night' really needs to experience a real club - which you'd have to go to London or Manchester for. and it's becoming rarer there as well by all accounts.

we do still have the almighty Garvey Centre tho! i shall be there at some point over the next few months no doubt. a proper filthy, disorganised hole just like a club should be

Where's Alley Cafe and Ride Ranny? I've never heard of Igloo, where's that? Is it expensive?

I agree that Notts really can't compete in terms of clubs. I've not been to Halo in Notts but I have been to the one in Leeds and it's shit.
If you want good clubs Leeds is definately up there with Manchester etc. There is such a huge variety of clubs.

Alley Cafe is on the opposite side of the road to the Odeon site on Long Row, its basically the next alley way on from the one where Cucamaras is. Ride is amongst the bars that run down the side of the Cornerhouse, roughly opposite Nandos I think, and I agree Ride is a great spot. No idea about Igloo though?! It's not one I've heard of before.....I'm intrigued......

Igloo used to be called The Edge. it's on Lower Parliament St, near the arena. usually a fiver or so to get in for most nights, drinks are about average price. i used to go there loads when drum n bass was worth listening to, and they have some decent dubstep nights there if you've heard of Misst? they usually get a good sound system in there too.

Ahh I know where you mean. I didn't even know it re-opened after The Edge closed.
What day is the dubstep night on do you know?

^it varies, i've been to them on saturdays but it's monthly not weekly. there are probably other dubstep nights there on other dates.

Muse can be a decent live music venue too, although i reckon it suffers from being next to that massive twat-pit, Revolution. i was there on saturday for a low-key drum and bass night that was half-decent. definitely a bar, not a club tho.

Golden fleece on Mansfield rd is a good pub. Moog just off Alfreto Rd is a good bar/venue. Cafe El Gordo's on Ilkeston Rd is a good one - need to go there more.

I like Muse. Only been there a couple of times but had a good night every time I've been there.
I've not been out drinking in Nottingham for months now. I get terrible hangovers now even if I only have 3 or 4 pints.

Double Post.

Muse is awesome. Living in town we use it as our 'local'. Really friendly bar staff, always a good atmosphere in there, never that feeling that it could kick off at any minute which is how it feels in most bars in town. There's never any bother in there and as previously mentioned good live music nights too. I also really rate The Broadway Cinema for food and drink and its dead good when they put on special event themed nights for new films including BBQ's on the terrace. The Dark Knight evening was amazing!! Wax is also a decent bar, as is Eden's and the Italian restaurant and curry house are both very good. With the exception of Revolution, then in my opinion Broad Street is the best street for drinking and eating in the city centre.

The old nightclub The Bomb has gone under offer...possibly a new club heading our way?

^please pleaseplease! would need some serious financial commitment

went to blueprint last night. brilliant night.

Don't get too excited chaps, it been 'under offer' for months and months, not sure whether its a genuine thing or whether its just to attract interest?!

The Bomb is definitely under offer - place is re-opening as The House of Coco Tang in November. There's a big piece in FHP magazine this month - described as a boutique style club with the emphasis on a chilled out atmosphere; supposedly very different from the old Bomb though.

Website for The House of Coco Tang, an annoucment for the club is due on 26th September according to the website.

http://www.cocotang.co.uk/

Well this is a bit of good news amid all the talk of resession and delayed projects

Great news. It's opening so soon aswell. I wonder how long they've been fitting the place out for?
Im sure Ranny Fash will be delighted, we always hear him talking about how the former nightclub "The Bomb" should be re-opened.

The new owners will say it is a very different venue though. That said, I'm glad to have somewhere else making use of Nottinghams underground.

A chilled out atmosphere sounds good to me. Im looking forward to going in and seeing what it's like providing it isn't a complete rip off.

Goji buffet restaurant in Lace Market Square has closed, and is currently being fitted out to become an Italian restaurant (cant rememeber the name of it though). Im gladGoji has gone, we have enough buffets, and they shouldnt be in 'flagship' new developments like that.

Was Goji the sushi place? Whichever one it is it's good that a replacement has been found for it so quickly.
Is there any news about the unit next to Lloyds Bar in Hockley? That's been boarded up for ages now I think. Not sure if it's been re-opened by someone else though.

No, it was the place near Coffee Republic behind Lace Market Square. The sushi place on Goosegate has gone as well though - there's a To Rent Sign in the window. The whole of Hockley looks pretty deserted at the moment - too many empty units which is a real shame.

The only activity I've seen at what used to be Sonny's was someone painting the boards outside yesterday.

You must have missed the 2 new shops that have opened on Goosegate - 2 new boutique clothes shops have opened in the past 2 months. Plus they are fitting out one half of the old Nash Interiors at the moment. Also Brownes and Market Bar have just been refurbished, not bad for an area that is a desolate wasteland according to the EP!

Yeah, I would agree desolate wasteland would be a bit over the top! I walked through there yesterday though and, whilst there are some new shops opening, others have closed down. Some streets (particularly the one with Bentons Brasserie on the corner) have plenty of empty units and there's some large spaces on Goosegate that have fallen empty recently. Personally think the whole area would benefit from some strong promotion as its one of the most interesting parts of the City.

Good news about Nash Interiors though - any idea what's going in there?

2 of the units on the street where Bentons are being refurbed and kitted out. One of these will be Cafe Jam the other i'm not sure. I really don't see anywhere other than the old Sonnys which looks like the area is run down. I think we have had more new place open than close in the last 6 months.

Article about the closure of Vienna.

A restaurant and bar in an historic Nottingham building – and directly across from the new Brian Clough statue – has closed less than three months after it opened.
Vienna, an upmarket bar and restaurant on the corner of King's Street and Queen's Street, shut its doors this week after a potential investor withdrew interest on Friday.
It was based in the building which had previously housed the Hard Rock Cafe.
"We generally weren't trading as we'd hoped," said Vienna owner Dave Caddick.
"I had no choice this week but to close it down, unfortunately."
Dave spent £1m getting Vienna ready, and half of that went directly into improvements and restorations.
He's now looking for people to take over the building for what he calls "a steal".
He says that with furniture and stock on site and staff ready to go, a new owner could have the place up and running in 24 hours.
"I'm hopeful, frankly," he said. "There is one highly profile Nottingham-loved operator that's interested and hopefully going to have a look soon."
Mr Caddick is also sorting through details, including finding bookings at other city centre restaurants, for people who had booked at Vienna for Christmas meals.
If you have booked, contact him on 0115 947 4201.

That's lousy, but they couldn't have opened at a worse time in the economic cycle and there's an enormous amount of competition in the city. It was ambitious, rather like 1887 which will be opening soon/is open on Canning Circus. It surely doesn't bode well for that establishment either being as it is aimed at the same clientele and in a much worse location.

That's lousy, but they couldn't have opened at a worse time in the economic cycle and there's an enormous amount of competition in the city. It was ambitious, rather like 1887 which will be opening soon/is open on Canning Circus. It surely doesn't bode well for that establishment either being as it is aimed at the same clientele and in a much worse location.

Worse location? Thats directly opposite the park is it not? I would have thought that the location of 1887 was better if anything.

The resturant that used to be there was always busy when I went past it.

Yes, Ben Bowers. Been there for around 15 - 20 years I believe.

Park residents don't know about 1887 though. Not been advertised at all.

Nor was Vienna though I dont think. That whole area outside it was a construction site for the entire time they were open...couldnt have really been worse i dont think. I feel that for a £1million investment, that businessman didnt plan his timing very well. Not knowing about that work outside his front door (or ignoring that it was going to be taking place) had to be a bad decision.

Worse location? Thats directly opposite the park is it not? I would have thought that the location of 1887 was better if anything.

But it's on the fringes of the city centre, there is very little footfall up there and without advertising most visitors won't have a clue about it. Having said that Sat Bains is miles out the way quite literally and Hart's is tucked away but both establishments have built a solid reputation, the former having a Michellin star which pretty much guarantees a good level of custom especially as it's the only starred restuarant in the East Midlands.

The problem with Vienna was location - it definitely wasn't cheap and Market Square isn't well know for high-class bars and restaurants. Some friends of mine went and were really impressed but the prices were similar to some of the better places in Nottingham. He must have seriously over-estimated his trade for it to close after only three months though.

1887 should do pretty well - there's plenty of restaurants and quality pubs up there like the Falcon, Sir John Borlase, Ropewalk, Scruffy's, Waltons etc. That whole area has been vastly improved IMO.

I feel that for a £1million investment, that businessman didnt plan his timing very well. Not knowing about that work outside his front door (or ignoring that it was going to be taking place) had to be a bad decision.

You have to feel sorry for the guy though, he had been desperate to set up his restaurant for some time and only went for the old Hard Rock premises after having all that trouble with the licensing application for the pavillion at Lace Market Square.

Yea its definately a bit of bad luck. Hopefully he will make his money back and be able to re-invest. Its such a shame that our nicer bars and restaurants are not around the square. I really wish that the old gambling unit next to 'Pasta' Hut would be made into a decent restaurant.

Yea its definately a bit of bad luck. Hopefully he will make his money back and be able to re-invest. Its such a shame that our nicer bars and restaurants are not around the square. I really wish that the old gambling unit next to 'Pasta' Hut would be made into a decent restaurant.

I agree. Ideally I would get shot of at least one of those shitty Wetherspoons pubs and thats just for starters. The square should be a nice place to visit, not filled with chavs and unemployed wasters getting pissed up from midday til closing.

I believe that the amusement place fronting onto the square has been split into two - the upstairs part (which used to be Q Lounge if I remember rightly?) has been taken but the ground floor section is still available.

The bars surrounding the square are a real problem but I suppose they've got to be somewhere! Personally I steer away from the square and head to Chapel Bar or Lace Market - some great places round there. You couldn't pay me to go into Yates's on a Saturday night...

I believe that the amusement place fronting onto the square has been split into two - the upstairs part (which used to be Q Lounge if I remember rightly?) has been taken but the ground floor section is still available.

The bars surrounding the square are a real problem but I suppose they've got to be somewhere! Personally I steer away from the square and head to Chapel Bar or Lace Market - some great places round there. You couldn't pay me to go into Yates's on a Saturday night...

How about underground? Some kind of subterranean drinking quarter in the sewers would be nice.

Yates's would be the first to go if I had a bazooka and a free licence to destroy.

nice building though

nice building though

True. Maybe I would use a less powerful bazooka.

The notice in the door of Vienna is that the closure is temporary, so maybe they are confident of a buyer.

I wonder why more hasn't been made of Derby road over the years, it's a lovely road!

It could have fantastic cafes, shops and pubs etc on it. Understand has a good offering around Sir John area, but still. All sames antique shops and furniture stores.

Good to see hand on heart gallery, nice addition. What is the new pub next door?

Its not bad on Derby road to be fair 1877 is already fully booked at times, The Hand & Heart is very cool, there is some place next door, Cast at the Playhouse is good, ad Caning circus is good with J7, Sir John, Running Horse. The area caters for all sorts.

Yeh, but what is the name of that pub :P

Need some good clothing shops on it.

Yeh, but what is the name of that pub :P

Need some good clothing shops on it.


The problem with clothes shops on Derby Road is the lack of footfall - with them being segregated from the main shopping areas in town.

They would have to be niche shops that people would make a special journey for I guess.

[QUOTE=Grand_Union;28283710]Yeh, but what is the name of that pub :P

It's called the Hawksley :cheers:

Cheers! A further question, what's it like?

Cheers! A further question, what's it like?Is the Hawksley the one that you can see part of the caves in? If so, it's nice! I went in on a Saturday afternoon and it was quite lively as there was sport on the TV, but there was a nice atmosphere.

I live just up the road from it and it is a great place to go for a quick bite to. That area of town with the refurb of canning circus could be really good given some time.

Went to Edin's Cafe in Hockley (opposite the Broadway) today for the first time.

Really nice central European style cafe. Nice food, good coffee. Eclectic. interesting. Unique.

Not sure if anyone's posted this before but the old Santa Fe unit in the Cornerhouse is being taken by Chiquitos (might have to check the spelling on that!!) - a Mexican bar/grill place.

Music venue Junktion 7 is to close. From todays EP. I hope the building isn't sitting empty for too long.

A POPULAR music venue in Nottingham will shut its doors for good on New Year's Eve.
Junktion 7, the Canning Circus bar and venue which has traditionally hosted local bands and larger touring acts from virtually every musical genre, will shut its doors, according to a statement on its website.
The message says: "This is the message that we never wanted to write.
"Due to the grim economic climate, the subsequent decline of the live music scene and the unbridled brutality of our beloved corporate friends, Junktion7 will be closing its doors for the last time on December 31st 2008.
"Over the last many months we have all worked desperately hard to keep this venue afloat, but in the end our efforts have come to nothing and we've been left with no choice ..."
This was sad news to Nottingham musicians who had performed at and been supported by Junktion 7.
Peter Sampson - better known as human beatbox The Petebox - started his career at an open-mic night at the venue.
He now tours in Britain and the world and has his music featured in television adverts.
He said: "My first gig there was my first gig ever.
"We used to go and play open-mic nights there like four years ago. It was the first place I ever beatboxed in front of people.
"It attracted quite a loyal following.
"It's kind of the venue of choice for Nottingham bands."

Can't the "petebox" put his hand in his pocket and sort them out with a bit of cash?

I don't know about big companies damaging gig venues such as Junction 7 but I've seen the effects it has on club nights here in Manchester - all the students head to these overly promoted nights (which are always busy and shite) while the 'little guys' are losing cash despite doing ok previous years. Its a sorry shame and unfortunately spreading to most places now.

There's a new chinese restaurant (The Dancing Dragon i think...) opened up at Canning Circus. It's next door to the Ropewalk pub, used to be an italian restaurant but has been empty for a few years.

The impending closure of Junktion 7 is a huge shame. It's a cracking little venue, I for one will miss both it, and the acts it puts on, big time.

What was Sugar Bar on the Broadway no longer appears to be opening as a new venue as had previously been advertised. All the advertising in the windows has been taken down and the place remains empty with no activity there for months now.

The proposed new Indian restaurant/bar/club where Geisha used to be also seems to be taking an incredibly long time to open.....I hope this isn't another casulty of the current financial climate as I was really looking forward to having a curry house just around the corner!!

it is a shame, but yet again, people come out and squeak when these places close, but if you dont use it...

Sugar has been closed down for ages, i think its actually quite a hard area to market and keep customers, as you are a little off the beaten track down there. Skin seems to do ok though

The old Italian on Derby Road has reopened recently, called Amore. That is all the old restaurants and bars along that road open, plus a few new names, so Derby Road and Canning Circus seem to be going from strength to strength.

The smoking ban was always going to destroy bars. Coincide the recession and now we're seeing a trainwreck unfold.

The smoking ban was always going to destroy bars. Coincide the recession and now we're seeing a trainwreck unfold.I'm sorry, but I fail to see how a smoking ban is killing off our bars. If people want to go out, they are going to go out, regardless of whether you can smoke or not. The bar/pub scene is Nottingham has been going down hill since before the smoking ban.

I'm sorry, but I fail to see how a smoking ban is killing off our bars. If people want to go out, they are going to go out, regardless of whether you can smoke or not. The bar/pub scene is Nottingham has been going down hill since before the smoking ban.

I have to disagree. The amount of people going out might have dropped a bit before but the drop in pub users after the smoking ban was obvious to me - all around the country, not just Nottingham.

People want to smoke but we do not have the climate outdoor drinking and as result people stay at home. Some friends of mine run bars and pubs the takings pre and post smoking ban are significantly different I can tell you.

I have to disagree. The amount of people going out might have dropped a bit before but the drop in pub users after the smoking ban was obvious to me - all around the country, not just Nottingham.

People want to smoke but we do not have the climate outdoor drinking and as result people stay at home. Some friends of mine run bars and pubs the takings pre and post smoking ban are significantly different I can tell you.Pubs, yes. I've heard things on the news etc about takings having dropped. Bars, I can't see how going out at night into town would significantly drop because some people are too lazy to go outside to smoke, or too stupid to give up.

Pubs, yes. I've heard things on the news etc about takings having dropped. Bars, I can't see how going out at night into town would significantly drop because some people are too lazy to go outside to smoke, or too stupid to give up.

Do not underestimate the power of an addictive drug like nicotine. If someone were hooked on an illegal narcotic they would never be described as lazy would they?

I am not a smoker myself but a lot of my friends are - they are strong willed people but losing the addiction is a tough thing to do.

Do not underestimate the power of an addictive drug like nicotine. If someone were hooked on an illegal narcotic they would never be described as lazy would they?

I am not a smoker myself but a lot of my friends are - they are strong willed people but losing the addiction is a tough thing to do.I think you mis-read what I meant. I meant that it's lazy that instead of getting up and going outside to smoke, they would rather stay at home. I appreciate that it must be hard to give up, but as a non-smoker, I find the habit utterly repulsive and am glad that it's gone from out pubs and bars.

I think you mis-read what I meant. I meant that it's lazy that instead of getting up and going outside to smoke, they would rather stay at home. I appreciate that it must be hard to give up, but as a non-smoker, I find the habit utterly repulsive and am glad that it's gone from out pubs and bars.

Fair enough.

This is good news. Hopefully this place will be a success.


CITY centre bar and restaurant Vienna is to reopen next week after being taken over by new owners.
The up-market venue closed in November after just four months trading.
Former owner David Caddick said he had no choice but to close it after customer numbers tailed off.
But new owner Bruce Gee, a Loughborough businessman, says he is confident he can revive it.
He said: "We have re-jigged the menu and made it a bit less formal for the day time.
"We also want to try to crack a bit of the pre-theatre market during the early evening."
Mr Gee is opening the venue with business partner Simon Ball, of Matlock, under the trading name S B Leisure Trading Ltd.
Mr Gee's other company SB Management oversees 24 bars and restaurants across the country, from Essex to Sheffield.
He said: "We have looked at quite a few venues around Nottingham and this seemed like the perfect choice."
Mr Caddick spent around £1m upgrading the restaurant before opening it in the summer.
Many of the building's luxuriant 19th Century details, which were hidden away while it was the Hard Rock Cafe, were uncovered and restored in time for the opening.
The restaurant was sold with all the fixtures and fittings intact.
Mr Gee, 39, said: "It will still be called Vienna and we won't be changing much inside.
"I think Mr Caddick had a very good idea and did it very well.
"I think he may have suffered due to the refurbishment work that took place around the Brian Clough statue. I'm very excited about it."
Mr Gee hopes to have the restaurant open by Monday and there is good news for former staff who may not have found alternative work.
He said: "Initially, we will just be going in with a small team of us but I have asked the previous owner to provide us with a copy of staff contact details and we will be looking at getting in touch with them.
"I can't promise that we can re-employ absolutely everybody but we would very much like to hear from them."
He estimates the venue will employ between 20 and 30 staff once it is up and running.

A bit of bad news. From today's EP

First Story.

NOTTINGHAM'S oldest restaurant has shut its doors.
Punchinello's, at 35 Forman Street, has been a restaurant since 1890 - and Punchinello's since 1965.
It is owned by local businessman Jim Anderson of Le Mistral Limited, which has gone into voluntary liquidation.
Punchinello's closed on December 23 making 15 people redundant.
Mr Anderson said: "The sales have just fallen off the scales over the last few months.
"It's a victim of the high rents in that area - it's very sad."
Restaurant Le Mistral in Wheelergate is also owned by Le Mistral Limited, but is remaining open and no one has been made redundant.
EWS of Park Row are to be appointed the liquidators on Monday.
Le Mistral in Mansfield Road Sherwood is owned by a different company, Le Mistral Restaurants Ltd, and has not been affected


Second Story


BOTH branches of a Nottingham restaurant have closed after it went into administration.
Scruffy's in Derby Road and Stoney Street have ceased trading.
Around 20 members of staff employed there have lost their jobs, though efforts are being made to find them other work.
But worries over the future of the Bag o' Nails student bar in Lenton have been quashed.
The pub has been handed back to the landlord and is expected to open next week under new ownership.
Bar assistant general manager Simon Morris said: "It is sad what is happening. We will be opening next week ready for when the students return."

Cast up at the Nottingham Playhouse also went into administration yesterday - with Scruffy's closing on Stoney Street that end of town will be really dead now.

They were all one company though, I cant see the Cast staying closed long.

Did anyone see in the evening post last weekend that Junktion 7 is re-opening? there having a name change and should be open soon :)

Taken from NEP:

A budding restaurateur is planning to spend £1m on turning a block of toilets into a bistro in Nottingham.

Uman Jaspel bought the former public toilets on Carrington Street for about £500,000 and intends to spend a further £500,000 renovating the building.

Mr Jaspel said he "fell in love with the building" while on a visit to the city and saw it was for sale.

The building was originally built as a facility for people working on the Nottingham Canal in about 1840.

"It's the character of the building that attracted me," said Mr Jaspel.

"We are putting in a state-of-the-art fast food restaurant and the area that faces Carrington Street will be the restaurant area.

"It's a beautiful site and to get that in a city centre is a privilege."

The renovation work is under way but it is not yet known when the restaurant will open.

Some news

Le Chateua Ali next to Fletcher Gate has been the latest victim of the credit crisis.

Former Geisha bar is being opened as an Indian restaurant and night-club...tho i cant remmeber what it was going to be called...Sanoosh or something like that

Thats a real shame - one of the best restaurants in Nottingham in my opinion.

Any dates on that Indian place - the banners been up for ages but I thought it had all fallen through?

oh, i didnt realise the banner had been up for ages,i thought it was new,...i dont go through there v often!

Ali looked open all this week, when is it closing?

Post said sometime this coming week.

Coffee Republic on Fletcher gate would appear to have closed. It was always very quiet, but its a real shame to see it go.

Junktion Seven is re-opening as Seven.

Some news

Le Chateua Ali next to Fletcher Gate has been the latest victim of the credit crisis.

Former Geisha bar is being opened as an Indian restaurant and night-club...tho i cant remmeber what it was going to be called...Sanoosh or something like that

Pharmj, have you heard that the new Indian place in the former Geisha premises is opening imminenently or did you just see the banner outside? *crosses fingers and hopes its the former*

They have been working on that place for a good 4-5 months which seems a ridiculously long time to kit out a bar/restaurant!! I wish it would bloody hurry up and open so I can get a curry right on mmy door step :)

sorry Migmoge, it was just the banner outside...i didnt realise it had been hung there for so long, i dont really go through there very often. We can still hope, but it sounds a little like a dead duck (or cold curry...lol)

Slug and Lettuce on Middle Pavement has closed down as well...just noticed walking past today. Shame as that was a nice building. Fingers crossed something else eventually moves in here. There are rather a lot of empty units in Notts now, starting to worry me a bit.

It's just a transient phase, echoing wider financial problems. It's just as bad in other cities, Derby had more than its fair share of empty units shortly after Westfield was built and I'm sure the situation there isn't improving. Bridlesmith Gate looks very healthy. When the upswing comes there will be some well located premises available in the city.

Transient - true.

But unfortunately we're looking at a transient period of 2 years - upswing will take time after that

I just hope retailers don't lose interest in the city, as their budgets and income shrink so will their presence.

City centre Deli bar Roast it! has opened along side Waterstones. Specialise in hot sandwiches and roast potatoes/jacket pototoes. Looks nice tho, worth a try i think.

Cast has been saved - good news.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/homenews/Playhouse-restaurant-saved-administration/article-701399-detail/article.html

All the licensees in the City have joined up to start putting Nottingham back on the map for all visitors, of all ages to have a great food/drink/leisure experience. We will be reading your comments with interest over the next few months - and in answer to some of them have already developed a website www.gotonottingham.co.uk which we are constantly working on to get it right for you. You can even give us some feedback on it.

We are funding taxi marshals on a Friday and Saturday night and adding to events (Light Night last week / City Pulse in May etc) to bring to life some of the forgotton areas.

We are trying to create a vibrant City which can showcase its food offers and its variety of venues. So please bear with us while we change things but please dont give up on us!

Excellent stuff.

One quibble: the tagline "Nottingham is changing" suggests that it was no good to start with! Some of us here are pretty happy with our city. "Nottingham nightlife's gets even better" would make more sense to me.

The site is great, I agree with Bingethink about the "Nottingham is changing" comment though.

How will you be promoting the site, out of interest (other than posting on here, which I'm glad you did of course!)

Great idea the site looks really good. I agree with the earilier sentiments though regarding the the changing quote!

Just noticed today that work has restarted on the Shamoos/Paris restaurant/bar in the former Geisha unit so hopefully it will finally open soonish!

Also, Bluu have now started their refurb works which will see the ground floor area extended and the basement access from a different doorway so that the bar and club areas can operate as seperate entities.

In addition to this, the unit opposite Geisha (formerly know as Evasion) which has been up for rent for years has now been let and work has begun on fitting it out! We just need Sugar and Faces to re-open now and the Broadway will be back to its busiest again....good times (and sleepless nights for me again!) but to be honest I would be happy to see everything open up again as there are some dubious characters starting to knock about round here now that its quietened down.

So Soulville Steakhouse looks like it will be closed for quite a while after that fire. Damage seems to be quite extensive. Gatecrasher will also be closed for a while due to smoke damage

Jumpin' Jaks in the cornerhouse has closed,and is being extensively refurbished to become club e q (dont have a clue what the name means!)

Thanks for your feedback so far particularly with regards to the "Nottingham is Changing" tagline. In answer to some of the other questions - we are publicising the website in various ways when we do a promotion - but wanted to get the website up and running with the right info first. Not being a techie person - does anyone know of any online places it could be promoted? Also wanted to know if anyone has seen the artwork on the old DimT building in Hockley which we had commissioned by a local artist, to brighten up the area? The people on the picture were visitors to Hockley on the weekend it was done.

I can help there - I'd look for a media agency in the East Midlands to help.

But, if you look into SEO and define key terms in your copy you can significantly boost your google ranking.

In terms of seeding, do the social media thing (facebook, bebo, twitter etc) and as I said speak to a (digital) media or creative ad agency about placements on the web and get some nice banner ads made.

Also wanted to know if anyone has seen the artwork on the old DimT building in Hockley which we had commissioned by a local artist, to brighten up the area? The people on the picture were visitors to Hockley on the weekend it was done.

Yeah the artwork on the Dim T unit looks great, much better than having the place boarded up and the boarding just getting tagged all the time.

Am I right in thinking that all teh licensess clubbed together to pay for it? If so fair play, it certainly makes the top of Hockley look better than when it was just boarding.

Its something I would love to see rolled out across the city on long term boarded up premises as it livens the streetscape and seems to stop tagging and general grafitti. It'd be great to see a similar thing along Warser Gate, the corner of Woolpack Lane, the bottom of Goose Gate and Lace Market Square on all the boarded units around these streets.

Yes you are right since last year all the City Centre licensees put funds into a Company which they run themselves to put on events and projects to improve the City. We are already looking at some other boarded up premises - particularly difficult when the business has gone bust trying to find out who is responsible for them. The licensees share the cost of the taxi marshalls who work in the City on a friday and saturday night.

For information the new Indian restaurant which used to be Geishas opens next week - it is an indian tapas - something different for everyone to try!

There are unfortunately, some businesses who are leaving the City - but there are some new ones who still have confidence in nottingham who are coming in to take their place.

Enjoy!

Yes you are right since last year all the City Centre licensees put funds into a Company which they run themselves to put on events and projects to improve the City. We are already looking at some other boarded up premises - particularly difficult when the business has gone bust trying to find out who is responsible for them. The licensees share the cost of the taxi marshalls who work in the City on a friday and saturday night.

For information the new Indian restaurant which used to be Geishas opens next week - it is an indian tapas - something different for everyone to try!

There are unfortunately, some businesses who are leaving the City - but there are some new ones who still have confidence in nottingham who are coming in to take their place.

Enjoy!

Great, I look forward to seeing some more art work springing up around town! I think all these initiatives (like Taxi Marshalls) are a great idea.

Thanks for the information on Paris Shamoos, I look forward to trying it out!! :cheers: Do you have any information on what is going on in the former Evasion premises opposite? If its half as good as the recently opened Coco Tang I will be very pleased!

I noticed last night that the former Evasion premises has some posters up advertising the opening night as tomorrow at 7.30pm. I was a bit confused by the posters as they seemed to be in a foreigh language, but there was a website, so I checked it out and the place is going to be Polish nightclub!

Its advertised on the Polish pages as a nighclub for the Polish Community in Nottingham. Its pretty random but also pretty cool I think. I would much rather see something like this than some purebreed chav scumhole venue like Reflex or Shameless.

For more information see http://remontnightclub.com/ although probably only worth visiting if you understand Polish! :lol:

I'm really intrigued and am defintely going to have a look in next weekend once I've been paid! :cheers:

Iwill keep everyone updated when I get to hear about new venues etc - if you get paid monthly, dont forget to check out the First Wednesday offers on the website gotonottingham.co.uk - there are some good deals to be had!

Hopefully we can get some cultural life back into the Broadway area - it could do with a very high class exclusive restaurant around there to raise its profile.

From today's EP. Is this a good idea do you think?

THE police have objected to plans to stage boxing and wrestling at the Nottingham nightspot Rock City.
If the venue in Talbot Street is allowed to proceed with its plans, officers claim they will have to deal with drunk and "adrenalin-fuelled" boxing fans causing disturbances in the area.
The owners of Rock City, the DHP Group, have applied to Nottingham City Council to vary their club's licence.
Currently, the venue on Talbot Street can open until 4am and provide entertainment such as music and dancing.
The council's licensing panel is due to hear an application on Thursday to add boxing and wrestling to the licence.
However, a strongly-worded submission from Notts Police claims the club "is already experiencing high levels of disorder".
The Evening Post has reported on two incidents connected to Rock City in little more than a year.
In February, a 39-year-old man suffered a broken nose in a fight at the club, and in April 2008, a 22-year-old man was beaten unconscious after he left the venue.
The force's submission states: "The Police are concerned that the additional licensable activity will only add to these problems.
"The Police anticipate an increase in public nuisance, anti-social behaviour and disorder if the licence is granted without restrictions."
The Police say they fear drunken customers will become excited during shows and be a problem for them and the public.
In the submission the Police add: "People have a tendency to become more disorderly and anti-social as the night progresses on account of the fact they become increasingly intoxicated and therefore more prone to engage in disruptive behaviour.
"The addition of.... boxing and wrestling entertainment on the premises licence causes concern as the Police could be dealing with highly-intoxicated and adrenalin-fuelled persons, both within the premises and elsewhere in the locality when they are dispersing."
In addition, officers claim the club's CCTV system was not working when officers inspected it recently and the owners of the venue have not conducted an adequate risk assessment to stage boxing.
The DHP Group was not available for comment.
The licensing panel will meet on Thursday at 10am in the Council House.

I don't know if having boxing matches there would increase bad behaviour in that area. Sounds like the Police don't want any more work to do, which is fair enough, but I think they may be clutching at straws. If drunk people want to beat the shit out of eachother as they regularly do, then I don't think having boxing events will automatically increase the problem.

Rock City is such a dump anyway, can't they just bulldoze it?

Rock City may be a bit of a dump inside but its certainly pulled in the big acts over the years and I'm pretty sure there is no similar venue in Leicester? Was looking on ticketmaster earlier to see whos playing in the midlands region in the next few months - there are around 8 different venues in Nottingham that you can buy tickets for music gigs but I couldnt see a single one in Leicester, is it really that bad there?! :lol: :dunno:

De Monfort Hall attracts some artists.

Rock City could do with a refurb inside although I'm sure the regulars there would rather it didn't.
It's a good venue it's just a bit dingy inside.

Yes your feet do tend to stick to the floor in there, although I havent been in there for about 4 years now

No need to pick faults with Leicester just because I said Rock City is a dump, BeestonLad.

I'm sorry but it just is, and yes your feet do stick to the floor, and yes there is beer stains all over the walls and ceiling. Rock City has it's own unique smell aswell, which i'd put down to stale beer and baaaad toilets.

We went to see Kasabian a week or two ago there, and although we had a good time the venue is a bit of an embarassment inside. It does bring in the artists still, but it's one of the worst venues i've been to. It's pants on a Saturday night aswell, made many a mistake ending up there after being on the town!

My advice to you is to stick to your trend and continue to not go in there.

Yes I agree it is trampy but I'm sure a quick interior makeover could sort that out, no need for the bulldozers just yet! I doubt I'll go back anyway as the only time I used to go there was for Loveshack on a fri night when I could barely get in anywhere else!

Yeah, it's so gross in that place. The last time I went, and the last time I will ever set foot in that place, I got punched in the face by a drunken 18 year old. I'm female :-(

Erm, Rock City is a rock club.

If you want to see gigs with all the atmosphere of Alton Towers, go to the Arena.

(I'm referring to the smell of beer and sticky carpets rather than being punched in the face, which isn't very rock and roll wherever it happens...)

It's far from a rock venue on the weekends. You should check it out before commenting about it.

And no, not all 'rock venues' smell of piss and are covered top to bottom in stickyness.

I hope it gets a refurb, like I said it does bring in the artists and it'd be cool to see it done out properly. As for the arena, i've been a couple of times and enjoyed it!

Unfortunately getting smacked in the face, elbowed, trodden on, and pushed is all part of going to venues where you are crammed in like cattle.

Unfortunately getting smacked in the face, elbowed, trodden on, and pushed is all part of going to venues where you are crammed in like cattle.It wasn't at a gig, it was at a club night. It wasn't accidental either, it was on purpose.

Oh right! Charming!!

Hope you were ok :o

i think the appeal of rock city is the variety. You can see people like Norah Jones, but then I also saw a band called Gorgoroth,who are banned from playing in lots of places in Europe (black metal). Its good that the venue can be used for lots of things, though i dont think boxing should be one of them, since thats nothing to do with art or music or creativity. Its a sport, and Rock City isnt a sport venue.

The fact that is a bit smelly and sweaty etc I think is part and parcel of places like that. If it was all flash and clean it wouldnt be Rock City. There are plenty of other places like that.

The club nights are totally different to it's live music scene. Club nights promote 80s/90s cheese (i.e. the sort of ppl that go to Flares and Reflex..therefore lots of troublemakers as well..i guess hence the punch!). The live music nights I have been to (a lot!) have never had any trouble.

It's far from a rock venue on the weekends. You should check it out before commenting about it.

Oi, sonny, I've been sticking to the carpets of Rock City since 1986. (They've changed the carpets maybe twice in that time - takes a couple of months, then they get all sticky again). The last gig I went to there was earlier this year. I am well aware how Rock City smells.

Like I said, it's a rock club, not a "niteclub".

In light of that there's only one thing I can say.

God you're old!

Joking aside dad, sorry, seriously.. it's not a rock club at the weekend. There's more utter crap played in that place than there is decent live music when an artist is booked in. But this is all by the by! It doesn't matter what goes on in there, the place is still a dump!!!

Then again, with the riff-raff around these days there's no point doing a full refurb I spose.. but a cleaner wouldn't go amiss.

So come on then Binge, what were you? New Romantic, Heavy Metal Rocker, Punk, or a Teddy Boy?

Trying to rack my brains about who I saw at Rock City in the 80s: James, That Petrol Emotion, Julian Cope, Psychadelic Furs, The Pogues, The Wedding Present, Aztec Camera, Mud (!) at some Christmas student night!, that sort of thing. On the night of the 1987 election they had on the (then novel) giant screens they had the BBC coverage on, so in a way, I saw Maggie Thatcher there too...

There's a great History (http://www.rock-city.co.uk/new_site/history.htm) of the place on the Rock City website:

Before Rock City, there was nothing. No Ice Arena. No Concert Hall. After bands stopped playing gigs in cinemas by the late 60s, Nottingham was a Rock Village, a barren place where the top bands if the day couldn’t be arsed to tread. Sure, the Boat Club would come up trumps with fledgling bands like Led Zeppelin and the Pistols, but those moments were few and far between. If you wanted to see the like of The Jam, The Specials or Dexy’s you had three choices; you either bunked the train to Leicester and kipped on a bench in the station because you missed the last one back to Notts, or gave a vast chunk of your hard-earned to Way Ahead for a mind-numbing coach trip to Birmingham or London, getting home at 4am. Or you stayed at home, listened to John Peel, and wished you lived somewhere else.

Actually, there was a fourth alternative; if you were of a Rockular persuasion, you could go to the Retford Porterhouse, which was run by a chap called Sammy Jackson. Despite being out in the sticks, the Porterhouse had gained a hard-earned reputation as a vital stop-off for bands such as AC/DC, Motorhead, The Damned and The Clash. Sammy was looking to franchise the Porterhouse brand across the East Midlands in bigger venues, and before too long he ran into George Akins, a local bookies and amusement arcade kingpin who was infuriated that he couldn’t see his fave bands like Sex Gang Children in his hometown (alright, maybe not – he was a sharp operator who astutely clocked that Nottingham was gagging for a decent and credible music venue).

Before too long, a venue was found – The Heart of the Midlands, a former bakery which had mutated into a hallowed residence on the Chicken-In-A-Basket circuit. The kind of place where your mum and dad would go when they were feeling flush in order to be entertained by Marti Caine and the Grumbleweeds whilst dining upon scampi. As you can imagine, it was not the coolest of venues (although Nile Rogers and Bernard Edwards are alleged to have formed Chic after they backed an unknown Soul singer there), and was pretty much on the way out by the end of the 70s. George pulled out his chequebook and bought the place, Sammy worked out how to turn it into a decent rock venue, and the two scratched their heads over a decent name. ‘Porterhouse 2’ and ‘ The Venue’ were mooted, but before too long a top London agent suggested the moniker that was to be spelled out on none-more-futuristic Rollerball lettering across the entrance; ROCK CITY.

By December 1980, ‘City’ was good to go, with a frighteningly eclectic melange of top bands booked for the first week; Iron Maiden, who were at the forefront of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, were given the honour of opening the place, followed by a still-very-much underground Human League, Mod revivalists The Lambrettas , and the Climax Blues Band. Sadly, it never happened; the fitting of the electrics took longer than expected and the first week was cancelled. The true opening date was Thursday 11th December, when The Undertones came to town (Feargal Sharkey remembers the gig as the first time he head Blue Monday by New Order, and realised that guitar bands were on their way out). The second gig at Rock City was by, erm Shakin’ Stevens.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of Rock City to Nottingham in the 80s. For one, we finally had a venue befitting our size and status, and for the first time in ages the cream of Pop Aristocracy walked amongst us. the 80s were an era that threw up a staggering range of youth cults, and Rock City catered to them all- it would be rammed with Goths on night for Sisters Of Mercy, and packed out with Soul Boys for Level 42 the ext. if you were New Romantic, you could shake a tartan trouser-leg to Japan and Duran Duran. Grebs could finally get their patchouli-fumed jollies to Gillan, Nazareth and Vardis, and catch the last bus home. Even your younger brother and sister wasn’t left out – there were Saturday afternoon under 18s sessions featuring the Rock City Crew, the club’s own break dancers.

Even more important than the gigs were the club nights. Remember, this was Nottingham in the 80s, and Rock City was an oasis of alternative culture n a desert of Gaz and Shazness – a place where you didn’t have worry about getting started on by meat heads for wearing a lick of eyeliner, or have the piss ripped out of your extravagantly wrong haircut. Under the management of Paul Mason (who went on to run the seminal Hacienda in Manchester until it closed), Johnathon and Mark Spivey (who went on to be a producer and music leisure advisor to the council), the club held massively popular Funk n’ Soul All-nighters that attracted people from all over the country, including Jazzie B of Soul II Soul. After a while, the nights fell into place; Thursday was Student Night (as it still is, and ever more shall be), Friday Night was Rock Night (which quickly caught onto the Glam Rock wave that was in vogue at the time), Saturday was Alternative Night (which was rapidly taken over by Goths).

By the late 80s, Glen Mason and Andy Copping were drafted in to run the place, and Rock City carved a reputation across the music industry as a Rockular stronghold with a reputation amongst bands for mental audiences, that always seemed to get hold of bands just before they went massive. The Pogues nearly caused a riot when they introduced Neville and Linval of The Specials onstage for A Message to You Rudi. Ozzy Osbourne caused a proper riot when he couldn’t be arsed to get out of his hotel bed for a gig. Public Enemy’s first gig at Rock City was described in Mojo as the 40th most important event in music history (is was the first time they played Bring The Noise, which they assumed that no-one in England would have heard of, unaware that everyone in the crowd had bought the import from Selectadisc). A Japanese and flew in hundreds of fan club members for a one-off gig. And New Model Army, the only band in the world to have their own touring clog-repairer, seemed to be playing there every other week.

...

Here’s a scary thought; the kids of some of the people who met each other in the club in the early 80s are now going there themselves and throwing up in the very toilets here they were conceived. And on that romantic though, and on behalf of everyone who has ever worked their bollocks off to make the club such a vital place in the hearts of all proper Nottinghamians, we’d like you to raise a pint of cider and black, spill it on the floor, and tread it in until the carpet goes all sticky.

There's two new bars/restaurants opened in town recently.

The first of which is 'Dine' on Warser Gate which opened last night and looks fairly decent. It was packed last night!

The other one is in the place which under prevoius incarnations was Pelhams and Spiders. Its now a Soul or Jazz place or something like that, it looks like theyr've done a really good job of refurbishing the palce though. I just hope that all the scuttlers from The Thurland and Hogs Head don't end up ruining it like they do with most things that open up in that spot.