Hockley and Lace Market

The beating heart of all things independent in Nottingham, Hockley and the Lace Market are situated in the cultural quarter of Nottingham. This is where the city's individual spirit shines, with colourful rainbow roads, cool street art, alfresco dining and a host of businesses set up by locals with a passion. You can easily lose track of time whilst browsing the independent shops, bars and cafes that make up Hockley, and if your style or interests are more offbeat, you're likely to find something to make you smile in this quirky area.

Shopping 

If you're a book lover, charity bookshop Bookwise is the place to search shelves for rare and vintage editions. Legendary record store Rough Trade is not to be missed if you are a music fan, with a bar upstairs holding regular album release and touring gigs.

For those who enjoy sitting down to a good old crafting session, Debbie Bryan is a hidden gem. Selling unique British craftwork, ceramics, jewellery and Nottingham lace, their popular workshops and crafternoons let you have a go at making something yourself, while evenings are dotted with events such as vegan supperclubs. They also offer a delectable Afternoon Tea!

The Fletcher Gate Art Gallery is the only independent art gallery in Nottingham with a focus on quality original fine art. The gallery has a wide variety of original art ranging from local artists to artwork we have sourced, creating a diverse portfolio of art to appeal to aspiring collectors and meet the individual tastes of the existing clientele.  Fletcher Gate Art Gallery's interests are broad, with the emphasis on inspirational, quality and aesthetically beautiful works.

Food & Drink

It's not just shopping that makes this part of the city shine however, the area is also a mecca for delicious dining and one-of-a-kind bars. The Hockley Arts Club may be tricky to find, but its array of delectable cocktails, bottomless brunch and afternoon tea are worth the hunt. Get the taste of the Mediterranean and dine alfresco at the award-winning Bar Iberico and Iberico World Tapas. For a truly unique bar experience, why not get a round of nostalgic arcade games in at Penny Lane?

When looking at dining options, one of the best spots in Hockley is undoubtedly MESA, which has a a slick industrial theme and an open kitchen. Or start your day with a breakfast, cake or coffee at Hockley Kitchen. 

In the Lace Market area, you will find the inspiring bar Pitcher and Piano housed inside a striking Grade II-listed church. Some other local favourites include Cock & Hoop, Kean's Head and Penny Lane.

Mowgli was born to feed the raw need Indians have for tiffins full of fresh bright intense flavour. Their food is about the smash and grab zing of healthy, light, virtuosic herbs, and spices.

Faradays is a friendly venue, situated in the creative quarter of Hockley and just seconds away from public transport and several hotels, making it the ideal place to come for delicious food, a great range of drinks and unforgettable experiences.

The original Six Barrel Drafthouse opened in in November 2016. It is surrounded by independent shops and restaurants, and sits right in the middle of Hockley. Their sister venue can be found a short walk away next to Victoria Centre. 

Paste Thai is offers contemporary Thai cuisine in the heart of the Lace Market. You will love their contemporary rich-decor and stripped-floor restaurant with feature lighting.

HIPO Coffee brings you a fine selection of freshly made ground coffees and beautiful selection of spuds. Enjoy their meal deal including a baked potato with two fillings and a drink for only £6.50 (selected fillings and drinks only).

Ugly Bread Bakery was established in 2014, and have been serving up serving breakfast, handmade pizzas, mezzalunas, breads & deli products ever since! If you're busy exploring the city, why not get your order to takeaway?

BEAR was conceived out of a shared passion for good coffee, good people and good times. With its small red frontage nestled in amongst the rainbow colours of Carlton Street, the store has a lot more to show off inside than first meets the eye. Wether you're in the mood for brunch, coffee or cocktails, they are well worth a visit.

Lloyds No. 1 is a Grade II listed building. A JD Wetherspoons, it is popular with all ages and offers affordable food and drinks. In the evening, the bar changes into a nightclub with dancefloors and music.

Bunkers Hill is a lively pub, perfect for relaxing with friends or enjoying live music. With its friendly vibe and excellent selection of beverages, Bunkers Hill is a fantastic spot to unwind and soak in Nottingham's vibrant social scene.

Kofuku is a delightful restaurant that invites guests to indulge in a memorable culinary journey. Renowned for its warm atmosphere and delicious offerings, Kofuku is a must-visit for food enthusiasts seeking an exceptional dining experience.

Bonzai Sushi is a popular restaurant that serves dishes of the highest Japanese standards. They offer you great taste, serving high-quality food at a great value, ethnically diverse food options, unforgettable experience and full of local culture dining experience.

Vi-Va offers a Tapas Style Indian dining experience designed to elevate your senses and tantalize your taste buds. Every bite tells a story and each dish celebrates India's vibrant street food culture. Dining here is about creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, all while enjoying an explosion of flavors and aromas.

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti is a cosy venue with sidewalk dining, specialising in Italian food. You can expect the likes of tagliatelle, ravioli & tiramisu. Quirky and characterful, you are sure to have a fantastic meal.

Kayal is the pioneer of authentic Kerala seafood in Britain, and stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, passionately bringing the flavors of Kerala to the heart of the UK. A cherished family-run restaurant, Kayal has garnered widespread acclaim, earning distinctions that set it apart from the ordinary.

Fat Hippo is a group of independent burger restaurants, based in locations over the UK including Hockley in Nottingham. Looking for the best burgers and dirty fries? Look no further! They are known for their quality ingredients and quirky flavours as well as our welcoming atmosphere.

Dolce is a small, family run Italian restaurant business opposite Broadway Cinema. The serve fine Italian Cuisine with specialities that include Funghi Stroganoff, Pollo Ripieno and Pollo Alla Creama. They also have a generous menu of chef specials including Melanzane Al Forno, Spaghetti con Polpette and pizzas.

BUNK is a relaxed hideaway offering innovative cocktails, chicken wings and nuggets with unique sauces. Enjoy happy hour every day until 10pm, with food also available until close. If you can't make it into the store, you can order food and cocktails via UberEats or Deliveroo. They have two other sites in Nottingham city centre, including Lower Parliament Street and Stoney Street.

Temple of Heaven on Broad Street is a vegetarian friendly Chinese restaurant that also offers takeout. Their customers love the generous portion sizes and authentic dishes. Their menu offers set meals, maocai pots, heng heng pork, seafood and more.

The Newmarket pub is a down-to-earth boozer with a fantastic rear patio and lively atmosphere offering regular live music & karaoke. Found along Lower Parliament Street, it is just down the road from Broadway cinema.

Wax Bar is an independent cocktail bar in Hockley, where you can expect good music and cocktails. They have some fantastic drinks offers including 4 cocktails for £28  before 11pm with a free table reservation. They also have a membership scheme which allows free entry to their music club between 11pm - 1am.

BOHNS Best Burgers is a trendy eatery offering hearty pub meals, along with vegan options, beer & cocktails. Their ingredients include locally sourced organic beef and brioche buns, seasonaed with their own home-made rubs and spices.

Brewdog are a national chain bar with 28 taps of craft beer. Their signature hand-finished sourdough pizza bases can be loaded with your favourite toppings. You can also find cheese and charcuterie boards, all paired with freshly-poured craft beer. Keep your eyes peeled for their monthly releases!

Laguna Pizza and Kebab are a popular takeaway in the Lace Market Area. They specialise in pizzas and kebabs but offer other items including burgers, wraps and milkshakes. With over 100 menu items, why not try their Tandoori Chicken Pizza or Mighty Buffalo Burger?

Effy is a modern coffee house with a progressive approach to brewing. They are open 7 days a week for your coffee needs whether it be espresso, filter, decaf or a rare blend. You can find them on Heathcoat street down the road from Jamcafe, which itself is an integral part of Nottingham’s vibrant music scene. Since 2008, they have been serving beer and hosting a variety of events such as gigs, open mic nights, DJ sets, comedy nights, live debates and much more.

Shanghai Shanghai Chinese Restaurant & Bar is one of the most most beloved Chinese Restaurants in Nottingham. Their restaurant is situated in the heart of the city centre, located within walking distance of the Victoria Shopping Centre, the Lace Market and Motorpoint Arena Nottingham. Their menu has over 250 dishes, as well as a wide range of drinks including a wine list. 

Baa Bar was first launched in Liverpool in 1991, with their Nottingham location following in 2010. It has been one of the city’s go to bars ever since! Located in the Goose Gate area of the city, their doors are open Monday to Saturday 8pm until 4am. If you are looking for with a great range of cocktails, live DJs and of course, their famous shooters, Baa Bar Goose Gate is the place to be.

Pogo is one of Nottingham's easy-going premium cocktail bars with a cosy space and great playlist. You will find them on Goose Gate serving cocktails, mocktails, guest beers and guest wines for the ultimate night out.

Asiana Express Nottingham's largest Oriental supermarket - you'll find products from China, Korea and Japan, as well as Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines. Check them out to try a delicious authentic bubble tea or pick up your favourite ramen noodles.

Fashion

Let's talk fashion. Vintage obsessives can find classic threads at Cow Vintage, White Rose or Wild Clothing. And Ice Nine has been the place to go for anyone on the hunt for new-age clothing, silver body jewellery, circus toys and bohemian knick knacks for the past 40 years.

Void Clothing pride themselves supplying the best alternative clothing, jewellery, accessories, make-up and band merch around. The 'Red Shop on the Corner' has become a bit of a local landmark in Nottingham over the last 30 years, and we couldn't be prouder of what we have become. Their little shop is stocked to the brim with alternative goodies, so pop by and explore their ever expanding Aladdin’s Cave of wonder! 

Solitaire Jewellers are an independent family business selling a range of antique and modern jewellery for everyone. With over 30 years' experience, they also offer a rnage of services including repairs, alterations, polishing and custom jewellery.

&BLANC are an independent store specialising in men's style. Their ethos is to provide our customers with exclusive online experience they will never forget through our unique combination mixed of brands. 

Robert Nottingham offers a wide variety of international fashion brands at competitive prices. You will find effortlessly stylish clothing here.

Lifestyle & beauty

Rough Trade is an independent record label and music store that champions new music. The Nottingham store is packed with records, cds and merch, with the latest releases sitting alongside classic albums. Rough Trade also doubles up as an intimate live venue, so look out for their upcoming shows - tickets sell fast! 

Ice Nine has been the alternative shopping spot in Nottingham since 1979. Situated in the heart of the Lace Market, they sell everything from body jewellery to alternative clothing. Jugglers has a concession within the shop, supplying a wide range of juggling equipment for both professionals and amateurs.

Founded in 1997, Bodycraft Tattoo has one mission: to make tattoo and piercing accessible to all. Bringing a wealth of creativity to the tattoo and piercing scene, the passionate team here will help bring your vision to reality. 

The Luna Collective is another welcoming tattoo and piercing studio in Nottingham city centre. Designed to provide a more relaxed, friendly and personal experience, the team here put a lot of love and care into their shop - and vow to do the same for their clients! 

Jade Nail Spa in Hockley offers a range of beauty services including acrylic and gel nails, manicures and spa pedicures. 

AND.hair are a hair salon on Heathcoat Street. They offer a range of services including balayage, extensions, colouring, weaves, braiding and more. Please note they are clsoed on Monday and Sunday.

Goose Beauty ia a relaxed, laid back salon in the heart of Nottingham city centre. A salon you can "belong" to, a place to express yourself as individuals, be creative with no judgements. Removing all stereotypes and embracing the weird. Whether it's nails, hair, tattoos, eybrows or eyelashes, they offer it all.

Charities

My Sight Nottinghamshire has existed since 1843 and is the sight loss charity for people across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. Based in Hockley, they offer activities including social groups, coffee mornings, sports and physical activity sessions, art sessions in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and a choir.

The Emmaluel House Charity Shop in Hockley is a vital part of Emmanuel House and is stocked with clothing donated by members of the general public. Staffed entirely by volunteers, the shop provides an income for the charity that is essential to maintaining support services.

Evening Entertainment

If you're looking for evening entertainment in Hockley, you can catch a film at Broadway, one of the world’s leading independent cinemas; check out a varied programme of theatre at Nottingham Arts Theatre or the Lace Market Theatre, or (if you get your timing right) head to an exhibition opening at Nottingham Contemporary. If you fancy a dance, independent jazz club Peggy's Skylight host live music throughout the week. They also have a bar and kitchen, so you can grab a bite to eat while you enjoy the sweet sounds of jazz.

The Lace Market in Nottingham is also home to the East Midlands' only arena. Welcoming acts from across the world, the Motorpoint Arena has brought some huge stars to the city - past performers include Rihanna, Elton John and The Who.

Mammoth Cinema is a cinema hub for sharing ideas about how we can all contribute towards a better, fairer, and greener future - focused around film. You can browse upcoming events on their website, which often include Q&As and screenings of vintage films.

Crazy golf with an adult twist, Glory Holes brings is one of the more unique and fun experiences in Hockley! From swinging shafts to sinking putts, this crazy golf establishment has 18 holes, each more unique than the last.

What to See & Do

The National Ice Centre sits just off Bolero Square, at the edge of the Lace Market. Once the training rink of Olympians Torvill & Dean, you can enjoy a variety of fun skating sessions throughout week, including classes, clubs - and foam parties! Some of Nottingham's top attractions are also close by, head to the City of Caves or the National Justice Museum to explore the city's fascinating history.

If you want to learn more about Hockley and the Lace Market, there are several guided tours that cover this area, including Good Tours, The Bendigo Story, and Ezekial Bone’s award-winning Robin Hood Town Tour.

Whilst you're exploring, look out for the Lace Market Street Mural. Located in the NCC Car Park on Fletcher Gate, this creative artwork celebrates Nottingham's rich industrial heritage as a global leader in the lace industry. Designed and created by Nottingham street artist Rubes, the mural includes a number of lace references – from the Spinning Jenny machine to the Luddite movement.

If you're around the Lace Market, look out for the Weekday Cross. Common in medieval times, this kind of monument marked the site where the weekday markets took place. As the Town Hall, Nottingham Guildhall and main market were also located round here, this area would have once been the centre of the city.

St Mary's Church in Nottingham is a great representation of Nottingham’s prosperity during the 15th century. A Grade-I listed building, the church's magnificent architecture and beautiful stained glass windows are a testament to the wealth poured into its construction. Outside in the churchyard, look out for the grave of George Africanus; a former slave from West Africa. After becoming a successful entrepreneur in Nottingham in the late 18th century, George has become the subject of much local interest.

The Adams & Page Building is the largest building in the Lace Market. Built in 1855, it is named after Thomas Adams, who was a famous quaker and industrialist in the 19th century. When Nottingham were leaders in lace production, this beautiful building was used as a lace warehouse and showroom. With its red brickwork and abundance of windows, the Adams Building is instantly recognisable. A key location in Nottingham's Industrial Revolution, this building's ornate architecture reflects its importance to the city.

City Arts is a vibrant arts centre in the heart of Nottingham. This creative hub showcases a variety of art forms and community projects, offering an inspiring space for visitors to explore and engage with local talent and culture.

Hotels

Ideally located for those wanting to explore Nottingham's Creative Quarter, the Lace Market Hotel is situated within a stunning Georgian building. Once a doctor's residence, the hotel has retained many of its period features, including the original sash windows, fireplaces and quirky layout.

Originally a coaching inn, the boutique Mercure Hotel still embodies the finest aspects of Georgian architecture. Believed to be the oldest hotel in Nottingham, the Mercure exudes tradition, comfort and relaxation.

Located on the edge of the Lace Market, the Ibis Hotel is suitable for both business and pleasure. This modern hotel is fully equipped for a convenient stay, and you will be within easy access to Nottingham's top attractions.

For more city centre hotels, click here.

---

As this is the oldest part of Nottingham, both Hockley and The Lace Market are steeped in history. Whatever your reason for visiting, this vibrant area of the city is not to be missed!