When it comes to shopping in Nottingham, it really does depend on what you need as to what part you head to. Some of the areas in town have become real hubs for things like creative studios, quirky or independent shops, Takeaways or even outside dining.
If you need independent shops then Sneinton market normally has you covered but you might head to Maid Marian Way if you wanted to try a curry. Alternatively, if you were interested in eating outside then you might head into Hockley for a bite and a pint in the sun.
There are some roads that are a bit more of a mystery such as Mansfield Road. It's been longer than I care to admit since I lived on Mansfield Road over the top of Natural Food Company so I've seen a lot of changes over the years. It was originally, back in 2013, full of takeaways with a few decent pubs like The Maze but it wasn't really the type of place that you stopped for a chat.
So I set myself a challenge to get to know the road I used to live on and see what I could find for sale these days. I instantly regretted this when I realised I had forgotten that Mansfield Road is up a hill and it's not exactly walking weather at the moment due to a heatwave.
I start my search at the top of the road at the crossroads near Prissy, hair and make-up shop before heading down towards the city centre. Immediately I noticed that the shops that had been vacant during my time there were now filled with art galleries. Although, it's unclear at a glance if these are mini-galleries that hold works in the window or studios where the artist work.
The first studio I came to is the Spit and Sawdust studio which was temporarily closed when I arrived. It showcases a collection of one of Nottingham's most well-known street artists, Kid30's work in the window. It also advertises where you can commission a street art mural for a business or outdoor area. Kid30 is known for his creative cartoon-like characters which pop up across the city.
If you like your art a little closer to your heart then the next studio is the Society Thirteen which specialises in tattoo art. Most tattoo studios don't take walk-ins so you need to book in advance but most will happily chat with you about any plans for work you want to get done.
The next building down is yet another art-related business, the Lauren Paige Art Gallery and Writing Bureau, so I am definitely sensing a theme on Mansfield Road. It seems to be a road split in two: the bottom half near town is a mix of restaurants and takeaways while the top half of the road seems to have created a bit of an arty hub.
I must admit, I'm not in the market for new art and neither is my wallet but it's heartening to see the street looking so lively and the buildings being used. Although I will admit to stopping for a minute outside the former location of The Maze pub to remember some of my memories.
Mansfield Road does still have two absolute pub gems: the Golden Fleece and The Poacher. The Poacher, a Castle Rock pub, is a great visit if you are looking for a quiet pint or a destination pub where you can send a few hours. Despite being constantly busy, the pub is always lively yet never uncomfortably rammed.
Golden Fleece is another great place to pop in and see if you are looking for a sun trap. The bar is deceptive large once you are in it and has recently taken on The Prickly Pear to do food there.
There are a few convenience stores including Best Choice, 24 Express and Cagla. This is great for anyone who wants to pick up a quick drink, ice cream or copy of the Nottingham Post before heading into the Arboretum for a sit-down. I was particularly tempted by the large slices of watermelon outside Cagla off-license.
The middle of Mansfield Road is home to more restaurants and takeaways with Sinn Thai and the Victoria Eastern European Shop. The mix of international cuisines is impressive with Thai, Portuguese, Polish and Korean on the one street along with vegan options. The electric mix seems to suit the street as most of the shops here are a real mix.
When you come to the end of the road there is the Natural Food Company which is a real gem in the city. They make the most amazing gluten-free and vegan pastries which they are more than happy to heat up for you.
All in all, Mansfield is a strange place to go for a wander in but it's one of the quirky things to see or do. Where else could you buy a wig, a painting, a decent pint, an escape room experience, Polish crisps, rolling papers and a package holiday?
That said, it is in need of some love and attention given that some of the stores were closed despite it being mid-afternoon and there were several very closed stores. It was great to see that after all this time, it's still just as lively as I remember it.
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