Sick of sitting in front of the TV every evening? Then it’s time to mix things up a bit and break out of your comfort zone…
And where better to do so than in the melting pot of a city that is Nottingham. To give you some inspiration, here are a few of the newest, most interesting and unique things to do in Nottingham right now:
Go to a (really bad) Movie Screening
You know those films that are so bad, you actually like them? Well, if movie guilty pleasures are your thing, then look no further than The Notts Bad Movie Club. Devised by a group of friends during lockdown, the “club” runs monthly screenings of some classic, yet terrible titles, all from the basement tavern of the city’s very own prestigious Annie’s Burger Shack.
Screenings are sometimes themed to the time of year (think Jason X for Halloween) or simply just really bad films (the likes of Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers or Flash Gordon).
You can even make a night of it, with burgers, drinks and cinema snacks available from Annie’s throughout the night. This is one for your list if you’re looking for a giggle (and cringe) fest of an evening!
Axe Throwing
Time to channel your inner Viking! Whether it’s a new challenge, some healthy competition amongst friends or a way to de-stress after a long day at work, then why not try your hand at Urban Axe Throwing? This sport is taking the UK by storm and has now landed right here in Nottingham.
This is a great, quirky idea for a stag/hen do (perhaps safest prior to any alcohol consumption!), birthday or even a date night and is certainly guaranteed to be something both unique and exciting.
You can get in on the action at Notts Axed, situated in the city’s Corner House complex. Sessions last around 60 minutes and are guided by an instructor with challenges and games thrown in to add to the fun. You can even enjoy a drink in their bar area during and after throwing.
Become a Chocolatier for the Day
Founded by Head Chocolatier and Le Cordon Bleu Graduate, Ellie Wharrad, Studio Chocolate are famed for their beautiful, handcrafted, Bon Bon’s filled with delicious caramels, jams and ganache.
This female-led chocolate shop and bakery not only have their very own store, selling the most tempting of treats, they also have a city centre-based studio, where they hold chocolate making classes.
Sessions begin with chocolate sampling and an education in taste and origin, before choosing your very own flavour combinations to create a rich chocolate ganache. You’ll also learn about decorating and craft your very own luxury marbled sharing slab (sharing is optional, of course!).
All classes are private and can be held for couples or larger groups, with gift vouchers available (which make a great birthday gift for the chocolate lover in your life) and cater for beginners to fully-fledged artistes!
Escape the Caves of Nottingham
The world’s only permanent escape room venue located in an underground cave system can be found in Nottingham. Already famed for having the UK’s largest network of caves hidden beneath its streets, the city now has a subterranean entertainment attraction too.
Unique in its nature, the Cave Escape offers an immersive experience, with plenty of twists, turns and conundrums to keep you on your toes during your allotted 60-minute escape time.
Giving you plenty of movie-set vibes, this is a great hour of entertainment to be enjoyed with friends and family, or even as a team-building event.
Wine Tasting
Not quite wine tasting as you might imagine, Another? Wine Bar in Trinity Square is the city’s only self-service wine bar.
With over 65 different varieties, including red, white, rose, orange (yes, orange!) and sparkling, you can opt for a sample size, small or large glass of whichever bottle takes your fancy; simply pop in your personalised card, press a button and sip away! Fancy a snack? Why not sample one of their delicious cheese and charcuterie boards to add to the experience.
Another? also hold events throughout the year, most recently collaborating with Nottingham institution and sweet treat purveyors, Doughnotts, for an evening of wine tasting and doughnut decorating. I can personally vouch for this and, let me tell you, it’s not to be missed! I mean, wine and doughnuts, could there be a better duo?
Brew Your Own Beer
Is wine not your thing? Look no further than Brewhouse & Kitchen (“BK”), situated just outside of the city, near the famous Trent Bridge Cricket Ground.
Spend the day brewing beer with one of their in-house, award-winning brewers. Learn the science behind the process, get hands-on and be involved in the creation of the beer from start to finish, all whilst sampling various BK-brewed beers throughout the day. You even get to take home a keg of your choice as a reward for your hard work!
BK also offer Gin Tasting Masterclasses and Whiskey & Beer Pairing Experiences, many of which also include food or nibbles for you to enjoy as an accompaniment to your beverages.
Join Lucy again here next month with another post with some Nottingham recommendations! Follow Lucy’s Instagram page, @Lucylovemenotts!
