Celebrating our independents as part of Small Business Saturday

Tomorrow we will be celebrating our independent businesses as part of the nationwide Small Business Saturday. From boutiques to bakeries, Nottinghamshire is brimming with small businesses which offer artisan products and a friendly service. There will also be a number of markets taking place over the weekend, including the Tom Brown’s Christmas Market in Gunthorpe and the Winter Wonderland in Nottingham. Both will be an opportunity for small designers and makers to showcase their talents. Here are just a few of the places we love – for more inspiration visit the Shopping and Eat and Drink pages on our website. Nottingham Stroll around Nottingham and you will discover plenty of small independents, including shops, cafes and pubs. The Lace Market and Hockley areas – known as the Creative Quarter – are home to places such as Debbie Bryan Studio and Shop, Behind the Red Door and Dezigne which sell beautiful gifts, homeware and jewellery. Hidden within a historic courtyard is Cobden Chambers, a collection of creative businesses selling vintage items, journals and luxury clothing. Elsewhere in the city you will find the renowned Peter’s Shoes, which specialises in handmade shoes for men and women, the Flying Horse Arcade which an array of independents including Inspired. Just a short walk away you will find the Derby Road area which is well known for boutiques and speciality shops such as Le Chien et Moi, the Worm that Turned and Brown Dog Interiors among others. After all that shopping take a break at the Warsaw Diner which offers incredible hearty meals. For those looking for a real ale in a cosy pub then call in at the Hand and Heart or Organ Grinder. West Bridgford Hop on the bus and discover West Bridgford, a fashionable neighbourhood just outside the city. If you’re planning a cosy night at home then make sure you stock up on delicious homemade food from Cook West Bridgford, Hopology, Hambleton Bakery and C. Brumpton. For those who want to explore the town’s vibrant social scene then we recommend a visit to Oriental Pearl, Escabeche or Riverbank. Newark and Southwell The market towns of Newark and Southwell are famed for their independent shops – and they are the perfect destination if you want to treat yourself or a loved one. In Southwell you will find boutiques such as Little Herbert’s Shoe Shop, MixMix and A Fly Went By, along with charming cafes, including the Refectory next to the Minster. Nearby Newark is a haven for foodies and ale fans, with shops such as smoker and delicatessen G.H. Porter Provisions, Ann et Vin and the Real Ale Store among the best-known in the town. Speaking of ale, make sure you try one of Newark’s many wonderful pubs which include the Prince Rupert and Castle Barge. If you’d prefer a coffee or something more substantial then we love Gannet’s and Danube close to the castle. Mansfield and the Dukeries The north of the county has a wealth of small businesses. In the market town of Mansfield you will find a bustling market and a distinctive pub carved into the caves called White Lion Yard. Travel further north-east towards Tuxford and you will uncover the fascinating Museum of the Horse, Sally Mitchell’s Gallery and the delicious Thaymar ice-cream parlour. Meanwhile, Retford and Worksop also boast plenty of independent shops, pubs and restaurants which can be explored easily on foot. Don’t miss the thriving Welbeck estate which is home to a number of small businesses and producers including Welbeck Farm Shop and Welbeck Abbey Brewery.