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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Entertainment
Lynette Pinchess

Cafe on 'cool' Nottingham street Bridlesmith Gate closes

A coffee shop that opened in Nottingham just over a year ago has closed its doors and is now up for let. Barista Lab was one of the new businesses to open up on Bridlesmith Gate last year in a bid to give the pedestrianised street a new lease of life after a string of closures.

Soon after opening in the former Dune shoe shop in May 2022, those who ventured there were impressed. The cafe was described as a "coffee-lover's paradise" by one visitor who added: "The coffee was superb. And a little less pricey than some other high-end coffee places in town." Another customer thought: "Very underrated. Absolutely great prices and coffees."

As well as coffee and milkshakes, food including croissants, paninis, and cakes was served to customers, who had two floors of seating to chose from. Upstairs had a cosy 'living room' with a Chesterfield sofa and armchairs to sink into, a fireplace and wooden crates crafted into coffee tables.

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The pale-green fronted property is being marketed as a fully fitted coffee shop. Neighbours on what was once the city's most exclusive shopping street, include Joules, Flannels and Hugo Boss, plus independent retailers Sneakrverse, Stick and Ribbon, Garms and Relic x Hooked.

Barista Lab in Bridlesmith Gate (Nottingham Post/Marie Wilson)

Bridlesmith Gate took a hit when the Broadmarsh Centre closed down and footfall dwindled in that part of the city centre. Arran Bailey, managing director of property developer ALB Group, bought empty retail units along the street with high-end brands in a bid to create a hub of independent shops, bars and cafes and make Bridlesmith Gate 'cool again'.

Mr Bailey said he'd heard the city centre described as 'vanilla' - and to put that right, some of the buildings now have colourful artwork to create a more vibrant vibe. The coffee shop premises are available on a short or long-term lease with flexible terms and an annual rent of £35,000.

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