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A foodie's guide to Nottinghamshire

Let’s be honest: for many of us, food is the true highlight of our holidays. Lifelong memories are made with our loved ones over lunch, and we’ve all whiled away many a long holiday evening with a glass of wine and a dish of olives out on some sunny patio. What’s more, food offers a deliciously evocative edible souvenir of your trip, and friends and family are often more grateful to receive gifts you can eat rather than ones you stick on the fridge. Nottinghamshire is undergoing something of a culinary revolution – it’s where you’ll find the UK’s best restaurant (according to the Times and TripAdvisor) and is famously home to the Bramley Apple and Stilton Cheese – so let us take you on a gastronomic getaway with our ‘Foodie’s guide to Nottinghamshire’.

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Day 1 | Morning

Kickstart your foodie holiday with breakfast at the Warsaw Diner. Specialising in Polish & American homestyle cookery, Warsaw Diner is known for its legendary breakfasts. Set yourself up for a full-on day ahead with their ‘The Big Easy’ breakfast dish; French toast with sausage and eggs, washed down with bottomless coffee.

Next, stroll down Derby Road and into the city centre to Delilah Fine Foods. This traditional delicatessen provides an opportunity to taste and buy thousands of fine foodstuffs, and to learn how these products can be used to create great dishes. Chat to their dedicated and passionate team of ‘foodies’ to learn more about their mouth-watering wares; they’re always delighted to help.

Just around the corner at the entrance to the Exchange Arcade is Gauntleys Fine Wine, Whiskey and Cigar Merchants. Browse their impressive range of over 300 whiskies and spirits, specially curated by Chris Goodrum, Nottingham’s top malt whisky impresario. You can expect expert advice and genuine recommendations when shopping here and there’s always a great conversation to be had!

If all that shopping has tired you out, stop at Josephine’s Tea Room and Café for a well-deserved late morning cuppa. This classic and elegant vintage tea room overlooks the Theatre Royal, so bag yourself a window seat and keep your eyes peeled for passing celebrities. Enjoy a large pot of tea made with the finest tea leaves; there's a jaw-dropping range to choose from, from the traditional to some rather bold choices! Anyone for an alcohol-free Gin and Tonic tea?

Day 1 | Afternoon

It’s nearing lunchtime, so head into the historic Lace Market to Annie’s Burger Shack. Born and raised in Rhode Island USA, Annie grew up where the first diners and burgers in America began. There are 32 Authentic American Burgers on her menu, which, incredibly, are all available as vegan, veggie and meaty versions – so whatever your culinary preferences, you’re sure to find something to delight you here. Just a short walk away, in Sneinton Market, you can find Redsmith Distillery with its signature expression, Redsmith London Dry Gin, which was launched in 2016 following three years of development. Recently Redsmith Distillery released Nottingham Dry Apple Gin made in very small batches using Nottingham’s own Bramley Apple. The Bramley Apple is steeped in Nottingham history and was first grown in Southwell, Nottinghamshire. The distillery operates an online shop via its website, and you can also book a tour - please pre-book it ahead of your visit. Read more about what you can expect at your tour in our blog.

Day 1 | Evening

No foodie trip to Nottingham would be complete without a visit to the double-Michelin starred Restaurant Sat Bains with Rooms, twice named the UK’s best restaurant (once by the Times and once by TripAdvisor). Just outside the city centre, this Victorian farm conversion has received international acclaim for its innovative and modern approach to cuisine. Opt for a seven- or ten-course Tasting Menu or even treat yourself to the extra special personalised dining experience created from your chosen ingredients.

If you’re too fired up from the excitement of Sat Bains and not ready to retire to bed yet, why not head into the city for a drink or two? The Alchemist, located in the gothic grandeur of one of King Street’s most magnificent listed buildings, is famous for their molecular mixology and devilish décor and you’re sure to be tempted by their unrivalled selection of quirky and creative cocktails.

Day 2 | Morning

Drive out to the stunning vale of Belvoir and begin Day Two in style with breakfast at the Fuel Tank Café in the Engine Yard, which prides itself on its seasonal, locally sourced and expertly crafted food. Enjoy one of their breakfast muffins and a frothy cappuccino, perhaps seated out on the patio if the weather permits.

Before you go, don’t forget to browse the fabulous foodie shops in the Engine Yard, overlooked by the beautiful Belvoir Castle. Whatever your tastes, you’re sure to pick up some wonderful and unique artisan items from Cocoa Amore, Cherizena Coffee, The Country Victualler and Jorge Artisan Foods.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Time for another Michelin-recognised marvel now with lunch at Iberico World Tapas. Say hola to classic Spanish flavours such as chorizo in red wine fused with global delights like black cod in spicy miso. And if that wasn’t enough to tempt you to drop by, it’s located in the Grade II listed old county gaol in the heart of the Lace Market, combining the building’s original features with Moorish touches.

Stroll back through the Lace Market and towards Trinity Square and ‘accidentally’ stumble across the Pudding Pantry, which sells some of the most phenomenal cakes, puddings and desserts to be found anywhere in Nottingham – all baked in house by the experts. Since you’re here now, you might as well enjoy one of their delicious sweet treats, so why not indulge in a raspberry and honeycomb pavlova? We think you deserve it.

A short walk away is the family-run Weavers Independent Wine and Spirit Merchants. Weavers is longstanding home to Castle Gate Gin, a unique, yet classic, London Dry style made from acorns foraged in Sherwood Forest which offers a distinct nutty backdrop and captures the ‘spirit’ of Nottingham in every sense of the word. Sample it for yourself at Weavers - and walk away with as many bottles as you can carry. 

Day 2 | Evening

Head to Nottingham’s famous Curry Mile along Maid Marian way for some fine dining Indian-style. You’re sure to love Calcutta Club, which bases its eating experience around the legendary Maharajas’ dining habits and uses recipes passed down the generations. You can expect dishes that are aromatic and full of flavour, such as the Amritsari Masala Fish with a light batter of ginger, fresh roasted garlic, freshly squeezed lemon and sun-dried Kashmiri chilli.

Finish your day with drinks at the Hockley Arts Club, a truly stunning venue hidden away at the end of an unassuming alleyway. Their ever-evolving list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks have been developed by award-winning bartenders, inspired by bars from across the globe. We love the colourful and fruity Outkast topped with salted caramel foam.

Day 3 | Morning

Head out bright and early for breakfast at the Harley Café on the stunning Welbeck Estate. Focusing on local fine foods and the very best ingredients, there’s something for every appetite. We recommend the brioche French toast with homemade lemon curd and Greek yoghurt. Their dishes change regularly but we guarantee there’ll always be something to delight your tastebuds.

Nip across the courtyard to the incredible Welbeck Farm Shop for a leisurely post-breakfast browse. They provide the highest quality produce sourced from the Welbeck Estate and local farmers, and champion an ethical and passionate approach to food. The award-winning butchery, diverse cheeses, artisan bread, deli, real ales, raw milk and exquisite chocolates are sure to delight.

Drive to the famously fabulous Thaymar Ice Cream and Tea Room for some truly scrumptious ice creams and sorbets. With over 35 flavours ranging from ‘Elderflower and Gooseberry’ to ‘Brandy and orange’ to ‘Gaelic coffee’, you’ll want to try it all. They even have gluten free, diabetic and low-fat options so there’s simply no excuse not to visit!

Day 3 | Afternoon

Next it’s off for a spot of decadent afternoon tea at Ollerton Watermill and Teashop, winner of ‘Nottingham’s Best Afternoon Tea Award’ and the only working watermill in Nottinghamshire, boasting splendid views over the river. Their award-winning afternoon tea includes plain or fruit scones, preserved, cream and strawberries and a selection of sandwiches and cakes. It’s a popular place and likely to be jam-packed with locals, so we recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment.

If the smell of freshly baked bread gets your head turned every time, take a brief detour to West Bridgford’s beloved Hambleton Bakery on your way back to the city. Once crowned Britain’s Best Bakery by ITV, it’s famed for its traditionally made artisan breads which include sourdough, spelt and rye as well as delicious savouries, cakes and desserts. It’s your last day in Nottinghamshire so it’s the perfect time to buy some baked goods to take home.

Day 3 | Evening

Enjoy an evening meal at World Service boasting two private dining rooms, a lounge bar and oriental garden with al fresco terrace, World Service is uniquely housed within the elegant surroundings of the listed 17th century Newdigate House. You'll find it behind the signature red door in the Nottingham Castle Quarter. 

Round off your trip with a pint or two at the Kean's Head, leading the way for the craft beer scene in Nottingham, the Kean’s was home to a ground-breaking stash of weird and wonderful beers from across the world. Today, the pub remains firmly rooted on the map as having one of the city’s most respected beer ranges, as well as over 200 rums, gins and whiskies.