A hidden gem, a tucked away hideout, call it what you will but word is out about Beeston's "best kept secret". It's two weeks since the new coffee shop, The Hideaway, opened in the town.
Away from the hubbub of the main shopping area, High Road, it can be found on Nuart Road, a side street near the library and Roundhill School. Located beneath the Quadrant, a multi-storey building with offices, meeting rooms and a gym, it's already attracting trade from workers and parents on the school run.
When the shutter goes up it brings the outside in, with two main seating areas. On a warm day, the outer undercover area is most likely to be popular, but on a cooler days, inside is cosy and laid back.
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With a chilled soundtrack in the background, plant life and plenty of wood incorporated into the contemporary interior design, it has a natural, almost spa-like feel and a menu that's fresh and free of fast fried food.
General manager Jasmine Bricknell said: "I really love fact it's not just on the high street. I don't feel like I'm in Beeston when I'm here. It's Beeston's best kept secret. It is a hideaway, just that little bit out the way."
Jasmine's background has always been in hospitality since starting her first job at the Star pub collecting glasses and waitressing and more recently she was supervisor at The Beeston Social. The Quadrant's owners, William May Holdings, presented her with a blank canvas, giving her free rein to both draw up the menu and create the look.
She said: "The concept for me started because I was in Beeston and there was nowhere I could go for a really delicious healthy salad. I could go to Tesco and get a meal deal but I couldn't get a delicious, healthy food.
"It's not a health menu but it's got some healthy things on it. It stays away from chips and burgers - it's all fresh. I came up with the whole thing pretty much."
Opening from 9am, Monday to Friday, the menu starts with breakfasts of overnight oats, croissants stuffed with cheese and ham, and avocado and scrambled egg, pepped up with chilli and lime. Sandwiches have fillings such as bacon, grape and brie, ham and wasabi mayo, and halloumi and avocado.
Much of the menu is gluten-free and the cheese can be replaced by a vegan alternative so nothing is off limits. Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, soft drinks and fruit juices are served - or you could have a glass of wine.
For lunch there's a range of salads from chicken Caesar to goat's cheese plus poke bowls with spicy salmon or chickpea and crispy tofu. Kids have their own lunch box with a choice of ham, cheese or chocolate sandwiches, a piece of fruit and either Mini Cheddars or a Penguin.
Jasmine said: "It's been a really fun project. It's been really nice to see the engagement it's had with people just walking past. I wanted it to have the relaxed vibe of a spa. There was loads of different names to play around with like the Sanctuary but Hideaway was just perfect really.
"The first couple of days we didn't know what it expect. Because it's hidden away we were thinking no one's going to make the trip from High Road, even though it's not that far to come to us but it's been really good. There's offices upstairs anyway and the school literally just there."
Outside, the side wall is decorated with a colourful mural. Rows of books, all with Nottinghamshire references such as HP Sauce, D.H. Lawrence and Robin Hood, created by community artist Anna Wheelhouse. She has also painted the borders of green leaves within the coffee shop.
Adding to the natural look are the sturdy wooden tables, crafted out of reclaimed materials, and wood panelled walls. Dog walkers are welcome to pop in and with plug sockets and wi-fi, it's a peaceful environment with coffee on tap for anyone wanting to work on their laptop.
Customer Mick Jackson, who popped in for a takeaway drink, said: "I work in the building. It's very handy. I've not managed to try the food yet but the coffee's great and it's always friendly customer service."
The Hideaway closes at the weekends but will open especially for one-off events such as a bottomless brunch and cheese and wine, or the space can be hired out for private parties.
