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Here is today's edition of The Nottinghamian:
Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottingham seems to be a tale of two halves. We have plenty of new businesses that seem to be thriving but also concerns from existing shop owners about the future.
It comes at a time when rising energy costs loom over many business owners. But it has not put some people off taking a leap and setting up shops in Nottingham. We will also take a look at a past Nottingham landmark that was set to modernise the city.
Plans on hold
A city centre chippy's basement bar expansion has been put in danger by 'absolutely crazy' energy bills. The proposed bar underneath the Lace Market Fish Bar in Stoney Street has already been given permission by Nottingham City Council.
The owner of the business had hoped to serve alcohol in the fitted-out basement bar alongside chippy favourites, but he is now reconsidering his options due to soaring energy bills.
Owner Basri Alia, who has traded on Stoney Street for 13 years, said: "Months ago it was an exciting plan but with those bills, I will not be able open the bar at all, but we will have to see. I don't know what we are going to do."
The plans would see space currently used as redundant storage turned into a bar facility, with stairs leading from the front of the shop to a lower floor. In the basement, there would be a bar with a service and preparation area, seating for customers, as well as toilets. Read more on the plans here.
Designer addition
Nottingham's shopping scene has a new addition as a designer clothing store opened this weekend. Mint Duck has now opened its doors in Middle Pavement, just off Bridlesmith Gate.
It is the latest independent store to open in the area following a tough few years for the street. The Bridlesmith Gate shopping area had been struggling after a string of closures, high rents as well as Covid impacting sales.
Mint Duck offers a range of premium clothing from established brands such as Lacoste and Gant plus both footballer Jesse Lingard's brands Be Yourself and children's clothing Jlingz.
Manager Jane Collingham said: "This area is reclaiming its fashion hub reputation and we want to get people back into the city as opposed to shopping online. I think people have missed shopping in person. It's good to get people into the store to shop and actually see things in person."
Weather and trivia
Weather: Variable cloud, sunny spells and further scattered showers on Wednesday. These will be heavy and thundery at times, most likely during the afternoon. However, feeling warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 23 °C.
Pollen: Low
Further reading: Nottingham maternity review: Why everyone needs to be paying attention
Trivia question: Which Nottinghamshire village gets an influx of Batman fans every year?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts nostalgia
Not only does Nottingham have a network of caves under the city, we also had a vast collection of underpasses. Whilst many in the city have since been removed, back in the 1960s you could navigate the city centre through the concrete network.
They allowed pedestrians to get from one side of a main road to another without having to wait for the traffic to stop. On paper, this sounded like a good idea but these underpasses often felt unsafe, especially for women. Not to mention the smell!
Some of these subways still exist in the suburbs but the Maid Marian Way underpass, which was complete with a news kiosk, has since been demolished. Parliament Square and Tollhouse Hill both had concrete underpasses that have also been replaced by new surface crossings.
These landmarks were certainly a reflection of that time period for Nottingham, when the old systems and architecture were changed for a modern take. Yet despite how up-to-date they were meant to be, places like these 60s underpasses and Broadmarsh Shopping Centre really didn't stand the test of time and have become just another part of the city's past.
Back to the 80s
A unique arcade bar is potentially coming to Nottingham after already having success in other cities including Manchester, Liverpool and London. NQ64 has received funding that would allow them to expand and bosses are considering coming to Nottingham.
The bars are themed around retro video games with many arcades to choose from including PacMan, Nintendo64 and Guitar Hero. Operations manager for NQ64, Clint Ghent is based in Cotgrave and says they are looking at having a venue in the Lace Market or Hockley.
The investment needed to open a NQ64 in Nottingham is expected to be from £700,000 to £1 million. He said: "We are a city centre destination bar and there is a really great life night here. It's a real no-brainer for any upcoming bar looking to expand. It's a great blend of different types of people from professionals to students. It's been high on our agenda at NQ64." Find out more here.
All change
The Old Flower Shop in Mapperley opened its doors for the first time seven years ago and is now ready for a change. The Woodborough Road craft beer bar will close for 10 days whilst they make improvements that are set to make it look like a "brand new" bar.
The £175,000 overhaul will see it shut from 5pm on Sunday, September 11 until the refurb is complete on the 23rd. The bar will not see any major structural changes and is keeping its name but apart from that, everything is getting a revamp.
They will ditch the wood-heavy interior and instead, the bar will have a "softer" look with a palette of green, pink and gold. Living up to its name there will be blooms, flower pots and a faux living wall. The televisions, which haven't shown sport for a while, will be removed.
The outdoor seating area is also having a makeover to make it cosier and more inviting and a new menu will be added. There will also be a greater emphasis placed on the daytime trade, especially with more local residents swapping the office for working from home. All fixtures and fittings that are no longer needed are being sold off. Read more about the plans 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, which Nottinghamshire village gets an influx of Batman fans every year, is Gotham.
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