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Nottingham Castle plays host to a fun filled weekend Photo by Craig Hall
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29/30/31 August 10 am-5 pm Newstead Abbey
A fabulous array of food & drink, cookery demo’s, Real Ale Bars, Family Entertainment, and live music Tickets on sale from May 26th 2015
Tickets
£7 advance £8 on the door, £5 concessions, Under 10s are free with paying adult. Live demo’s from celebrity chefs
Simon Rimmer, Adam Simmonds, Sean Wilson* & Dean Edwards* *Check website for full chef listings and times
g r e a t f o o d a n d d r i n k f e s t i v a l s . c o. u k
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Splendour Festival
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Junk Yard has a lot to live up to
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Jason Atherton lines up top guest chefs for Social Sunday charity lunches
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The Great Food and Drink Festival Guide
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Nottingham Castle
20 Nottingham Caves Survey 22 Newstead Abbey 24 Life is good – Sean Wilson 26 Wollaton Hall 28 Adam Richmand (Man Vs. Food) Interview 31
Chetna Makan joins The Great Food and Drink Festival in August
32 The Walton 34 Rufford Abbey 36 Sherwood Forest 37 The Major Oak 38 Nottingham Conference Centre 39 So Festival Returns to Lincolnshire 40 The Peak District and Derbyshire on two wheels 41
What’s on in Nottingham
42 George’s Fish and Chip Kitchen 44 Heights of Abraham 46 Capital FM Arena 47 5:30 Italian Running Phenomenon
The Tourist is a publication of All About Tourism: www.allabouttourism.co.uk
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James and Bananarama Join The Specials For A Fantastic Splendour Spectacular July 18 2015 Headlined by two-tone revivalists The Specials, the all dayer in the beautiful grounds of Wollaton Park is set to be one of the biggest summer days out across the Midlands on July 18 2015. Continuing the strong line up on the main stage as special guests are the legendary James, perhaps best known for anthemic hits such as ‘Sit Down’, ‘She’s A Star’ and ‘Laid’. With all seven band members coming back to reform in 2007, the Manchester band released their 13th studio album La Petite Mort last year to critical acclaim and showed the unique James magic is still firmly in place with engaging powerful songs that demand to be heard live. Promoter DHP Family, in partnership with Nottingham City Council and Confetti, has been working hard behind the scenes to bring the perfect mix of long-loved heritage acts alongside contemporary pop artists to cater for all the family. One of the best all female pop bands of all time, Bananarama joins the bill for Splendour headlining the Confetti Stage. The band already share history with The Specials lead singer Terry Hall who tracked the girls down to perform
with Fun Boy Three, the trio he formed with two other bandmates, for the single ‘It Ain’t What You Do It’s The Way That You Do It’. Will Splendour see the girls join Terry and co on stage? With 32 Top 40 UK hits, they went on to support everyone from Iggy Pop to Paul Weller. For the next ten years the girls were everywhere and so were their hits, all penned by the girls themselves. As their biography says ‘Bananarama were not a manufactured band but three friends who came from the London Club scene with a Punk attitude and were always in control of their own destiny.’ Singer of the moment Jess Glynne, best known for featuring on Clean Bandit’s ‘Rather Be’, which made number one in the UK and can also be heard on the current M&S food advertising campaign, as well as debut single, ‘Right Here’, will be bringing her distinctive voice to the main stage. With their latest single Roads out in May and an eagerly anticipated album due out later this year, pop rockers Lawson will have plenty of fresh material to excite the crowd alongside songs from their debut album Chapman Square and their six top 20 hit singles including
Juliet and When She Was Mine. Joining them on the main stage and described as ‘the voice of urban Britain’ by The Times, MOBO award winner, vocalist and rapper Roots Manuva, best known for the hit single ‘Witness The Fitness’, will be bringing his UK hip hop style to Wollaton’s lush fields. The full main stage line up is The Specials, James, Jess Glynne, Lawson, Roots Manuva, Amber Run and To Kill A King and the day will be opened by the winner of the Future Sound of Nottingham competition. The search to find the best unsigned local act to open the festival is underway once again with the Future Sound of Nottingham now open for entries, building up to the chance to play the Rock City final on June 14 2015. For more details, visit www.nusic.org.uk
Keeping up the tradition for bringing the best of the local scene to the attention of 20,000 crowd, will be Amber Run, the band who formed at Nottingham University, with a huge indie-rock sound laden with hooks and driving choruses that looks a surefire bet to be filling
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stadiums some time soon. Expect a great response from their growing fan base to tracks such as the anthemic ‘Just My Soul Responding’; ‘I Found’ and ‘Spark’ hot on the heels of the release of their debut album, ‘5am’, on April 27 through RCA Victor. For something completely different, head over to the Confetti Stage where the Mansfield crew Ferocious Dog will be delivering their own take on Celtic folk by mixing up traditional instruments - fiddles, whistles, mandolins - with a bit of rock n’ roll attitude. With their unique, aggressive yet feel-good music they are a favourite in the city making history last year by becoming the only unsigned act to ever sell out the Rescue Rooms in Nottingham, not only once but twice. Second on the bill to Bananarama on the Confetti stage are Birmingham indie-rockers The Twang. Hailed by the NME as ‘Britain’s best new band’ when they emerged, their second single Either Way was a top 10 hit and strongly championed by Radio 1 while the band commanded a prestigious headline slot at Glastonbury on the John Peel Stage. The Twang have kept the albums coming and the anthemic guitar rock of their latest, NEONTWANG, is sure to keep the audience moving. Confirmed for the Confetti stage are Bananarama, The Twang, Ferocious Dog, Iris Gold, Keto, The Swiines and Georgie. Completing the feast of live music will be the line up on the Acoustic Rooms stage, named after the popular weekly event at the Rescue Rooms. Joy Mumford, Eyre Llew, Hhymn, Jamie Lawson, Molly and Jack, RJMARKS, Daudi Matsiko and Cedric Peters make up the offer for the final stage. At the bottom of the courtyard, the popular Funhouse Comedy stage compered by amiable cheeky-chappie
Brummie Andy Robinson will once again be entertaining the crowds throughout the day and into the evening. Ian D. Montfort, the Sunderland psychic creation of character comedian Tom Binns, very convincingly uses the cold reading of stage mediums to debunk their techniques with fantastically funny interactions with his audience. Bringing his musical comedy act Lost in Music, Christian Reilly, now an international comedian playing all the major comedy venues, started out in Nottingham. Expect sharp wit combined with effortless charm and the occasional snipe at histrionic rock bands, musical theatre and morose indie musicians. Presenter Ellie Taylor of BBC3 dating show ‘Song, Marry, Avoid’, awesome Aussie improviser John Robertson and brilliant young musical comedy duo Jollyboat complete the comedic offer. The entertainment doesn’t stop away from the main stages with loads for children on offer including fairground rides, and a free kids area hosted by Big Top Mania, featuring circus skills workshops and shows, crazy inflatables, giant bubbles and Big Bear’s Big Balloon Disco. Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Sport and Leisure at Nottingham City Council, said: “It’s great to see more much-loved groups being added to the Splendour line-up. We’re looking forward to a fantastic family summer day out in the beautiful surroundings of Wollaton Park.” Tickets for Splendour start at £20 for 11-17-year-olds and £34 for adults with a citycard. Children 10 and under go free. Available from www.splendourfestival. com To get the latest line-up announcements and festival updates go to www. splendourfestival.com or like www. facebook.com/splendourfestivalUK or follow @splendourfest.
Splendour Line Up: July 18 2015 MAIN STAGE The Specials James Jess Glynne Lawson Roots Manuva Amber Run To Kill A King NUSIC Competition Winner CONFETTI STAGE Bananarama The Twang Ferocious Dog Iris Gold Keto The Swiines Georgie COMEDY STAGE Andy Robinson (Compere) Ian D. Montfort Christian Reilly Ellie Taylor John Robertson Jollyboat ACOUSTIC ROOMS STAGE Joy Mumford Eyre Llew Hhymn Jamie Lawson Molly and Jack RJMARKS Daudi Matsiko Cedric Peters
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Junkyard has a lot to live up to. This neighbourhood café bar, nestled between Fletcher Gate and Bridlesmith Gate, is the younger brother of Nottingham’s renowned speakeasy cocktail bar Boilermaker. Thankfully it’s doing just that. And more. Junkyard effortlessly combines the laidback feel of a North California craft beer bar and eatery with a specialist craft beer shop.
beers home in a 64oz flagon, or ‘Growler’, logoed up with Junkyard’s Nottingham Growlers’ Club. There are, quite simply, very few places like Junkyard anywhere in the city, or for that matter, the UK.
In the bar, fifteen taps dispense a constantly revolving and evolving collection of hand-picked American, British and European craft keg brews. In five short months, those taps have earned a reputation, and growing collection of cultishly-devoted followers, by reflecting the owners’ devotion to unearthing the most exciting new beers they can find.
Junkyard’s wider drinks offering has not been neglected in favour of the beer geek. Caffeine junkies can sit and savour locally roasted coffee, or grab a cup on the go. Oenophiles (wine lovers to you and I) can choose from a carefully selected list, and of course, great cocktails and homemade sodas are in Junkyard’s Boilermaker-tinted blood.
Everything from hoptastic California IPAs to re-assuringly warm and rich porters, earthy, musty saisons to tongue-curling sours, not to mentions lagers, tripels, pale ales, stouts, scotch ales, amber ales, sparkling ales and more - Junkyard taps pours drinks to suit almost every person who walks through its glass doors.
Junkyard’s passion for doing things properly extends way beyond sourcing and serving fine and interesting drinks. They love awesome food! Freshly prepared grazing plates, sharing dishes, deli classics and bar snacks are available through to midnight. Indeed, the 140-capacity venue, featuring a hidden back yard oasis, is open all year round from 10am to 1am Monday to Saturday and until Midnight on Sunday.
Junkyard is committed to serving the best independent brews they can find from anywhere and everywhere around the world. For the owners, the rule of thumb is simple: if it excites, it goes on the pumps. Best brews from across the US, mainland Europe, The Far East, Australia, New Zealand and of course the UK find themselves pouring forth. Take a leap of faith with them and your rewards will be deep and profound. Junkyard also houses two fridges carrying over 100 bottles and cans of craft beers – they can be enjoyed at the bar or taken home with a 25% saving. Or, visitors can take their favourite draught
Junkyard are committed to developing a culture of like-minded individuals brought together through a love of great products and great service. Whether you’re a local or a visitor to Nottingham, you’d be very well served to walk between the arches to the right of Fletcher Gate’s Ibis hotel. Junkyard is fine reward for the adventurous, curious and downright excitable.
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Jason Atherton Chef restaurateur Jason Atherton has announced a stellar line up of guest chefs, including former bosses Pierre Koffmann and Stephen Terry, for a day of charity lunches in aid of Hospitality Action. Atherton’s current six-strong portfolio of London restaurants will take part on 7 June, with the ambition of raising more than £60,000 for the industry charity.
one day. Our dream is that once a year all other chefs close their restaurants and everyone teams up to raise as much money as we possibly can.”
New outpost Social Wine & Tapas will also take part with head chef Frankie Van Loo offering diners a sneak preview, with wines matched by executive group sommelier Laure Patry, before the restaurant opens to the public the following day,
Each lunch will be a ticketed event, priced between £90 and £135 per head depending on the restaurant, with all proceeds raised going directly to industry charity Hospitality Action, where Atherton is a trustee.
Atherton’s forthcoming Japanese restaurant Sosharu, expected to launch in Clerkenwell this autumn, will also be previewed with head chef Alex Craciun serving 24 guests in the private dining room of City Social.
All chefs and front of house staff will be donating their time and working for free on Social Sunday. Atherton said he hopes to raise around £60,000 from Social Sunday ticket sales, plus additional funds through prize auctions on the day.
Koffmann (Koffmann’s) will join Atherton at his flagship Michelin-starred restaurant Pollen Street Social where the pair will recreate some of Koffmann’s classic dishes, while Terry (the Hardwick) will travel from Abergavenny to cook alongside fellow Welshman Phil Carmichael at Berners Tavern at the London Edition hotel for the one-day event. Lee Westcott will be joined at Typing Room, at the Town Hall hotel in Bethnal Green, by Tom Aikens (Tom’s Kitchen), who gave him his first job at the age of 16, and at Michelin-starred City Social, Paul Walsh will partner with Ollie Dabbous (Dabbous). Little Social’s Cary Docherty will team up with Robin Gill (the Dairy) and Paul Hood will be joined by Isaac McHale (the Clove Club) at Michelin-starredSocial Eating House. Commenting on the plans, Jason Atherton said: “We want to lead by example as a high end restaurant group. “The people who have the least time are the people we want to be involved, which is why I decided to do it on only
This is the inaugural event, with Atherton planning to host fundraising events on the first Sunday of June every year going forward. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday 7 May and can be bought through Social Company central reservations via email. For more details, visit www.jasonatherton.co.uk / socialsunday.
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Guide to the Weekend
23 rd -25 th May 2015 Nottingham Castle
A fabulous array of food & drink, cookery demo’s, Real Ale Bars, Family Entertainment, and live music sponsored by
Magpie Security Ltd
Live demo’s from celebrity chefs *Check website for full chef listings and times
Simon Rimmer, Adam Simmonds, Sean Wilson* & Dean Edwards*
greatfoodanddrinkfestivals.co.uk
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Festival Map Entrance
Band stand
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Activities throughout the weekend. There is a whole host of things to get involved in during the weekend of ‘The Great Food and Drink Festival’, so make sure you are there to do as much as possible. Exploring the abundance of hot food, cold food and craft stalls is just one of the things you’ll be able to do, whilst taking a break at the café and bar, as well as the real ale bar and Pimms and Champagne bar. There will be cooking demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs, where you will be able to learn the individual techniques that they use along with how to cook some wonderful dishes. The pedigree of chefs is rather high too, Sunday Brunch co-host Simon Rimmer will be doing three cooking demos throughout the day on the Saturday. Adam Simmonds, winner of the Great British Menu 2014, will be doing three demos on the Sunday and Jordan Cox, Great British Bake-off contestant will be doing three demos on the Monday. You can find more information on the cooking demos on the next page. If you are coming along with the children, then don’t worry, there are things for them too. There will be bouncy castles set up around Nottingham Castle as well as three ‘Punch and Judy’ shows on the Monday of the event. There will also be a chance to do some doughnut decorating, which will be assisted by ‘The Phat Doughnut Co.’ And let’s not forget about the fantastic array of live music from local talented musicians that will be on offer for all to see and hear. The music will be throughout the day, with a host of different genres to get stuck into. For more information of who will be playing when, go to page 14, for a full listing. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @ Greatfooddrink for regular updates throughout the day!
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The Great Food & Drink Festivals cooking demonstrations Saturday 23rd May Simon Rimmer is the chef and copresenter of Sunday Brunch, the morning show which wakes the nation up on a Sunday with a mix of chat, current affairs, guests and food. He has presented and cooked across many shows and his numerous credits include Great British Waste Menu, Meals in Moments, The One Show, Breaking Tesco, Recipe for Success and This Little Farmer went to Market. He has also written and published 7 successful books which continue to sell well, including most recent, ‘Men Love Pies, Girls Like Hummus’. Simon is also Chef Patron off his two award winning restaurants in Manchester; Greens and Earle. As a restaurateur this is where Simon’s real passion for food turned and became a career, and he continues to cook in the restaurants every week. Local Nottingham born chef, Craig Floate will be joining Simon Rimmer on the Saturday as he will also be demonstrating some mouth-watering dishes.
Sunday 24th May Chef Adam Simmonds Adam will be doing 3 demo’s throughout the day, Sunday 24th. Adam Simmonds is known for his sophisticated and beautifullycrafted cooking, which has earned him a plethora of awards and recognition. Simmonds worked his way from a pot washer at a pub in Leighton Buzzard to the top of London hotels like The Ritz, The Halkin and The Lanesborough. He worked with Marco Pierre White at Les Saveurs in London and Raymond Blanc at Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. He also managed to get through the final banquet of BBC One programme Great British Menu 2014.
Monday 25th May The Great Food and Drink Festival are delighted to announce Jordan Cox, from series 5 of The Great British Bake Off, will be tantalising your taste buds with cooking demos at our event at Nottingham Castle in May, Monday 24th. Jordan, an I.T manager and selfconfessed geek by trade, is originally from Croydon but has spent the last 8 years in Nottingham where he has settled with his friends and family. During his time on The Great British Bake Off, Jordan used his unique, off-the-wall style to create delicious and creative bakes. His style, not only in baking but in fashion too, won over the hearts of many on the show as he continued to entertain
audiences on a weekly basis. Chef Daniel Burridge, of Harts Hotel, will also be giving a cooking demonstration on the Monday. Nottinghams very own award winning Butcher, Johnny Pusztai, will be at the event for all 3 days, so make sure you come along to his cooking demos to get some excellent tips, you can also try some of his food from his own stand at the show. Don’t miss out on all of these fantastic chefs, who will be showing you how to do an array of fantastic, tasty dishes.
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Chef Timings Saturday May 23rd 11am 11.45am 12.30pm 1.30pm 2.15pm 4pm
Simon Rimmer Johnny Pusktai Simon Rimmer Craig Floate Simon Rimmer Pete Hewitt
Sunday May 24th 11am 12midday 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm
Adam Simmonds Johnny Pusktai Adam Simmonds Teresa Bovey Adam Simmonds Des Sweeny
Monday May 25th 11am 12midday 1pm 2pm 3pm 4pm
Johnny Pusktai Jordan Cox Omlette Challenge Daniel Burridge Jordan Cox Porktion*
*Like an auction but with pork, hence the name Porktion. All proceeds from the sale of the full pig will go to charity.
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The Great Food and Drink Festival’s Band Times.
Saturday 23rd May
Sunday 24th May
Monday 25th May
11.00am
Ellie Keegan
11.00am
Cibelle Alvarenga
11.00am
Martin Sanders
11.50am
94 Gunships
11.50am
Ant Mc Andrew
11.50am
Jasmin Issaka
12.40pm
Josh Kemp
12.40pm
Blue Sunshine
12.40pm
Jimmy Mac
1.30pm
Adam Peter Smith
1.30pm
Ed Med
1.30pm
Anwyn Williams
2.20pm
Alta Pueblo
2.20pm
James Saverio Carso
2.20pm
Daniel Ison
3.10pm
Matt Henshaw
3.10pm
The Breakfast Club
3.10pm
Michael Reddington
3.50pm
Robyn Hughes
3.50pm
Tash Bird
3.50pm
Alexa Hawksworth
4.30pm
Ryan Farmer (formerly known as Ryan Thomas)
4.30pm
Juneau
4.30pm
Ajay Henry
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The Great Food & Drink Festival Sponsors. The Great Food and Drink Festival would like to take this opportunity to thank their sponsors for their event. This fantastic event wouldn’t have been able to go ahead without the continued support and commitment of their sponsors; security and training firm Magpie Security Ltd, Central College Nottingham, NET Tramlink, Deliveroo and The Walton Hotel. Operations Director, James Loach of Magpie Security Ltd, who are providing the security over the weekend and are headline sponsors of the event, stated “Magpie Security Ltd are looking forward to The Great Food and Drink Festival, maintaining their positive working relationships throughout the Nottingham conurbation and providing a safe and secure environment, ensuring total peace of mind for all”. With a wide variety of hot food, cold food and artisan craft stands you certainly won’t be lacking in things to do and explore. Jamie Swift, NET Marketing Manager, said: “We’re proud to be supporting the Festival and we’re sure it will be a big success. Nottingham has a fantastic reputation for eating out and the tram is a great way to travel into the city to enjoy the wide range of restaurants on offer.” There will also be a champagne bar curtesy of The Walton Hotel, Managing Director Alice Shelton commented “We are pleased to be sponsoring the Great Food and Drink Festival, it is an important event to highlight the talents of local chefs and cuisine on offer in the city. Being situated a few minutes’ walk from Nottingham Castle in the historic Park Estate we felt it was a perfect fit to showcase some of the food and drink we offer in our bar/restaurant.” With a large seated area and a café as well, you will have ample opportunity to sit down, relax and enjoy the fantastic view that is
offered up by the stunning location of Nottingham Castle. Jacob Lourie, Regional Manager of Deliveroo, who will be launching their services from the 15th May, commented “We want to bring quality dining to people’s homes and offices. And we want to give people more options in the takeaway market. By sponsoring this event we want to raise the profile of Nottingham Independents” There will be a host of activities throughout the day for all ages to participate in. There will be cooking demos by a number of chefs including celebrity chefs Simon Rimmer (Sunday Brunch Co-host), Adam Simmonds (Great British Menu 2014 winner) and Jordan Cox (Great British Bake Off contestant). There will also be a number of activities for the kids to get involved in such as Punch and Judy, Face painting, cooking classes and more. For more updates throughout the day follow @Greatfooddrink on Twitter.
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Robin Hood Nottingham Castle Tour Sat 23, Sun 24, Mon 25 at 4pm. As the Great Food and Drink Fest at Nottingham Castle celebrates all that is ‘Local’, Visit England Ambassador and multi-award winning raconteur, Ezekial Bone will be adding more colour to the event and keeping the party going with his ‘Robin Hood Nottingham Castle Tour.’ You can join Robin Hood at the Castle gate-house at 4pm each day and embark on an adventure around the local area. As you take in the sights, you will hear about the history of the area, learn fascinating facts and gather pearls of wisdom about Nottingham’s famous son, Robin Hood. Understanding Nottingham is the first step to really appreciating the City and this will be the perfect way to round off the day, before the evening starts.
The tour will last around 2 hours and will take in the Saxon caves at the ancient Salutation Inn. After stopping there for a short while to take in some refreshments, the group will move onto Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem for more captivating tales about the great City of Nottingham. Here you will be able to supp ales into the evening with Robin Hood, Lady Marian and Little John. Meet at Castle Gate House 4pm. £7 per head. No need to book, just ‘Turn Up and Pay!’
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Nottingham Castle Nottingham Castle Standing high on Castle Rock overlooking the city, Nottingham Castle is visited by over 270,000 visitors each year. Many visitors question where the castle is, as they expect to find a traditional English castle. Instead they find the first Duke of Newcastle’s Ducal Palace. However, the prospect house that remains is as precious as any historic structure in the country and is unique and enchanting in its own right. The building is protected by Grade One listed status, whilst Castle Rock and the cave system within it, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The Long Gallery This gallery is currently part of the Trent to Trenches exhibition. This space houses a permanent display of the best of the museum’s fine art. The painting collection covers British and European art ranging in date from the 11th century to the present day. Highlights include: a group of 17th Dutch and Northern European paintings; paintings by important Nottingham artists Paul Sandby, Richard Parkes Bonington, Thomas Barber, John Rawson Walker and Henry Dawson; a 20th century British collection including works by William Nicholson, Ben Nicholson, Winifred Nicholson, Dame Laura Knight, Harold Knight, Edward Burra, Edward Wadsworth and Tristram Hillier, Mathew Smith, L.S. Lowry, Ivon Hitchens and Stanley Spencer.
Nottingham Castle Caves Beneath Nottingham Castle a labyrinth of manmade caves and tunnels continue to tell the turbulent story of this historic site. Enjoy a memorable tour discovering the secret passageways, King David’s legendary dungeon, the Duke of Newcastle’s Wine Cellar or Mortimer’s Hole.
Take a tour to experience the caves for yourself, learning on the way the gruesome tales of Roger Mortimer or King David II of Scotland. With some of the caves dating back to medieval times, the tour is strenuous with over 300 steep steps. However, for those who wish to descend through hundreds of years the tour is a must.
Mortimer’s Hole The famous tunnel known as Mortimer’s Hole is carved into the sandstone outcrop on which the Castle stands. The passage way is eerie enough but is made all the more so by the reputed presence of the ghost of Sir Roger Mortimer himself. Mortimer, the Earl of March and lover of Queen Isobel, was probably her accomplice in the murder of Edward II. On the night of October 19 1330 the Queen and her lover Mortimer were staying at Nottingham Castle. Seeking to bring his father’s killer to justice and expose his feckless mother, the young King Edward III entered a network of secret tunnels that led ultimately into the Castle itself. With a band of loyal supporters the King burst into his mother’s bedroom and surprised the lovers. Edward himself is said to have seized Mortimer. The now doomed monarch killer was led away, so legend has it, to Isobel’s mournful cries of “Fair son, have pity on the gentle Mortimer.” Sir Roger was imprisoned in the Castle, taken to London and executed as a traitor. He was hung, drawn and quartered on the 29 November 1330 and his wretched remains skewered on spikes and left to rot on traitors gate ‘Tyburn’. The tunnel that led to Sir Roger’s downfall became known after him and is still called “Mortimer Hole”.
Hauntings at the Castle Throughout the centuries Nottingham Castle has experienced both drama and mystery aplenty, so it’s probably not that surprising to hear that tales of hauntings are rife. There are other ghosts connected with the Castle. In 1212 King John held some 28 sons of Welsh noble families hostage in the castle. The boys, some as young as 12, lived at the castle for some time, and were allowed free rein within the walls. Then one day, the precise date is unknown, King John ordered all the hostages executed. A chronicler states that the boys pitiful cries rang around the Castle as one after the other they were taken up on the ramparts and hanged in a row. Their ghostly pleas for mercy are still said to be heard within the Castle precincts.
Significant Event Dates Great Food & Drink Festival 23rd-25th May 10am-5pm Cornish Light Talk 30th Wedding Open Day 7th June Nottingham Castle Wedding Fair 22nd Novemeber
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About the Nottingham Caves Survey The Nottingham Caves Survey is the first part of the Caves of Nottingham Regeneration Project (CoNoRP). This is a two-and-a-half year project funded by the Greater Nottingham Partnership, East Midlands Development Agency, English Heritage, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham City Council. The project intends to take a fresh look at Nottingham’s caves and encourage the City and its visitors to appreciate the caves for the unique historical resource they are. The Nottingham Caves Survey will build on the work of British Geological Survey in the 1980s. The BGS Register of Caves (still available from the BGS) documented all known caves in Nottingham. We will revisit all caves listed in the Register and update the information about those caves. All caves that can be physically accessed will be surveyed with a 3D laser scanner, producing a full measured record of the caves in three dimensions. This ‘point cloud’ of millions of individual survey points can be cut and sliced into plans and sections, ‘flown through’ in short
videos, and examined in great detail either on the web through the TruView Internet Explorer plugin or on a fixed PC with suitable software.
Archaeology One of the major goals of the project is to assess the archaeological importance of Nottingham’s caves. Some are currently scheduled monuments and are of great local and national importance. Some are pub cellars and may seem less vital to the history of the City.
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Newstead Abbey The Abbey was founded as a monastic house in the late 12th century, and to this day the house retains much of its medieval character. The most famous survival is the iconic West Front of the church that dates from the late 13th century and is now a scheduled ancient monument. Inside the house the medieval cloisters, Chapter House (now the Chapel) and a collection of medieval stone carvings and manuscripts enable visitors to discover the Abbey’s early history.
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Heralded by many as the greatest romantic poet of his time, Lord Byron lived at Newstead Abbey at various times from the autumn of 1808 to the autumn of 1814. Visitors may visit the Abbey to discover the Byron collection. The collection includes: • objects and furniture which belonged to the poet • letters written by Byron • manuscripts and portraits of Byron, his family and friends • the poet’s magnificent gilt wood bed, which Byron brought with him from his student rooms in Cambridge when he moved into Newstead Abbey • Byron’s very own pistol and the desk at which he wrote much of his poetry Visitors are also invited into the ‘Dressing Up Room’ to try on for size replicas of period dress or Lord Byron’s favourite clothes and be transformed into a romantic hero! The house also features a collection of items that span the centuries, from when Newstead Abbey first became a private house, right up to the present day. It includes paintings, objects, letters,
maps and photographs associated with the estate, including a collection of the eighteenth century views of Newstead Abbey by artist Pieter Tillemans. Visitors can linger over displays and reading material in the Gothic Revival Library, or marvel at the expansive panelling in the Great Hall, all reputed to have come from a single oak tree.
Monday 3rd November - Friday 13th February 2015, free weekday parking Excludes school holidays, weekends and special events.
Newstead Abbey Gardens
Visitors entering the park and gardens on foot. Motorcycle or by bicycle are charged £1 per person.
Newstead Abbey’s landscape owes much of its beauty to the River Leen, which feeds the lakes, ponds and cascades that ornament Newstead’s gardens. The grounds provide the perfect place for a relaxing outing all year round, with fabulous wildlife including peacocks, swans and geese. Visit in the spring and enjoy the spectacular displays of colour from the rhododendrons, picnic by the lake in the summer, see the stunning Japanese maples in autumn or take an invigorating walk in winter.
Admission Prices The charge for visitors is just £6 per vehicle. This includes entry to the grounds and gardens at Newstead Abbey and covers all passengers within the car.
Entry to the House is available on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, 12noon - 4pm for an additional £5 per person and £4 for children (14 and under).
Gardens only visitors can still access the Cafe at the Abbey.
Significant Event Dates Spring Bank Holiday Dog Show 24th May 11am-4pm Flower and craft Festival 26th-28th June Great Food and Drink Festival 29th-31st August Robin Hood September
Folk
Festival
4th-6th
Newstead Abbey Wedding Fair 20th September
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Life is good cheese makes it better! Ever heard that eating cheese in the evening gives you nightmares? Not true – in fact there is no connection between eating cheese and bad dreams! Now we have that cleared that, up let’s move on to more cheesy topics. Nothing beats a varied, tasty cheeseboard (especially at Christmas), or a tasty meal sprinkled with melted creamy goodness - or even the humble ploughman’s lunch. But what makes all those things better is unique, locally sourced artisan cheese produced just round the corner by your local cheesemonger. An avid supporter, promoter and cheese maker is Sean Wilson, who you may remember from his 21 years portraying Martin Platt on TV’s “Coronation Street”. Sean is joining us to tell us why he is so in love with artisan cheese. After Sean left ‘’The Street”, he decided to pursue his lifelong passion for cooking and went on to spend a year training as a chef, working at a number of Michelin starred restaurants. Then, in 2009, Sean started a new venture The Saddleworth Cheese Company - with his close friend of 30 years, Mark Revell. Their artisan cheeses met with immediate success, winning three awards at the 2009 British Cheese Awards - including the gold medal for “Muldoon’s Picnic” - and winning three more British Cheese Awards in 2010. Saddleworth Cheese’s most recent achievement was to win a gold medal at the World Cheese Awards in both 2011 and 2012. More recently Sean has achieved Gold award in The British Cheese Awards, The International Cheese awards and the Global Cheese Awards all in 2014, a very busy year for him.
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Sean tells us why he took on this new venture; “Well, I have been totally interested and committed to the art of cooking for 30 years now and amassed a cookbook collection somewhere in the hundreds. I have, throughout those years, developed a keen interest in the word “provenance”; the making of any food at the source of the ingredients, which has led me to France and Italy and their love of provenance cheeses and wines. The importance of provenance is key to producing only the finest of cheeses and wines. Take Roquefort Cheese, Gorgonzola Cheese, Burgundy and Bordeaux wines, for instance, all of which have great historic methods and history. Although there are 21st century hygiene constraints today, those very same methods of yore are adhered to as much as is humanly possible and therefore, these very same products are as good, if not better, today as they always were.” There is no denying that artisan cheese is vastly superior, richer and creamier than the plastic textured lumps we are so eagerly buying every day. Buying locally made cheese benefits the local producers in your area. The cheesemongers will source their milk from local farmers to ensure freshness and a ready supply, as Sean stresses, there is really nothing better than buying local, regional cheese to support the farming and cheesemongers of that area. ‘British cheese making has really come on these past 10 years and there are some great cheeses out there to source and in my opinion, ANY meat bought at a farmers market or your local butcher will be tastier and superior to buying from anywhere else. I suppose it’s simple really; if the meat is farm-assured it will be infinitely tastier, and the same applies to our wonderful British artisan cheeses. I am fortunate enough to be invited to judge at various cheese awards around the country and there are some really superb makers creating some artisan flavours that make our job of judging very difficult at times, with varieties such as Somerset Brie’s tiny, fresh, sweettasting artisan goats cheeses, superbly aged creamy Double Gloucesters and cave-aged Cheddars - not to mention some finely crafted soft blue cheeses made as far afield as Cornwall and Lanarkshire. Now, in my opinion, these cheeses are superior in every way and should be sourced at your local cheese shop, or more locally at your farmers market. Simple.’ The Saddleworth Cheese company is in based in Lancashire and for that reason is devoted to traditional Lancashire Cheese, which was first made in the 14th century by mixing two curds; yesterday evening’s curd and this morning’s curd, all with milk from that very same dairy farm. The mixing of these curds created a
very creamy cheese with a lovely melting quality. It was, in its truest form, a cheese of “provenance”. Sean’s incentive was to make the cheese exactly as it was made originally, to rekindle the traditional art behind the cheeses. This led him deep into Lancashire and a dairy in Inglewhite that has its own herd of Holsteins. They graze on the lush fields of The Trough of Bowland where the pastures are rich with clovers and dandelions, plants that that bring that characteristic acidity to Lancashire cheeses. The late Bob Kitching, a Lancashire cheese making legend, became Sean’s mentor and taught him the very same methods used traditionally. In 2009 Bob suggested Sean enter the British Cheese Awards with a cheese Sean himself had developed – an “Early Acid Lancashire Crumbly Truckle” - which then went on to win a gold medal. This spurred Sean into moving forward with cheese making on a commercial level and opening the Saddleworth Cheese Company. ‘Our cheese range is a fully “provenance” product and that brings us great pride.’ Says Sean. There is a stir amongst the food industry; people are realising the benefits of buying local, artisan foods for great flavour, good value and to support the farming industry in the UK. This is a fact that has not bypassed Sean.
“At present, we find that people will take the time to source great flavours and we feel that these very same people need that choice in their weekly shop, and as long as buyers take time to consider our integrity and understand our love and passion, then year on year things should be good for us smaller territorial cheese makers. Of course, there are always issues with ever changing milk prices that sometimes force us to reflect in our price structures, which sometimes may seem unfair. But these are market forces that are out of our hands. That said, right now things seem to be cooling down on that front, which gives the industry a good fighting chance.” Local cheese producers have a constant battle to stay afloat but, with backing from passionate producers and hungry, curious consumers, the cheese industry can go from strength to strength supporting the farming industry and representing the traditional trade that is currently disappearing from the supermarket shelves. Sean is now into his fifth year of producing award-winning cheese and continues to travel up and down the country presenting his range of artisan cheeses at various festivals and Markets all over the UK. To find out where you can see Sean visit www.saddleworthcheese. co.uk.
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Wollaton Hall Wollaton Hall was originally designed by Robert Smythson and built for Sir Francis Willoughby, being completed following eight years of building work in 1588the year of the Spanish Armada. The building is in the English Renaissance style and its flamboyant design is considered to be a masterpiece. Following a fire in 1642 the interior was extensively remodelled, and again radically redesigned by Sir Jeffry Wyatville in the late 18th and early 19th centuries for the 6th Lord Middleton. The exterior remains little altered since its construction and is as stunning as it was in 1588. A programme of restoration at Wollaton Hall, Gardens and Deer Park was completed in April 2007. Costing ÂŁ9million, the project was partly funded by the European Union European
Regional Development Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Natural History Museum Since Wollaton Hall opened to the public in 1926, it has been home to the city’s natural history museum. On display are some of the best items from the three quarters of a million specimens that make up its zoology, geology, and botany collections.
Natural Connections Gallery This gallery explores the relationship between the natural world and ourselves.
One of the central themes in the gallery is extinction, and a number of extinct and near-extinct species are on display. These include a passenger pigeon and a flightless parrot from New Zealand - the kakapo. Recent additions to the gallery include the extraordinary duckbilled platypus, a giant anteater and a rare maned sloth. Other popular exhibits include an orangutan skeleton, a hippo skull and a Humboldt penguin, together with many other mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, insects, and fossils.
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Bird Gallery Recreated in the style of a 1930s natural history museum display, this gallery contains taxidermied Victorian birds and game heads, alongside more contemporary specimens. Many of the birds were collected in Ethiopia and Sudan by the 19th century Nottinghamshire explorer Mansfield Parkyns. These include one of the first two specimens of the shoebill, or whalebilled stork, brought back to Europe in 1850. Other exhibits include a pelican, a bird-of-paradise, and a red kite.
Insect Gallery Spectacular butterflies, moths, beetles and bugs from around the world are on display here. Focusing on the biology and life-cycle of insects, this gallery also includes a section on social insects including a Caribbean cloud forest diorama showing some of the birds and mammals that depend upon termite colonies for food and nest sites. Live insects are also featured - these include stick insects from Borneo and Papua New Guinea, and a colony of Madagascan hissing cockroaches.
Mineral gallery Image Mineral Gallery This gallery showcases some of the 5,000 specimens that make up the rock and mineral collection. It includes some the original Nottingham Naturalists’ Society collection and fine displays of classic minerals from the North of England (early 20th century) and Cornwall and Devon (19th century). You can also get up close to some giant ammonites fossilised coiled shells of ancient squidlike sea creatures.
Africa Gallery The Nottingham Natural History Museum’s famous gorilla and giraffe specimens can be seen here, together with a splendid cheetah - the fastest land mammal. The gallery also features a walk-through waterhole scene complete with zebras, leopards, hyenas, antelopes, warthogs, ostriches, a porcupine and even a fruit bat. An interactive panel enables visitors to hear the sounds made by some of the better-known African animals.
Significant Event Dates
AutoKarna 31st May No Tomorrow Festival 6th-7th June Armed Forces Weekend 27th-28th June 10am-4pm Splendour Music Festival 18th July
Outdoor cinema screening 28th-30th August Great Food and Drink Festival 28th/29th November & 5th/6th December
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ADAM RICHMAN THE FOOD FINDER Adam Richman is sourcing the best restaurants in the USA, hidden in plain sight. Adam Richman built his reputation as the human hoover behind the addictive series Man Versus Food, where his call of duty was to consume large qualities of American cuisine in family-run joints under strict time limits. Crowds are drawn to his mass eating efforts, and his photo is tacked to the ‘winners’ wall in restaurants up and down the United States of America. Adam has won himself a cult audience in the UK too, and since ending his competitive eating era some six years ago, he’s back with two new shows, Food Fighters and Man Finds Food. Adam reveals that Food Fighters is a celebration of home cooking. “We have home cooks from all walks of life; Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, stay at home mums, grandfathers, newlyweds, and they all provide their best family recipes and go up against five professional chefs. The chefs don’t know what dish they’re about to make, and the home cooks don’t know which chef they’re about to compete against or where their expertise lies. There’s an element of strategy involved.” Once again, Adam appeals to the foodie public - though his enthusiasm and charisma as a presenter is enough to draw viewers in. After studying Drama at Yale, and journaling his every restaurant experience since his college years, it seems the man was made for the food entertainment industry. But just why are food-based shows so enduringly popular? “Take a show about football or rugby,” Adam explains. “If you don’t like football or rugby you won’t watch it, or if it’s a show about politics and you’re dissatisfied with the current political climate you won’t watch it, but if you want to sustain life alone you must eat. So there is a universality and a universal appeal to food and to culture.” What’s more, our approach to food is becoming more refined. “You’re dealing with a day and age where people are more informed eaters, grocery stores are carrying more variety, we have a better understanding
of organic and free range produce, and I just think people want to know more about food. We don’t all care about who plays in the Premier League but many of us do like to eat.” It bottles down to a sense of inclusiveness. “I can watch somebody sky diving and find that fascinating but I can’t just go and do a sky dive - but I can watch someone make a really terrific pasta dish and then I can go and get the ingredients and try it myself that evening,” he explains. In fact, Adam’s passion for good grub has taken him on a journey across America in his latest programme too. “Man Finds Food is essentially an exploration of delicious and off the beaten path hidden restaurants. We’re about finding places that are local legends, iconic places that had been loved for generations, and places that even the locals don’t know about,” he says. But just how does he source restaurants for the show if by definition they’re hidden away? “Some are word of mouth, some are ones I myself have been to and I have a lot of other friends in the restaurant business around the United States so sometimes they’ll tell me about a place. The production team is awesome and sometimes the research comes through their friends too, they’ll find certain places. Some come naturally. For example in Hawaii there’s a bowling alley that serves amazing food; we had gone to profile one foodstuff, only to find they actually had a five course gourmet meal on certain Tuesdays and that wasn’t even initially what we had come to cover. So we had these secrets being revealed on camera.” Adam encourages Brits to try the plates the States have to offer, though he’s aware that tastes can be subjective. “Cities that I’ve found to have great variety and great food - of course I’m from New York and I’m extremely partial to my home town of New York City - New Orleans has amazing food, then Chicago, Austin and San Francisco are probably
my favourite eating cities or at least some of them.” And Adam’s made time in his UK trip to taste what we have to offer. “I’ve been to some really wonderful restaurants and I had the chance to go to M.Manze in London for pie mash and liquor which was wonderful. I tried terrific stuff in Borough Market - salt beef, fish and chips, and I’ve been to some wonderful establishments in China Town. I haven’t been to greasy spoons but I think the grease is in the eye of the beholder.” Man Finds Food starts Saturday 4th April at 5pm and Food Fighters starts Sunday 5th April at 5pm, on Food Network
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Great British Bake Off semi-finalist, Chetna Makan, joins the Great Food and Drink Festival’s celebrity chef line-up. Chetna Makan, semi-finalist on the BAFTA winning TV show The Great British Bake Off, is set to join the growing list of celebrity chefs who will be attending Nottingham’s ‘Great Food and Drink Festivals’ this year. Chefs Dean Edwards and Sean Wilson are already set to attend the event at Newstead Abbey in August and the acquisition of Chetna strengthens the impressive lineup further. Previously a fashion designer before she came over to the UK, Chetna Makan oozes creative flair whatever the task at hand. Settling down with her husband in the UK, as her family grew, Chetna became a stay at home mum of two. As her children grew older, she began to experiment and
become more adventurous with her new bakes and techniques. Chetna will be at The Great Food and Drink Festival in August, which is being held at one of Nottingham’s most historic sites, Newstead Abbey. The Abbey itself, which was the former home of Lord Byron, who is said to be one of the greatest romantic poets of his time, is a beautiful and picturesque estate. Brimming with peacocks and geese, the grounds of Newstead Abbey are a site to behold, with a series of fantastic gardens and lakes, it is the perfect place to celebrate Great Food and Drink throughout Nottinghamshire.
Since leaving the show, Chetna’s love of baking lives on; with the mother of two continuing to create masterpieces for family, friends and charities. Chetna curates her own recipe blog which can be found at www.chetnamakan.co.uk. She has been commissioned to create recipes for Jamie Oliver, Standard Issue and Foodnetwork among others. Having established a creative flair that cannot be tamed, Chetna now joins Kruger Cowne to further her flavours and reach new audiences with her exceptional baking skills. Tickets for Newstead Abbey will go on sale at the end of May, for more information go to www.greatfoodanddrinkfestivals. co.uk
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New Executive Head Chef, Raymond Goldhawk puts food firmly on the agenda at The Walton Hotel.
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Raymond Goldhawk has joined the team at The Walton Hotel as the new executive head chef. His new menu is set to open a new chapter for the hotel that is becoming renowned for its’ relaxed and informal dining experience. Chef Raymond has honed his skills over a number of years after working with some of the top Michelin starred chefs throughout the region and using this experience has developed a fantastic menu that is already generating a real buzz amongst diners. “When the opportunity arose for me to become head chef at this unique boutique hotel, I jumped at the chance. Having a menu that uses the best local produce in all of my dishes, has gained me some amazing feedback from new and old customers, you will see some classic British dishes that I have added my own twists to. This opportunity has allowed me to use my past experiences and the knowledge I’ve gained to make a menu that gives guests a real experience and
something to talk about when they come and dine with us, stated Chef Raymond. With a self-confessed passion for pastry, it will come as no surprise that the dessert menu at The Walton Hotel is something that will get your taste buds tingling. From Lemon Sabayon Tart to Chocolate and Peanut Butter Parfait, The Walton Hotel has a very diverse, delicate and delicious array of desserts that you can tuck into. This passion for pastry hasn’t gone unnoticed either. The Great British Cookbook, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support and Hospitality Action, have selected one of Chef Raymond Goldhawk’s signature dishes to feature in the upcoming second publication of the charity cookbook. “I was delighted to receive the call from The Great British Cookbook and simply couldn’t turn the invitation down. To have one of my very own dishes in this fantastic cookbook is a joy to behold. Being able to show the
country what I can do and where they can try my food is great and the added bonus of helping two charities at the same time is simply incredible.” The Walton Hotel is a beautifully decorated boutique hotel that offers 15 stunning double, superior and family rooms as well as several newly renovated serviced apartments. Situated in the historic Park area of the city of Nottingham a few minutes walk from the Castle, The Walton provides the perfect retreat. Built as a hunting lodge in the early 1800’s, this unique residence has retained many of its original features whilst offering all of the conveniences of modern living. You can go to www. TheWaltonHotel.com to find out more about the hotel, book rooms and see the delicious menus by Chef Raymond Goldhawk.
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Rufford Abbey In 1146 Gilbert de Gaunt, Earl of Lincoln, founded the Cistercian abbey of St Mary the Virgin. The monks of this order, also known as the ‘white monks’ because of their habits of undyed wool, believed in the value of an austere life based upon prayer and hard work. Rufford Abbey was moderately wealthy and able to sustain a community of monks between its completion in about 1170 and its suppression in 1536. Rufford was one of the first abbeys in England to be affected by the suppression of the monasteries, and the whole estate was quickly acquired by George Talbot, fourth Earl of Shrewsbury. The conversion of the west range of monastic buildings into a house (1560– 90) was undertaken by the sixth earl, who was the fourth and final husband of the indomitable Bess of Hardwick, from whom he was then bitterly estranged. In 1610, a new projecting wing was added to the northern end of this range. The estate was inherited in 1626 by Mary Talbot, sister of the seventh and eighth Earls of Shrewsbury, and it passed to her husband, George Savile. The Savile family William Savile, George’s successor, made Rufford Abbey the seat of the Savile family after he burnt down the Saviles’ original home in order to prevent its being occupied by a Parliamentarian garrison during the Civil War. In 1679, the Savile family constructed a new north wing on the site of the abbey church, containing reception rooms and
a long gallery. They also built the large stable block to the right of the house. The surviving roofed southern service wing (currently used as offices) was also added by the Saviles in the 17th century. In 1938, the third Baron Savile inherited the Rufford estate as a minor, but his trustees split it into lots and sold it off. The 20th century TThe abbey and park were bought by Nottinghamshire County Council in 1952, and the north and east wings were demolished in 1956. The remaining west range and south service wing were put into the care of the Ministry of Works at the same date. The abbey is approached from the car park over the 19th century Jacobeanstyle bridge. The roofed porch formed the original main entrance to the Earl of Shrewsbury’s 16th century house. The inner double doors lead into the now ruined Brick Hall, which formed a grand initial reception room for the post-suppression house. This area of the building originally formed the lay brothers’ dormitory. Features include a fine late 14th century window, with a surround of carved heads and foliage and the medieval night stair, which leads down from the ground-floor dormitory to the area of the cellar.
Original Abbey site Immediately in front of the night stair is a large area of open lawn – this was the location of the original abbey church and the 1670s northern wing of the house. To the right is the entrance to the original cellar and monks’ refectory. This cellar, a well-preserved example of Cistercian architecture, is plain with simple rounded and octagonal columns supporting the vaults. Traces of the day stair and of alcoves for holding the linen and spoons for use in the refectory have survived in the front wall. The Abbey is open all year round (excluding Christmas day), 10:00am – 4:30pm and free for all ages to enjoy.
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Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve contains some of the oldest trees in Europe, veteran oaks five centuries old and the worldfamous Major Oak, still producing acorns after standing at the heart of the forest for an estimated 800 years! The 450 acre country park is part of the Sherwood Forest National Nature Reserve, designated in 2002 by Natural England, the Government agency responsible for safeguarding our natural environment.
The forest was also home for Nottingham’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood. The tales of Robin Hood have been told for more than 700 years. Our fascination with this world-famous outlaw continues into the 21st century.
Sherwood Forest holds a quality award from the Visit England Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme.
The romantic image of Robin Hood is of a medieval hooded figure in Lincoln Green, a master bowman with a quick mind and mischievous sense of humour. Dispossessed by greedy Norman overlords, he is forced to live beyond the law in the leafy depths of Sherwood, a royal hunting forest. From his forest lair he ambushes rich travellers, fights corrupt officials, and shares the spoils of his outlawry with poor, oppressed peasants.
The ecology here is fascinating. The natural decay of fallen timber means the woodland teems with insect life and fungi, which in turn provide food for varied species of birds and bats. The site is managed by Nottinghamshire County Council and maintained by our country park rangers, working to a woodland management plan drawn up in partnership with English Nature. Each year we welcome around 350,000 visitors to Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre, which is located near the village of Edwinstowe.
Admission to the park is free.
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The Major Oak Recently crowned England’s Tree of the Year by the Woodland Trust, this ancient oak is located just a ten minute walk from the Visitor Centre. Come and visit one of the world’s most famous woods!
The Major Oak is a Quercus Robur, English or Pendunculate Oak, thought to be between 800-1000 years old and is situated near the village of Edinstowe in Sherwood. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Sherwood Forests Visitor Centre, the Major Oak was crowned ‘England’s Tree of the Year’ in a public vote run by the Woodland Trust. The tree will now represent England alongside the winning entries from Scotland and Wales Association, which takes place in February 2015. According to local lore, its hollow trunk was used as a hideout by Robin Hood’s men. But not long after to house the now illegal sport of cock-fighting in the early 18th century, providing the tree with its earliest recorded name ‘the Cockpen Tree’, but this was soon changed to the Queen Oak. In 1790, Major Hayman Rooke, a noted antiquarian from Mansfield Woodhouse, included the tree in his popular book about the ancient oaks of Sherwood. It thus became known as ‘The Major’s Oak’ and later the simply ‘The Major Oak’.
Because of its national importance, conservation measures to the tree have been carried out continually since 1908. In Edwardian times, metal chains were used to support its weighty branches, and lead sheet attached to protect the trunk. In the late seventies, these measures were replaced by large wooden struts, supporting the heaviest branches. Today, slender steel poles prop the sprawling limbs of this forest giant. Tree surgeons check the oak periodically and carry out remedial work as needed. The world famous tree is now said to weigh an estimated 23 tonnes, its circumference is 33 feet (10m) and its branches spread to over 92 feet (28m) You can visit The Major Oak anytime the nearby Visitor Centre is open: 10:00am – 5:00pm : Summer 10:30am – 4:30pm : Winter
38 The Arkwright Rooms wedding venue is located in the heart of Nottingham city, in a stunning Grade II listed 19th-century building offering a distinctive setting for large, or small weddings. The building’s unique Victorian heritage can be seen throughout, with beautiful, large arched windows allowing light to pour through the rooms.
Whilst the building creates an ambiance for classic, traditional weddings, it has been restored to provide a clean, contemporary edge that sets a perfect blank canvas, for couples` to create personalised and unique themes. To add to the venues character there is an outdoor space nested between the grand buildings. The courtyard is the perfect place for summer wedding photography, drinks, or even a barbecue after the ceremony. This hidden outdoor space is a feature that would be otherwise hard to find in a city centre wedding venue. The Arkwright Rooms were renamed in late 2014 to better reflect the history of the building – once the learning place of celebrated author D H Lawrence – but also separates the wedding offer from that of the Nottingham Conference Centre. Conference and Events Operations Manager, Jillian Miles explained, “We wanted to choose a name that reflected the stunning, historic buildings in which our wedding ceremonies and receptions are held.”
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SO FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LINCOLNSHIRE FOR 11 DAYS OF EXPLOSIVE FUN FESTIVAL-GOERS can expect 11 days of excitement and explosive outdoor fun when the popular SO Festival returns to Lincolnshire this summer. The spectacular event will take place in seven locations over 11 days, bringing a programme of exciting entertainment sure to wow audiences from across the region. Returning again to East Lincolnshire, the festival is always a must-visit for visitors to the area and this year is no different as popular acts including Let’s Circus and Sheesham & Lotus & ‘Son are just some of the highlights to perform at the festival in June and July. Lorna Fulton, the Festival Director for SO Festival said she cannot wait for SO Festival to begin. “Last year’s festival was amazing and very popular with everyone who attended and this year promises to be no different. “There will be even more to see and do as we welcome a host of exciting new acts and entertainment which will make this the best year yet.” Taking place from the 25 June to 5 July, SO Festival will be visiting Horncastle, Louth, Alford, Woodhall Spa, Mablethorpe and
Spilsby before finishing in Skegness for a three-day spectacular.
will take us all back to the typical seaside entertainment.
One of the many highlights this year will be the new show by Let’s Circus which will be making its first world premiere of the international production, Circus Heroes. Audiences will be amazed and awed by their unimaginable acts as they display awesome acrobatic skills and comedic shrills to suit all audiences.
“All the acts bring something spectacular to the festival – it is an event not to be missed.”
Sheesham & Lotus & ‘Son, one of the most entertaining old-bands on the circuit, will be visiting from Canada to entertain crowds with tunes played on jaw-harps, gourd banjos and homemade instruments all which are transformed with their amazing voices through a sepia-phonic mono-phone. Audiences will also be able to immerse themselves into the fictional world of Alice in Wonderland as Imaginarium’s Periplum takes visitors through five interactive installations stirring up a storm in a teacup and shrinking to the eye view of a hedgehog. Lorna added: “We decided to take on the theme of traditional entertainment which
SO Festival was awarded National Portfolio Funding from Arts Council England in 2014 with the aim to promote and present the best festival arts and entertainment to new audiences and creating new opportunities and experiences. Aimed at a family audience, the festival remains as one of the most exciting and innovative outdoor art festivals in the UK. Entry and all events at SO Festival are free (except the British Cycling Championships and Lincolnshire School Prom) with the line-up and festival programme to be released soon. For more information on SO Festival visit its new website at www.sofestival.org or follow us @SOFestival on Twitter, SO_ Festival on Instagram or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SOfestival.
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The Peak District & Derbyshire on two wheels… …whether first timer, fan or fanatic, the Peak District and Derbyshire is a great place to explore by bike. With more than 300km of cycle ways and traffic free trails to choose from, the area is ideal for cyclists of all ages and abilities, perfect for friends and family to explore. Home to traffic free cycling routes, the Monsal Trail, Tissington and High Peak Trails and Manifold Track to name a few. Bring your own bike, or hire one at any of our Cycle Hire Centres. Follow in the tracks of champions on the Tour de France route, or watch stage 6 of the Tour of Britain, winding its way through 170km of Derbyshire countryside on Friday 11th September. Take part in a fantastic event at the Peak District & Derbyshire Summer of Cycling, at various locations across the area from June to August. Choose from a variety of rides and workshops, watch the action or simply join in the fun at a festival! To find out more visit the website, www.summerofcycling.co.uk, or pick up a leaflet at participating venues throughout Nottinghamshire. So get active and discover the freedom of life on two wheels amid some of Britain’s most beautiful countryside. To download cycle maps and trails, or simply find out more about cycling events and activities across the area, go to www.visitpeakdistrict.com/cycling
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What’s on in Nottingham
Foodies should head to Nottingham Castle for ‘The Great Food and Drink Festival’ which takes place from the 23rd to the 25th May. Chefs including Simon Rimmer and Adam Simmonds will demonstrate their techniques, there will also be a lot of live music from local talent as well as plenty of delicious food and drink, with artisan crafts thrown in for good measure. No Tomorrow festival returns to Wollaton Park for the weekend of the 6th and 7th of June. Aimed at showcasing fresh and new music talents, last year’s lineup featured London Grammar and Sam Smith. Look out for announcements about this year’s line-up in the next few months. June will be an exciting month for Nottingham as top-flight tennis comes to the city. You’ll be able to watch world class tennis players warm up for Wimbledon at the women’s tennis association tournament from the 8th14th June, followed by the men’s ATP 250 tournament from the 22nd to the 28th of June at Nottingham Tennis Centre. On the 27th and 28th of June, Armed Forces Weekend at Wollaton Park will once again be a celebration and remembrance to honour our Armed Forces past and present – with music and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. The biggest music event in Nottingham’s event calendar, Splendour Festival, returns on the 18th July with another great family day out at Wollaton Park. This year there’s an expanded kids area, including funfair and circus performers as well as some great acts. Citycard holders can get a discounted ticket for just £34 for an adult and children under 10 go free.
As the kids break up in July, the Old Market Square will be transformed into an urban beach as the Nottingham Beach returns to the city with rides, a real sandy beach, a paddling pool and a beach bar. The Riverside Festival is Nottingham’s biggest free festival weekend offering three days of colourful entertainment. The Festival features both old and new attractions; from steam engines and organs to a large street fun fair. Four music stages offer a range of music styles throughout the weekend including Jazz, Folk, World Music and a showcase of the best of local Talent. The Great Food and Drink Festival, as well as being at Nottingham Castle, will also be at Newstead Abbey over the weekend of the 29th-31st of August. Along with live music, food, drinks and crafts there will be a great chef line-up including Dean Edwards, Sean Wilson and Chetna Makan. The Great Notts Show returns to the Old Market Square in September. This free event is a fantastic family day out with food, drink, live music and a lot more. So make sure you’re in Nottingham from the 24th-27th September! To find out more about any of the events mentioned, plus many more, visit www. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/whatson
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George’s Fish and Chip Kitchen Brought to you by two local chaps, this place is all about being different. From the beach huts to the gin bar, it is all part of the journey to bring back good & proper fish and chips and other British favourites that you know and love but... with a quirky twist!. As you look through the newspaper menus, whether you’re sitting in Devon, Whitby or Newquay (The names of some of their beach huts of course) it won’t take long to realise that this is something very different to anywhere else in Nottingham! Although the splendid atmosphere and environment will grab your attention right from the start, you’ll find it hard to stop your attention wavering towards the delicious menu choices as they are carried past you. Sourced from local, family owned suppliers where possible, the ingredients that make up George’s spiffing menu are chosen especially for them. Just some of the menu choices that you can tuck into include INKA grilled fish and steak to mushy pea fritters with a creamy wasabi dip. To finish off there are some delightful desserts too, including sweet shop inspired ice cream, freshly made doughnuts and a hot banana & nutella sandwich! These will certainly bring back all those childhood memories of the Seaside. George’s are constantly
working on new exciting menu items that all have a difference so look out for the latest ones on your visit. The Gin bar is the perfect excuse to try one of their cocktails or signature serves, using British Gin & Vodka, George’s cocktails are definitely not to be missed!
The building where George’s serve the good folks of Nottingham good and proper food with a difference hasn’t always been a place for delicious food. In fact the stunning grade 2 listed building that they now call home was formerly home to the post office.
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The Tourist
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East Midlands Hidden Gem The Heights of Abraham, which can be found in the picturesque town of Matlock, Derbyshire, is a fantastic place to visit with the family. From cable cars to cavern tours and being easily accessible from anywhere in the East Midlands, you’d have to be crazy not to see this place for yourself. Our first-hand experience of the Heights of Abraham, started with a trip across Derwent Valley in the cable cars, where you can see some stunning views of the valley itself and surrounding areas of the Peak District. With the cable cars stopping half way along its 568 metre travel, it allows you to sit back, relax and take in all of the views on offer. The guided cavern tours which are available throughout the day, are also something not to be missed. Steeped in history, these caverns really are something spectacular. You’ll be taken on a journey that’ll take you deep into the hillside on the tour of the caverns, the naturally formed passageways that date back millions of years were used for lead mining in the Roman Times and reached their heyday in the 17th century. John, the miner, will take you through all of the history and stories that of a working mine, whilst recreating the atmosphere of what it would actually be like. If you are unable to go on these tours, then this is easily solved with a film in the museum played regularly to give you the same experience and knowledge.
The Vista Restaurant, will give you time to enjoy some fantastic food and service by all the staff as well as providing you with another opportunity to take in the views that the peak district has to offer. With kind and helpful staff, there is no better place to sit back and enjoy a wonderful meal. Travelling to the Heights of Abraham is a joy to behold. Driving through the long winding roads that Matlock offers, completely distances you from the compact roads of the city and makes driving enjoyable once again. However, if you don’t drive, or would choose not to, then this is not a problem at all. The Matlock Bath train station is situated a minimal 400 metres from the Heights of Abraham, with hourly trains running from Beeston, Long Eaton, Nottingham and Derby, Monday to Saturday and every two hours on Sundays. Also, showing your valid rail ticket to Matlock Bath will gain you 20% off full price Adult, Child and Senior Cable Car Prices. The Woodland Adventure Playground and The Explorers Challenge Play Area are two fantastic play areas for
the children to get involved with. With towers, slides, climbing wall, rope walks and an Eagles Nest at the Woodland playground and a range of activities to test young adventurers’ skills at the Explorers Challenge, there is certainly a lot for the younger generation to get involved with. As well as the play areas, there is also the chance to visit the ‘Fossil Factory’, where you can learn all about the fossils, rocks and the formation of the peak district. With this comes a film presentation on how the formation of the caverns and landscape has changed over millions of years. We highly recommend that you give the Heights of Abraham a visit, with affordable ticket prices (and 20% off with some travel tickets), adventure playgrounds for the children, a fantastic restaurant where you can see all the sites once again and a lot more to do, why wouldn’t you give this a shot. So be sure to give this fantastic attraction a try and get more information from www. heightsofabraham.com
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THE VACCINES TO PLAY CAPITAL FM The Vaccines have announced details of their UK tour for November 2015. They will perform at Capital FM Arena Nottingham on Friday 20 November. The dates follow their recent sold-out UK tour playing intimate shows. The band are also set to play a number of festivals over the summer, including a stage-headline slot at Latitude in July. The band release their forthcoming third album, English Graffiti, on Columbia Records on Monday May 25 2015. It follows Come Of Age, which reached number one in the UK album charts on release in 2012. Tickets go on sale at 9am on Friday 24 April 2015 priced at £28 (includes administration fee).
MRS BROWN’S BOYS HOW NOW MRS BROWN COW - 30 JUNE - 4 JULY 2015 Following the release of D’Movie the Award Winning Mrs Brown’s Boys will be returning to arenas in 2015 with their new show ‘How Now Mrs Brown Cow’. The tour will visit Capital FM Arena Nottingham for a massive six shows 30 June – 4 July 2015 with a matinee performance on Saturday 4 July 2015. You can book online, through our Ticket Hotline on 0843 373 3000 or you can call into the Capital FM Arena Nottingham Box Office, Bolero Square, The Lace Market Nottingham, NG1 1LA, which is open 9am - 9pm seven days a week.
The Tourist
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Italian Running Phenomenon Arrives in Nottingham 5.30, a unique Italian running event, is coming to Nottingham on Friday 3rd July 2015 with the city having been chosen as the first international destination for a series of events that has taken Italy by storm. 5.30 is a 5.3km non-competitive run/walk around the deserted streets of the city centre at 5.30am on a Friday morning. All participants are encouraged to take part at their own pace and are rewarded with a fresh fruit breakfast when they finish. The event in Nottingham will start and finish in the Old Market Square and the route will take in other Nottingham landmarks including the Castle and the Old Trip to Jerusalem. The concept was devised by Dr Sabrina Severi, a nutritional biologist and keen runner, who wanted to promote healthy habits in people’s lifestyle and to encourage them to enjoy some exercise and a healthy breakfast before going to work. Over 15,000 people now take part annually in Italian cities such as Venice, Rome, Milan and Modena. The Italian tour will start on Friday 8 May in Verona and finish in Mantova on 11 September – with
a total of 13 cities visited. Sergio Bezzanti, the creator of 5.30, commented, “We started 5.30 in our home city of Modena to encourage local people to take part in some physical activity without it eating into family time at a weekend. By running (or walking) in the morning when the cities are deserted, it gives people the chance to enjoy the places they know so well in a unique way. Our research has shown that people who take part in physical activity and eat well before work tend to be more productive, so 5.30 provides the perfect platform for this. “We chose Nottingham as it is a wonderful city with many historical landmarks. It is well known in Italy through the association with Robin Hood and of course Nottingham Forest and Notts County! We’re very excited to see how the people of Nottingham take to this concept.”
Beeston based company, Perfect Motion, who organise Cycle Live Nottingham, have been engaged to deliver the event in Nottingham. Nik Emmonds, Account Director for Events at Perfect Motion said, “We love 5.30 as a concept as it is something different. There are a lot of running events available to people, but we haven’t seen any others that take place at 5.30am on a Friday morning. “We’ve seen first hand the popularity of the events in Italy and we hope that the people of Nottingham will buy into the ideals as well. We’ve devised a route that will be very pleasant at that time of the morning and will include novel aspects like running through Broadmarsh shopping centre. We’re really looking forward to it.” Entries are open now at www.run530.it/ en/
29/30/31 August 10 am-5 pm Newstead Abbey
A fabulous array of food & drink, cookery demo’s, Real Ale Bars, Family Entertainment, and live music Tickets on sale from May 26th 2015
Tickets
£7 advance £8 on the door, £5 concessions, Under 10s are free with paying adult. Live demo’s from celebrity chefs
Simon Rimmer, Adam Simmonds, Sean Wilson* & Dean Edwards* *Check website for full chef listings and times
g r e a t f o o d a n d d r i n k f e s t i v a l s . c o. u k