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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
National
Olimpia Zagnat

The suburb becoming the 'Covent Garden of Nottingham'

Independent bars and pubs are flourishing in Sneinton - so much so that the area has the potential to become the 'Covent Garden of Nottingham', businesses have said.

Traders say the popular suburb has gone from "strength to strength", with shoppers enjoying its independent renaissance with Sneinton Market the focal point of the area

It's also said that people can enjoy themselves in 'London style'.

Or at least that is what Piers Wheatcroft Baker seems to think, as he clinks a pint of beer with his friend Ollie Perrid at the fancy Bath Inn pub in Bar Lane.

He has previously spoken about why the suburb has the potential to become "the Covent Garden of Nottingham".

Located in London's West End, Covent Garden is known for its luxury fashion and beauty shops and award-winning restaurants and theatres.

Mr Wheatcroft Baker, 56, a rose grower from the famous Wheatcroft family who has reopened the Bath Inn, said: "Sneinton has the potential to attract many investors because it has gone from strength to strength.

"It has everything you need - and now it has a luxurious pub in the heart of the community."

The outlook of the pub is nothing less than luxurious - with enormous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and colour-coordinated furniture.

"I live in Sneinton and I absolutely love it - neighbours are lucky to have everything they need right on their doorstep including a luxurious London-style pub," added Mr Wheatcroft Baker.

"It is moving in the right direction."

His friend Ollie Perrid, 53, who works in property development, agreed, saying: "It is like walking just off Berkeley Square."

Descending on to the Sneinton Market, there is an array of quirky independent shops and the rustic cafe Blend.

While the suburb is fairly busy with shoppers during the daytime, especially when the market stalls are put up over certain weekends, the area becomes a real city hotspot at night.

William Hughes, 31, at the Watered Garden in Sneinton Market. (Olimpia Zagnat)

William Hughes, who works at the Watered Garden in Sneinton Market, added: "I was pleasantly surprised to hear so many people saying that they want to buy units at the market.

"It is usually the people who have started their online businesses during the pandemic, it went well but they missed that face-to-face interaction with customers.

"So it is very encouraging that many consider Sneinton as an area that has footfall, and they see it as an opportunity for investment."

Encouraging progress has also been made on the multi-million-pound Island Quarter project, located nearby.

This development, off the A60 London Road, includes an impressive canalside pavilion with a restaurant and rooftop terrace. Former Masterchef winner Laurence Henry has been named chef patron at Canal Turn.

Mr Hughes, 31, added: "It is the independent businesses, the lively nightlife and everything else that makes Sneinton what it is now."

Danny Semak, manager at Castle Rock pub the Fox and Grapes, agreed with the London comparison.

The 32-year-old said: "It may as well be as good at London - who really knows?

"All I know is that I have been here for the last four or five years, and it is interesting to see it completely transformed from the derelict area that it used to be.

"You have got so many good pubs, and businesses that really make this area great.

"I love being here, and so do many people - so there may be a good reason why we all love it so much."

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