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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Friday's (October 21) Nottinghamian newsletter takes a look at the success after success for one of the city's restaurants. Kushi-ya has had a whirlwind of a week after being reviewed by a renowned food critic, appearing in the Michelin guide and, on Friday, there were customers queuing before it even opened.
We will also discuss the Nottingham talent on display at the return of Hockley Hustle music festival and a spooky surprise has been popping up around tram stops. Plus I recommend a bar you should try this weekend which is all about the ambiance.
"Icing on the cake"
What a week it has been for one of Nottingham's best-loved restaurants. First Kushi-ya was catapulted into the national spotlight by restaurant critic Jay Rayner who proclaimed it brilliant value, utterly delicious and his "restaurant of the year". Now, the Japanese grill has been named one of the Michelin inspectors' favourite new restaurants.
The inspection has earned it recognition in the revered worldwide food bible. Tucked away down Cannon Court, an alleyway off Long Row, the restaurant has earnt a huge following since starting out as a pop-up. Simon Carlin and Tom Clay, who met whilst working at Iberico World Tapas, are behind Kushi-ya.
Simon said: "We’re thrilled to have been recognised and listed in the Michelin Guide. After a great review in the Guardian this week this is just the icing on the cake for the team. We love what we do and will continue to knock out great tasting food at a reasonable price." Customers have been seen queuing for Kushi-ya to open on Friday, so it's safe to say the restaurant is the hottest in town. Read more here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Saturday likely dry and bright with winds easing slightly, but the risk of a shower returns into the evening. Maximum temperature 17 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottinghamshire pub that used to serve impressive carvery closes
Trivia question: What year does the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claim to have been established?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Recommendation
Name: Hockley Arts Club
Address: 20a Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NN
Cuisine: Bar, charcuterie and afternoon tea
Tucked away off the busy Hockley streets you will find a Nottingham staple. Hockley Arts Club is spread out over three floors of a Grade II listed building. They take pride in their bespoke cocktail offerings but also provide a wide selection of wines and beers.
Each floor has a completely different vibe, leaving you with so much to explore. The main level is called the Blue Rooms which is decorated as a traditional Victorian saloon bar. You can sink into Chesterfield sofas and regal booths whilst being waited on at your table. If you feel peckish, every evening the Blue Rooms serve charcuterie and cheese boards.
The very top floor is the Electric Garden which is the perfect spot for a photo-worthy gin and tonic. The room is fitted with a neon blossom tree, with petals covering the celling. Take a trip to the bottom floor and you will find the Stockholm level. Fitted with wooden panelling and traditional mid-century features, the bar hosts DJs on Friday and Saturday nights.
During the weekends, Hockley Arts Club do bottomless afternoon tea where guests can enjoy homemade treats including sandwiches, cakes and a scone or two alongside bottomless prosecco for a whole 90 minutes and their signature iced-tea-pot cocktail. If bottomless isn’t your thing they have a two drink or two mocktail option too. A weekend spent at Hockley Arts Club will certainly be one to remember.
Notts talent on show
Drag bingo, a spoken word collective and a legendary reggae sound system feature in the 350-strong bill performing across 30 venues for the epic all day Hockley Hustle on Sunday. It will be the first event in three years and aims to showcase the best of Nottingham talent.
Every genre of music will be represented, as the streets of Hockley get set to bring the noise. The festival will take place across multiple venues from 2pm including Rough Trade, The Angel, The Bodega, Jamcafe, Hockley Arts Cafe and Bar Eleven. There will be street food on Heathcoat Street and Hockley Helles Lager is supporting the festival with their long-term partner, Castle Rock Brewery.
Proceeds from the Hockey Hustle will support local charities including Imara, Base 51, Emmanuel House, BME Cancer Communities and a Nottingham food bank. The festival has a long history in the city centre spanning 15 years and has managed to raise more than £200,000 for charity from the sale of tickets and merchandise. The full line up has been released and can be found here.
Spooky spellings
While you're out-and-about in the run up to Halloween, you might notice some 'spooky' changes to your usual tram stops. Operator NET has been getting into the Halloween spirit, installing some twists on tram stop signs across Nottingham this week.
Tram bosses are encouraging customers to try and spot fake names, with 'Old Market Scare' and 'University Boo-louvard' among some of the highlights. There is a total of 17 names to find and NET are asking people to dress up and take photos by the signs. From Nottingrim Station to Shadows Embankment, there are plenty of spooky spelling horrors to spot.
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, what year does the Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem claim to have been established, is 1189.
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