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Here is the Nottinghamian from Friday, February 17.
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian takes a look at the advanced talking taking place regarding Victoria Market's future. It comes as a decision looms over the future of the 50-year-old market's future.
We will also take a look at the closure of a popular city restaurant and teachers facing a second round of industrial action. Plus we have a new addition to Nottingham's shopping offer as well as a recommendation for this weekend.
Advanced talks
Nottingham City Council has confirmed it is in advanced talks with Victoria Market traders over compensation as a decision looms on the possible closure of the market. The authority first recommended in August 2022 that it should end the current lease for the market to save more than £39million.
But the council said no firm decision had been made and traders say they have been "left in the dark" since the initial announcement. Two traders at the historic market have announced their permanent closure in the last month. On the compensation plans, a city council spokesperson said: "We will now need to undertake further work to consider whether this represents best value for taxpayers before a final decision is taken on the future of the market."
Mona Dhingra has been running her beauty salon Mona's Beauty Bar for 15 years at the market in Victoria Centre and said they feel like they "have been made homeless". Commenting on the compensation deal, Mona added: "It is not enough for us. We need our business. With our business, you need to be established to be able to move. We need to start telling our customers where we are going to move but we don't know yet because the council have not told us." Read more here.
Closure
A popular Nottingham smokehouse restaurant has confirmed it will be closing due to the cost of living crisis. Red's True Barbecue, Queen Street, near the Brian Clough Statue, informed customers of the sad news by way of a note attached outside of the premises.
Labelled 'The Church of True BBQ', the meat-lovers' eaterie was one of the city centre's most popular restaurants with its towering burgers and feasts of ribs, brisket, wings and pulled pork. A cocktail bar was also in operation inside the restaurant. As per the Red's True Barbecue website, there are now five of its restaurants in cities including Leeds, Bradford and Hull. Their diner in Manchester is also temporarily closed.
The company also highlighted 'business costs' as a factor for their decision. A message on the note outside the Nottingham restaurant read: "Sorry for the inconvenience, but due to business costs and the cost-of-living crisis Red's True BBQ will be closing for the unseeable (sic) future. Thank you to everyone that that has been with us over the years, it has been an absolute pleasure!"
Weather and trivia
Weather: Dry and bright, with some sunny spells during Saturday morning. Becoming cloudier in the afternoon, with some outbreaks of rain arriving later. Breezy and mild. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Inspirational teenager remains positive despite terminal cancer diagnosis
Trivia question: Nottingham was originally called Snotingham, but what did it mean?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Recommendation
Name: Canalhouse
Address: 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
Cuisine: Craft beers and pub classics
The weather has taken a turn this week. The days are starting to get that little bit brighter and the sun is taking just that little bit longer to set. Evenings spent in beer gardens are set to be upon us once more. While we still have a way to go before summer, the Canalhouse provides a great taste of days to come.
Set on the banks of Nottingham's canal, the iconic pub is perfect for these milder days. Housed in a Grade II-listed former canal museum, the pub is famous for having a canal that extends inside the building, complete with resident narrow boats and a foot bridge.
This trailblazing pub paved the way for Nottingham’s craft beer scene and is a must-visit venue for beer lovers. A versatile food menu is served daily, from pub classics and Sunday roasts to changing specials. With the canal as your backdrop, a large beer garden and cosy interior provides the perfect spot to while away the hours.
Round two
Teachers across Nottinghamshire will strike again next month, with a union planning its largest ever demonstration in the city. Members of the National Education Union (NEU) will walk out on March 1 in a dispute over pay, exactly one month after the previous strike. The union said it is planning a march from Forest Recreation Ground to Old Market Square at 12pm for speeches and a rally. The NEU said it will be its largest demonstration ever in Nottingham.
Nick Raine, senior regional officer in the East Midlands, said: "Teachers in Nottinghamshire care passionately about their schools and the pupils they teach. After over a decade of pay cuts and decimated school budgets, they feel they have a duty to stand up for teachers, pupils and education and demand that our schools are properly funded."
He added: "No teacher takes strike action lightly but our members feel they have been given no choice. This is a strike to not only improve teacher retention, but to secure a better future for children across Notts." The Department for Education has been contacted for comment.
New addition
A city centre shop has undergone a full makeover as it prepares to welcome shoppers this weekend. 11 The Poultry is now hot pink as sustainable fashion brand Lucy & Yak prepares to open its fourth UK store on Saturday (18 February). The popular clothing company has taken over the former JoJo Maman Bébé store, which decided to vacate following their lease expiry.
Lucy & Yak is known for its comfy, organic fabrics, especially dungarees which have become one of the company's bestsellers. Chris Renwick, co-founder of Lucy & Yak, said: "The city is full of arts, culture and history. This will extend our physical store presence to the East Midlands where we can reach even more of our community and continue building our Re:Yaks network. The shop is in a fantastic position close to good, quality operators with good footfall throughout the day."
Acting on behalf of the private landlord, property consultants FHP worked to lease the space. Oliver Marshall, director at FHP Property Consultants, added: "This is a great result for Nottingham. Lucy & Yak have got a huge following which continues to grow and for them to choose Nottingham as the latest destination for their next store is testament to the city.
"This bright and colourful brand have already made a real statement with their shop fitting works underway including a bright pink shop front you cannot miss. It is exciting to see new and upcoming retailers taking space and choosing Nottingham for their ongoing growth plans."
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 - Nottingham was originally called Snotingham, but what did it mean? - is the town of snot people. Lovely!
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