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Hello,
Today's edition of the Nottinghamian focuses on Victoria Market traders' uncertain future. It comes after the city council announced it was to end the lease on the Victoria Centre markets.
We will also take a look at a Nottinghamshire pub winning big at the 'Pub Oscars' and a popular Indian restaurant closing. Wetherspoons pubs across the city are taking part in their 12-day beer festival with pints at just £1.99. Plus we head into Slab Square to get reaction to the hot topic of the day.
In the dark
Traders say they are still in the dark over their future at the Victoria Centre market, almost two months after Nottingham City Council said it was minded to end the lease. The once bustling Victoria Market was home to more than 200 stalls, having stood for five decades, however today it is but a shadow of its former self.
Towards the end of last year, traders began hearing rumours the city council had been planning to end the lease for the market in a bid to save money, and in January of 2022 their fears became reality. Two months after the council's announcement, traders are none-the-wiser as to when they may be forced out. "We are still in limbo," says Nick Clark, of Cobblers and Keys.
He added: "We do not want to move, but we have been looking at where to move, but we do not know where yet. If and when they do decide I have got to find somewhere I can afford, and that is difficult at the moment. It is difficult to make plans if you don't know whether you'll have a business at the end of it."
Will Swift, the co-owner of the Madhouse Nut Centre, said: "It has been a complete shambles. I have emailed, I have tried contacting Linda Woodings, the interim councillor for markets, but they don't have to reply. If the council is looking for us to relocate now, how can we? Energy bills are high, we've got the costs of living." He added: "Can they even afford to close it? It has made me feel sick, it is a complete joke." Read more here.
'Devastated'
An award-winning Indian restaurant has announced it will be closing later this month. Masala Junction opened seven years ago in the old NatWest Bank on the corner of Mansfield Road and Hucknall Road, Carrington, offering refined dining in relaxed surroundings.
A poignant message on Facebook blamed rising costs faced by the hospitality industry and said it was "with a heavy heart" the restaurant would be closing down. "We've been so grateful for the support we've received from our guests and community, however, the challenges in the last few years have been unrelenting.
"Although our amazing team has worked hard overcoming the unforeseen trials facing our industry during and post-pandemic, the cost of running a restaurant has nevertheless skyrocketed. With the weight of continued price increases on our minds and the fact that we don't wish to outprice our guests either, it's with a heavy heart that we've made the decision to close our doors on Saturday 15th October."
The restaurant won the title of Best Indian at the Nottinghamshire Food and Drink Awards 2018 and Best Neighbourhood Restaurant at the Nottingham Restaurant & Bar Awards the following year. Customers described it as a "lovely classy restaurant" with impeccable service. Fans are dismayed by the closure announcement. One said: "We’re devastated. It’s always been amazing there, the quality of the food is exceptional and the service is absolutely spot on." Read more.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Cloud building through the morning bringing some very patchy light rain on Thursday. Bright spells later may be interspersed with a few blustery showers. Remaining windy. Maximum temperature 18 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Nottingham's Chopstix Noodle bar to give away 100 free meals
Trivia question: The Mayflower Pilgrims became some of the first settlers in the USA, but where were they from?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts says
As Prime Minister Liz Truss took to the stage at the Conservative Party conference today amidst mounting pressure, we asked the people of Nottingham: "Is it time to call for a general election?"
James Wilson, 25, from the city centre said: "Yes I think we should. The government is in a complete state and we need more stability and change."
Mary Cooper, 75, from Mapperley added: "We can't keep going on like we are but I am not sure if this is the right time. Would it just make things more unstable?"
Steve Turner, 53, from Mansfield said: "I would really like to see Labour get in. I have voted for them all my life. I hope they could do it but I am not sure. I wouldn't want a general election and then the Tories get in again."
Family-friendly
A pub which values families has won a prestigious national award at the 'Pub Oscars'. Ye Olde Bridge in Oxton took the crown for Best for Families - one of the 18 categories. The Great British Pub Awards' mission is to recognise and reward the finest pubs and put "bums on seats and pride in teams" across the country.
The pub, in Nottingham Road, beat five rivals to the title including another Notts contender, the Railway in Lowdham. It's four years since Hannah Lloyd took over Ye Olde Bridge. Taking to the stage at the award ceremony in Manchester she said: "Everyone comes from seven to 70 and it's important in our industry to cater for all different ages."
Hannah added: "Ye Olde Bridge makes sure it’s a community-focused hub, with weekday coffee mornings for new mums, or tai chi and yoga classes in the huge meadow to the rear, performing an important role in bringing people together in a rural location where high street coffee chains can’t be found. "
The pub has a playground, a soft play dome and a maze to keep the kids entertained, but it’s a venue that puts as much value on 70th birthday parties as celebrations for the youngest members of the family. Other Nottinghamshire contenders included the Dog & Parrot in Eastwood, who were up for Community Hero. The Kitchen at the Cross Keys in Epperstone had also been bidding for the Best Pub for Food title.
Beer festival
Wetherspoon pubs across Nottingham will be hosting a 12-day real ale festival. Fifteen chains will be selling ales brewed using only British-grown hop varieties. The pubs will host the festival from Wednesday, October 12, to Sunday, October 23.
A selection of up to 30 real ales will be on offer, including three overseas brewers who have brewed their beers in England for the festival. A number of the ales will also be available in the pubs for the first time, including some brewed especially for the festival. The ales will be priced at £1.99 a pint.
Nottingham pubs taking part include the Roebuck Inn, Joseph Else, Lloyds No.1 Bar, The Gooseberry Bush and The Trent Bridge Inn. Find out 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 Mayflower Pilgrims became some of the first settlers in the USA, but where were they from, is Bassetlaw.
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