A Paul Smith-themed shopping weekend in Nottingham

With its lively Creative Quarter, historic Lace Market and more bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants per square mile than any other city in Europe, Nottingham has always been a discerning choice for a UK city break. But here’s another good reason to visit in 2016, and some recommendations from the Good Hotel Guide on places to stay in Nottinghamshire. Renowned British designer Sir Paul Smith turns 70 in 2016. He was born and bred in Nottingham so a Paul Smith-themed shopping spree here is a fitting way to pay tribute. Sartorially, you’ll be in good hands. After all, this is the man who coined the phrase ‘classic with a twist’ and who was placed ahead of David Beckham in GQ magazine’s 50 best-dressed British men of 2015. Paul Smith and Nottingham Sir Paul Smith launched his commercially and critically acclaimed career in Nottingham. Visit his original store, in Byard Lane in the heart of the city, or head to Willoughby House. The interior of the latter, a five-floor, Grade II-listed building, was designed by Sir Paul; it’s a remarkable blend of the 18^th century building’s history and the designer’s idiosyncratic style. Willoughby houses all his various collections so you’re bound to find something you love. Afterwards, make time for a film in the city’s Broadway Cinema. Sir Paul designed screen four and his bold signature stripes jump off the double-seater sofas. Where to stay Hart’s Hotel comes recommended by the independent and trusted reviewers at the Good Hotel Guide. And Hart’s have partnered with Paul Smith to create the P.S. I love you: Paul Smith Shopping Weekend package, which includes an overnight stay at Hart’s with a bottle of Pol Roger in your room, a Champagne afternoon tea, seven-course tasting meal at the excellent Hart’s Restaurant, and a £100 voucher for Paul Smith with an exclusive personal shopper experience at Paul Smith Nottingham. Langar Hall, in the Vale of Belvoir 12 miles from Nottingham, also features in the Good Hotel Guide. Apparently Paul Smith is a regular and he contributed many design features to the hotel. Both of these hotels accept Good Hotel Guide 25% discount vouchers, six of which come free with the Good Hotel Guide print edition. Don’t miss

• The pretty lace scarves, brooches and prints at Debbie Bryan in the heart of the Lace Market.
• The new three-mile Nottingham Cave Trail, which takes you underground to discover decaying dungeons, cock-fighting pits and cave houses among the 450-plus man-made caves dug deep beneath the city. Curiously, Paul Smith’s Willoughby House’s basement is also formed of one of Nottingham’s famous caves.
• A drink in Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, reputedly England’s oldest Inn. Part of the pub is cut into the rock, and there’s talk of a secret passage that leads to Nottingham Castle; ask for a peek into the deep cave that serves as the beer cellar.
• The antiques shops of nearby Newark, a major antiques centre. Collectors should coincide their trip with the Newark International Antiques and Collectors Fair (4-5 February 2016), the largest event of its kind in Europe.
• The National Civil War Centre, also in Newark. It focuses on the deadly struggles for power in 17th century Britain during the British Civil Wars.

This post was written by Emma Field on behalf of the Good Hotel Guide http://www.goodhotelguide.com/.