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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Have you ever been to the city centre and struggled to decide which bar or restaurant you should try? Well, today's edition of the Nottinghamian focuses on a new app which helps you make that all-important decision.
We will also discuss the findings of a hospitality expert on the future of Nottingham's high streets as well as the Beeston pubs making decisions over whether to keep their outdoor heating on this winter. Plus we have a round-up of the top ten things to do this week across Nottingham from pumpkin picking to beer festivals.
'Appy days
Having always been asked for recommendations of the best spots in town, a Nottingham bar owner has created an app to share the very best Notts businesses. We Are Floot (For the Love Of Our Town) has been devised by Neil Dollochin, who runs Tilt. The free app features 200 of Nottingham's unique and quirky cafes, bars and restaurants.
All the businesses are independents and Neil said, unlike chains, they don't have big budgets for marketing and trends analysis but the app gives them a platform to promote themselves for free. Amongst those featured are coffee and lunch spots Cartwheel Coffee and Roastery, Tough Mary's Bakehouse and Hop's Coffee House and Bar.
Restaurants Bar Gigi, No. Twelve, Bonzai Sushi and Noodle Bar, Bar Iberico and Clean Cut Kitchen are on the app and bars including The Magic Garden, Junkyard, Penny Lane, Tier and 31k have also signed up. Neil said: "'Just like that friendly bartender who recommends where to go next We Are Floot is always plugged-in to all the best spots in town. We want to create a community of independents and customers. Nottingham is lucky, there are some amazing places."
For business owners, the app couldn't have come at a more appropriate time as every sale can make the difference in these precarious times. Neil said: "I genuinely believe we can do some good. The theory is great, we just need people behind it." Read more here.
'Perfect storm'
A hospitality expert has delivered his verdict on how Nottingham's restaurants and venues could change in the future on the back of the recent closures in the city due to 'skyrocketing' running costs. Guy Lincoln from Nottingham Trent University said: "The problem that we have now is amplified because all these restaurants have used all their spare cash getting through the pandemic.
"So if it had been without the pandemic - they might have had enough cash to survive this scenario. When you add that to the running costs that have gone through the roof - you have the perfect storm." The expert identified Nottingham as a "tier two city" for chain restaurants - which means established companies would look at opening venues in cities like Manchester or Liverpool before taking our city as an option. This puts local businesses at the forefront of the industry locally.
But, local businesses felt the crisis even more - as many of them had to use their cash during the pandemic. "The only restaurants that are going to survive this economic crisis are the ones that have investments, so the chain restaurants, because they have the cash", Mr Lincoln added. For our Nottingham businesses, Mr Lincoln added: "My understanding of Nottingham is that it is more of an independent scene. So it is knocking them harder because there are more independents in Nottingham."
However, the expert said he is "amazed" by the number of new venues popping up on high streets. Another possible saving grace could be the growing hospitality market targeting students. Read more about the findings here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Early fog clearing slowly leaving a fine morning with light winds on Tuesday. Cloud will increase during the afternoon as the wind freshens. Maximum temperature 15 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Jake Bugg opens up on the 'support of Nottingham' as he prepares for huge hometown gig
Trivia question: The roads on the Lunar Estate in Bulwell are named after what?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
What's on
Unplugged, Peggy's Skylight - Saturday 15th, 12-3:30pm
Spend Saturday afternoon surrounded by jazz at Peggy's Skylights. Their musicians will be performing in a laid-back session which enables you to chat, drink and dine. The acoustic performances are ample opportunity to sample the menu or take a break from the hustle and bustle of city centre shopping. Tickets are free and can be booked. An option to leave a tip for the musicians will be added to the bill. Find out more here.
Girl from the North Country, Theatre Royal - Tuesday 11 till Saturday 15
Celebrated playwright Conor McPherson boldly reimagines the legendary songs of Bob Dylan, in a heartbreaking and universal story about family and love. Set in 1934 in the heartland of America, we meet a group of wayward souls who cross paths in a time-weathered guesthouse. Standing at a turning point in their lives, they realize nothing is what it seems. But as they search for a future, and hide from the past, they find themselves facing unspoken truths about the present. Book tickets here.
CAMRA Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival, Trent Bridge - Wednesday 12 to Saturday 15
The annual event returns to Trent Bridge cricket ground with a massive selection of real ales. Covering the widest possible range of beer styles, including many modern variations such as new England IPAs, American Imperial Stouts, Berliner-style Weiss beers, Sours and Saisons, alongside many classical styles and old favourites. The ticket price includes nine tokens for three half pints of most beers and ciders. Book here.
Black History Month, Bink's Yard, Island Quarter - Saturday 15 and Sunday 16
The Canal & Rivers Trust and the newly opened Binks Yard are inviting people down to the canal side to enjoy a celebration of black artists and performers. In one of Nottingham's newest venues, you'll be able to enjoy DJ sets, live music, spoken word performances and more. Book your free tickets here.
The Tiger Who Came To Tea, Theatre Royal - Wednesday 12 – Saturday 15
Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated smash hit show, The Tiger Who Came to Tea returns on tour. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big, stripy tiger! Join the tea-guzzling tiger in the delightful family show; packed with oodles of magic, sing-a-long songs and clumsy chaos. Find out more here.
Mayhem Film Festival, Broadway Cinema - Thursday 13 - Sunday 16
The 18th international horror, sci-fi and cult film festival returns for four days this week. Founded in 2005 by filmmakers Steven Sheil and Chris Cooke, Mayhem festival screens the best in contemporary horror, science-fiction and cult cinema and television from around the world. The event features premieres, previews, masterclasses, international special guest filmmakers and unique live cinema events. See the full schedule here.
‘Pick Your Own’ Pumpkins, Oaks Lane, Oxton - Friday 14 - Monday 31
Get ready for Halloween by picking your own pumpkin. There are thousands to choose from and Little Schnauzer Coffee Company and Rocket Dogs will be providing the snacks. There is no need to book for pumpkin picking, and it is free entry. Find out more here.
Steaming Days, Papplewick Pumping Station - Saturday 15 - Sunday 16, 10:30am – 4pm
Enjoy a fascinating day out at Britain's finest Victorian waterworks by visiting one of their Steaming Days. The pumping station will be in steam with a 1940s-themed weekend. There will be allied troops, civilian displays, re-enactors as well as vintage vehicles and trade stalls. Tickets can be bought online and from the museum shop on the day of the visit. Read more here.
Light up Mushroom workshop, Lakeside Arts - Sunday 16
As part of an interactive installation at Lakeside Arts, visitors can join in for a workshop creating their very own light-up mushroom. The Garden of Just Because installation is inspired by the micro view of a garden and the invisible world underneath the soil. There will be a chance to explore the artwork before taking home your own creation. It is suitable for ages 8-12 and costs £8.
ABBA Disco Wonderland, Rock City - Tuesday 11
Widely regarded as the UK’s best - and the biggest - ABBA tribute club night, the event is for anyone and everyone that loves disco, dancing and the Swedish supergroup’s timeless classics. The audience can expect to hear pure ABBA hits throughout the night. The group's definitive tracks like Mamma Mia, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! and Voulez Vous will all be thrown into the mix along with a healthy sprinkling of the best 70s and 80s floor fillers. Dressing up for the occasion is strongly encouraged, with prizes up for grabs for the best-dressed audience. Tickets here.
Difficult decisions
Independent pub owners are facing difficult decisions when it comes to balancing bills and keeping customers content during the cost of living crisis. Some pubs in Beeston have been forced to reconsider outdoor heating, despite the looming winter months.
Signs went up across the outdoor area in the popular Victoria Hotel on Dovecote Lane stating that the pub regretted not being able to switch heaters on. The managing director said customers have been supportive despite the signs and by being frugal now, they can keep the heating on when they really need it.
The Crown pub on Church Street is assessing its heater usage as well, but not all of the heaters there are electric. Electric heaters are cheaper to run than gas and some nights can see up to six canisters a night can be used if it's full. A spokesperson confirmed that they aren't making any decisions now but will assess in the future to make a choice then.
The nearby Star Inn on Middle Street currently has two electric heaters in their smoking area. Owner Damien McGrath says their heating contract will not come to an end for another two years so they have been lucky. Despite this, the pub is cutting costs where it can for customers. Damien said: "We are trying our best to keep prices where they are so the business has taken that on. We understand that people have a finite amount of money and drinking is an expendable expense." Read more here.
That’s all for today
Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.
The answer to today’s trivia question, the roads on the Lunar Estate in Bulwell are named after what, is Apollo astronauts.
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