Shop Local on Small Business Saturday

The shops are buzzing with people at this time of year, as Christmas looms on the horizon. It’s an especially important time of year for small, independent businesses, which are the backbone of the highstreet, and offer something a little different to the big name chains. They’re run by passionate local people, who love to make a difference to the community, and add their own unique flavour to the county. Whether it's hand crafted trinkets, freshly roasted coffee, or tasty treats - we love our small businesses here in Nottinghamshire, and we’ll be joining in with the rest of the nation this Saturday (5^th), when we celebrate Small Business Saturday. Even better, parking will be slashed to 50p for the day in Nottingham. Here’s some of the small businesses to look out for this Saturday and beyond. For some extra inspiration, take a look at the shopping and eat and drink pages on our website.

Nottingham

Nottingham’s a bustling city, which thrives on small independent businesses, including shops, cafes and plenty of pubs. The Lace Market and Hockley areas – known collectively as the Creative Quarter – are brimming with energy, and packed with shops like Debbie Bryan Studio and Shop, Behind the Red Door and Dezigne, where you can pick up beautiful gifts, homeware and jewellery. Hockley was recently named one of the country’s best high streets, and is a great place to browse some of city's quirkier shops. Debbie Bryan’s in particular will be a must-visit this year, having been named in Small Business Saturday’s exclusive SmallBiz100. They will be hosting a sold out ‘Crafternoon’ event to celebrate, and are encouraging visitors to shop local. Indulge in Hockley, by tucking into one of Flavour’s tasty sandwiches, or grabbing a brew at Hartleys Coffee and Sandwich Bar.

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’ll find The Treat Kitchen and Flying Horse Walk which houses an array of independents including Inspired. Recharge your batteries with locally roasted coffee at 200 Degrees, or by settling in for a bite to eat at Ugly Bread Bakery, or Homemade. Cat lovers, meanwhile, will be purring at the Kitty Café. If you prefer the sound of music, enjoy the crackle of vinyl, and pick up some new music from Plates Records, on Wilford Street. Or, if you're a fashion fan, pick up the latest trends at Stick and Ribbon. As a reward for supporting independent shopping, stop off at the Malt Cross for a pint or two. If you show three or more receipts from local, independent shops at the bar, you’ll get 25% off your drinks! Derby Road is famed for its boutiques and speciality shops, and Le Chien et Moi, the Worm that Turned and Brown Dog Interiors are some of the best in Nottingham. At Brown Dog Interiors, you’ll get 10% off everything on the Saturday. The Warsaw Diner offers tasty meals, and you can sup real ale in a unique cave pub like the Hand and Heart. Give yourself a fright later on, with The Nottingham Ghost Walk, which starts at 7pm.

Beeston

If you’re visiting Beeston, the Mish Mash Gallery will be a part of Chillwell’s Creative Corner’s Small Business Saturday event. Enjoy this relaxed day of shopping, which will have the soundtrack of a gospel community choir!

West Bridgford

Hop on the bus, or take the half hour stroll to discover West Bridgford, a fashionable neighbourhood – which sits just across the River Trent. Stock up for a cosy night in, by picking up delicious homemade food from Hambleton Bakery and C. Brumpton. Or, if you’d rather explore the town’s vibrant social scene then we recommend a visit to Escabeche, the sporty Southbank Bar, Riverbank, or the newly refurbished Embankment.

Newark and Southwell

Leaving Nottingham behind, the market towns of Newark and Southwell are famed for their market stalls and independent shops –and they’re perfect for picking up some one-of-a-kind Christmas pressies. In Southwell, you’ll find some great boutiques like Little Herbert’s Shoe Shop, and A Fly Went By, along with charming cafes, including the Refectory and Alfresco Caffè, which is just next door to the beautiful Minster. Nearby Newark, meanwhile, is a haven for foodies and ale fans, with shops such as 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 a little more substantial, then we love Gannet’s and Danube Restaurant, which are both close to the castle.