Nottingham is home to many amazing businesses, cute cafes, independent restaurants and small shops which are dotted across the city centre. However, some of them may be hidden away down tiny side streets or off the beaten track completely.
There has never been a better time to support independents as many are finding it increasingly difficult due to cost of living increases, energy crisis and raw material price increases. It can sometimes be really difficult to find places to go.
If you fancy supporting small businesses then we have a few suggestions to get you started. These are just some of the amazing places to pop in if you are shopping in the city centre.
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1 - Beer cavern
Flying horse walk
The Beer Cavern in Flying Horse Walk has a huge range of different international and local beers. There are also ciders and natural wines available for non-beer drinkers. The team have sourced a little of everything from Italian beer to gluten-free options to a full vegan range.
The artwork itself on the cans is worthy of collecting and displaying including colourful options from Sneinton-based favourites, Neon Raptor. Staff are also very knowledgeable about what they sell so don't be afraid to approach the professionals if you need a bit of advice on what to buy.
2 - The Hungry Ghost
Cobden Chambers
The Hungry Ghost in Cobden Chambers on Long Row is a treasure trove of hidden pieces you never knew you needed. The shop on the ground floor stocks a wide range of pieces from independent creatives including prints, bags and vintage finds.
Not only that but you can also stop for a quick bite to eat in the Hungry Ghost cafe which is also on the same floor. You can't beat a good piece of cake while shopping.
3 - Studio Chocolate
Thurland Street and Cobden Chambers
We all love a box of chocolates at Christmas and new year, or two if we are honest about it, but Studio Chocolate has created the unusual option of being able to curate your own. If you stop by the shop in Cobden Chambers then you can select the exact chocolates that make up the box you buy.
Alternatively, if you are feeling really inspired then you can buy a gift voucher to join one of their chocolate-making workshops. There are lots of different options available with beginner classes starting at £60 and children's classes at £32 per person.
4 - The Cheese Shop
Flying Horse Walk
While as you might expect given the name of the shop, there are plenty of unusual cheeses mixed among old favourites and classics, you may be surprised to hear there are lots of different gift options available. You can find lots of local produce including an excellent range of chutneys and crackers. Just the thing to accompany a good cheddar or two.
If you are feeling stuck for inspiration, the team at the Cheese Shop have an un-brie-lievable amount of knowledge about their products. They are always worth chatting to for a good cheese recommendation or two and can help you put together the perfect board.
5 - Five Leaves Bookshop
Long Row
Five Leaves is one of those places where it feels like a little oasis of calm in the middle of a hectic high street. The independent bookshop has something for everyone from politics to poetry with a good amount of fiction and non-fiction novels too.
While you may come for a book, it's worth picking up a leaflet about the literary events which take place throughout the year. Not only that but the shop stocks tea towels, badges and t-shirts which also make excellent gifts.
6 - The Hungry Pumpkin
High Pavement
High Pavement is not an alleyway but the Hungry Pumpkin makes one of the best coffees in Nottingham so it's definitely worth venturing further up the quiet side street. The cafe has a range of authentic Italian produce which could make an excellent stocking filler for the foodie in your life or anyone like us who just loves food.
While you might be shopping for a food gift for someone, it's worth taking the time to slow down and enjoy the warm atmosphere, excellent food and treat yourself to a coffee while you take it all in.
7 - Hidden Garmz
Long Row
Hidden Garmz vintage is tucked away down Long Row and on the second floor of Hidden nightclub. It quickly gathered a reputation among fashion fans as the place to go to find vintage clothing. The shop started life as a pop-up before becoming a regular feature of the warehouse.
8 - That weird Shop
Southwell Road
There is truly something for everyone at That Weird Shop on Southwell Street and you never know what you might find. The shop has a strong focus on the collectable, the curious and the vintage finds so it's perfect for the environmentally conscious, collector or nostalgia fans in your life.
If you are feeling a bit brave then head down to the haunted basement where you can sit inside an actual real-life coffin or take in the many dolls that line the walls.
9 - Handmade Nottingham
Kings Walk
If you fancy giving a Nottingham- inspired gift then Handmade is a great shout as it stocks not only work by local artists or creatives but themed items too. After all, where else could you find a postcard of the Council House or a Rock City coaster?
The team at Handmade have literally thought of everything that it's possible to sell from temporary tattoos to nail stickers. You can also purchase and feel happy knowing you've helped to support a truly local business or artist.
10 - Nottingham Contemporary
Weekday Cross
It might not cross your mind to pop into an art gallery to find a Christmas gift unless you were thinking of buying a pricey painting but the gift shop at Nottingham Contemporary is worth a stop. The shop stocks everything from quirky jewellery to prints and has a decent selection of books. Incredibly well stocked and curated, it's possible to pick up something for everyone's stocking in here from fridge magnets to drag queen playing cards.
It's worth venturing downstairs into the cafe where Sap Plants have filled a display with every possible houseplant you can think of. Perfect for indoor gardeners, and enthusiasts and making a house feel properly like a home.
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