Why we’re telling you

where to go

Let’s share some local knowledge. We’ve spent years of our working lives trying out restaurants, bars, shops, theatres and all the other good venues in Nottingham. It’s been hell. Here’s a pick of the places we like, including those that accept the Heath Reid card, plus others we just thought you should know about.

Tell us where to go

If you’ve got a favourite place you’d like to share then we’d love to hear from you.

The best spots for culture & entertainment

Broadway Cinema / 14 - 18 Broad Street

The East Midlands premiere arts cinema. Broadway is just settling down after a massive refit, with terrifying glass façade; two new film screens and two refurbished bars. But Broadway has kept its soul; and the fond regard of its cosmopolitan clientele. This is still Nottingham’s chosen hub for artists, academics, bright sparks and those who roll their own cigarettes. Great films for everyone, plus courses, special events, mini-festivals and plenty of pioneering in digital arts and media. Phone 9526611.

Cineworld / The Cornerhouse

Cineworld is everything you could ask of a multiplex. It's a short stroll from Market Square. It’s in the Cornerhouse so you’ve got plenty of places to meet people. There are enough screens to cater for all tastes. You can buy polystyrene popcorn (though it’s not cheap). It’s coolly air-conditioned for stifling summer days. And if you’re a real movie buff, there’s a surprisingly good value pass to see all the movies you want. Phone 0871 2002000 (unless you want to talk to a real-live human being, in which case you’ve got to visit).

Lakeside Arts Centre / University Park

Nottingham's only arts centre is also one of the best in the UK. The attractive complex has a range of venues and an exceptional programme of music, dance, theatre, visual art and educational activities. The Djanogly Art Gallery is nationally renowned for its exhibition programme, which ranges from historical shows to groundbreaking new work. The superb acoustics of the Djanogly Recital Hall make it a favourite for concert recordings. The 250-seat Djanogly Theatre hosts a lively programme of drama, dance, music, cinema and comedy, while the Weston Gallery offers archival exhibitions relating to regional culture. There are always several reasons to visit Lakeside and yes; it’s a safe place to take the parents. Combine a show with an exhibition and a meal at one of the two excellent cafés, take a stroll round the lake, shop for some original artwork or even go boating. Phone 8467777.
HR card welcome at Lakeside

Nottingham Playhouse / Wellington Circus

Over the last 50 years Nottingham Playhouse has built a reputation as a major producer of new work, the classics and rediscovered masterpieces. The Playhouse attracts world-renowned actors, as well as performers in music, dance and comedy. Moreover, home-grown Playhouse productions have been seen all over the world: from Edinburgh to Berlin, Birmingham to Tokyo. Peter Moro's famous 1963 Playhouse building looks better than ever with Anish Kapoor's Sky Mirror and Cast restaurant bar (which follows the original 60s bar design). Phone 9419419.
HR card welcome at the Playhouse

The Savoy Cinema / Derby Road

Down to its name, the Savoy’s got everything you expect from a traditional cinema, including couple seats and a proper bar. While they’ve been relaxing on some things recently (none of the films have intervals any more and the chap in the ticket office has stopped wearing a bow tie), it still captures the old-fashioned fun of cinema. Phone 0115 9475812.

The Screen Room / Broad Street

The Screen Room sits comfortably at the other end of the spectrum to Broadway over the street. No trendy bars, exhibitions or multi-screens here. The Screen Room seats 21 people in the 'world’s smallest' single-screen cinema: the corridor is so narrow you can barely squeeze past an oncoming film-lover. But it has bags of character, an enthusiast’s approach and some fantastic cookies to munch while you watch the feature. Book and arrive early if you want a seat next to your date. Phone 0115 9241133.

Rock City, Stealth, The Social & The Rescue Rooms

Nottingham's big four 'indie' venues are all owned by George Aitkins jnr. Rock City is biggest and has the stickiest floors. The Rescue Rooms are a mid-size, more immediate location which tends to host bands from the mildly left-field to the head-banging bonkers. Stealth is the nightclub that mopped up Nottingham's clubbing diaspora when late bars started killing the scene (remember the days of clubs like The Bomb?). The Social (closely linked to the Heavenly record label) is self-consciously down-to-earth and combines the functions of indie venue and drinking den. Phone 08713 100000 for the Box Office.

Royal Concert Hall & Theatre Royal / Theatre Square

The Theatre Royal is a top national touring venue, with the clout to attract the best production companies. The 138 year-old landmark building re-opened in 1978 after a decade of renovation and has since offered classic and contemporary drama, opera, ballet, contemporary dance and West End musicals. The Royal Concert Hall opened in 1982, on the site of the bawdy old Empire Theatre of Varieties. The air-conditioned auditorium seats 2,500 and is known for its fine acoustics and versatility. So it attracts a great range of leading performers, including international concert orchestras, solo musicians, rock bands and comedians, as well as serving for lectures, conferences and exhibitions. Phone 9895555.
HR card welcome at the Royal Centre