"Restaurants, shops and pubs to rival many a bigger city"

"The UK’s seventh richest city, and the mythical home of Robin Hood has restaurants, shops and pubs to rival many a bigger city.” 
The Times Online

Shopping

Nottingham is in the UK's top 10 shopping destinations according to a 2010 retail survey, and with over 1,000 shops the reason is clear.

Highstreet

You will find an array of highstreet shops and good department stores in the city centre. The Victoria Centre and Broadmarsh Centre offer hours of indoor shopping. The Market Square is perfect to hang out in, either by the fountains in Summer or around the German market in Winter.

"The city has an especially festive feel around December when the German Christmas Market takes over the main square."

Harriet Goodwin, BA in Art History 

Designers

Those with a penchant for high-style should head to the Lace market area of the city. Nottingham has a number of designer outlets to offer, including:

• Vivienne Westwood
• Hugo Boss
• Kurt Geiger
• Karen Millen
• Ted Baker
• Paul Smith

Vintage and boutique

The historical area of Hockley offers a range of boutiques and independent outlets selling vintage and alternative garments, retro furnishings and vinyl records galore. Try The Vintage Warehouse on Lower Parliament Street for cheap and cheerful finds.

Fine food and art

There is more to shopping in the city than fashion. The Exchange Arcade and Flying Horse Walk house beautiful artworks, gorgeous cheeses and deli treats. A Fine Food Market is held in Market Square on the third Friday and Saturday of every month.

Eating out

Tea shops

Nottingham has plenty of alternatives to mainstream coffee shops. The Walk Cafe serves quirky afternoon tea in mismatching china and Lee Rosy’s offers an exciting variety of teas.

Pubs

Nottingham is great for finding cosy English pubs and even boasts the oldest inn in England. The Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem pub is over 800 years old and offers historical tours of its cellars. The Sir John Borlase Warren has a beer garden for chilling out and hosts open mic nights.

"You have a vibrant restaurant scene here. I was at Chino Latino last night and I've eaten at Sat Bains and World Service."

Celebrity chef James Martin

Foreign cuisines

As a city of many cultures Nottingham offers many restaurants serving a variety of exciting cuisines, such as the Caribbean takeaways at Dad’s Kitchen or authentic, home-cooked Greek tapas at Yamas.

Vegetarian and vegan

The Alley Cafe bar serves imaginative vegetarian and vegan meals, and the Crocus Cafe is popular for its cheap and ethically sourced dishes.

Celebrity chef restaurants

The city has its fair share of celebrity chef restaurants, including Jamie’s Italian, Carluccio’s and Sat Bains’ Michelin starred restaurant.