My Favourite Spots in Nottinghamshire by Helen Stead

This week we are sharing Helen Stead’s favourite places in Nottinghamshire. If you would like to share your ‘favourites’ with us, email us at social@experiencenottinghamshire.com or use the comment section below. You may feature on our blog and our various social media platforms.   Helen Stead is the director of the Nottingham Comedy Festival and the NCF Comedy shows that take place around the Midlands. The festival this year runs from 21st - 30th September all around the county and features many comedians from the likes of Alan Davies and Al Murray to The Boy With Tape on His Face and Patrick Monahan. Full info on this year's festival can be found at www.nottscomedyfestival.co.uk "Apart from the comedy clubs around the county these are my favourite places in Nottinghamshire. 1) Chocolate Utopia: A little chocolate shop and café on Friar Lane with some of the nicest mouth watering homemade chocolate that I have ever tasted. There's nothing better than going into this friendly shop, sitting down with a hot chocolate and getting to enjoy some of their chocolates. I always make a point of introducing new people to it at every opportunity, and buying lots of chocolate for every occasion (if there isn't an occasion coming up then I create one!) 2) Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem: The oldest pub and it's in some caves. Despite this alone being unique and fascinating it is also the place where we used to meet up to discuss starting a comedy festival back in 2009. It's great being able to sit back and watch both locals and tourists enjoying this unique pub but with the sentimental value to the festival it is a must place to go to for me. 3) Portland College Café: Living in the north of the county I get the opportunity to wander around the Sherwood Forest area and escape from the city. This particular area is at the edge of my village and I can see it from my home office window. On a nice day it is lovely to be able to wander down to the woods, try and find Friar Tuck's Well and after end up at the Portland College to enjoy some tea and homemade cake - the money from which goes to help the college and students. The only problem is I have to walk back again!"