ood and drin K Pizza Pilgrims Bronte & Co the atrium Bar and Kit Chen

FEven though Oscar & Rosie’s is no more (Rest in Peace), the Lace Market and Hockley area of Nottingham has no shortage of pizza joints. From Pizza Punks to Pizzamisú, we are spoilt for choice - and the latest kid on the block is Pizza Pilgrims, situated on Carlton Street opposite Pho. An established chain down in the South, I had to check it out for myself to see what the hype was all about.

Accompanied by a vegan friend on the day, we opted to share a pizza between the two of us, which meant that we were limited to the vegan options on the menu. But I soon realised that we weren’t limited at all - there was plenty to choose from, since you could switch any pizza to their vegan house-made cashew based vegan cheese, Notzarella, at no extra cost. As a vegetarian myself, I had no objections to taking the extra step.

Eventually, we settled on the Pizz’ & Love pizza. Described on the menu as “a vegan celebration of Italian veggies,” it was an authentic Neapolitanstyle pizza with a tomato base, topped with wild broccoli, mushrooms, olives, red onion and artichoke hearts, and finished with vegan basil pesto. The topping-to-dough ratio was just right, meaning that the pizza wasn’t so heavy that it was impossible to eat.

We were delighted with the range of toppings, but having said this, we felt we wouldn’t get the full vegan Pizza Pilgrims experience if we didn’t try the Notzarella. So, for a small price, we opted to add it onto our pizza. Anyone with a plant-based diet will confidently tell you that vegan cheese can be a bit hit or miss (mainly the latter) but impressively, it was almost impossible to tell that this wasn’t the real deal.

So, if you find yourself in Hockley and you fancy a pizza, I know there are almost too many options to choose from at this point, but add Pizza Pilgrims to your list and you might discover a new favourite. I also have to give an honourable mention to their funky decor - make sure to snap some pics for Instagram while you’re in there.

Gemma Cockrell

pizzapilgrims.co.uk

5 Carlton Street Nottingham, NG1 1NL

One of Nottingham's greatest gems is The Atrium Bar & Kitchen, a vibrant, family-run eatery situated inside an old bank vault in Radcliffe, with a beautiful stained glass atrium dome hovering above you as you tuck into some of the tastiest dishes Notts has to offer.

In the day you can grab breakfasts, brunch or lunch from a fusion menu boasting wraps, burgers, and Buddha bowls. They offer monthly Bottomless Brunches for £35 where you can grab a brunch dish off the menu and as many juicy cocktails one can manage in ninety minutes – for me, personally, it’s not many these days, but the offer is there!

There’s also a fresh cake counter, and to be honest with you, I'm still dreaming about the chocolate cake I had there once upon a time.

In the evenings, the restaurant takes on a bistro style where you have a choice between ordering off the evening menu or the tapas menu. We couldn’t say no to tapas, and with heavy influences from around both Southern and Northern Spain, you'll find imported Chorizo and Jamon. They also take influence from around the world with dishes like Crispy Goan Smoked Hake and Crispy Korean Chicken, both which come in delightful sauces full of flavour. If you can, save room for the hot sugar doughnuts in a miso caramel sauce which are worth the trip alone.

Let me tell you, the cocktails here are next-level and a fraction of city centre prices! For £7.50 we each ordered a Lemongrass & Coconut Colada (highly recommend!), but there's also a two for £10 daily deal.

The Atrium matches any city centre tapas bar and at a reasonable price, too. The restaurant is vibey and busy which thrills me no end; clearly there is massive support from locals and regulars which is always a good sign.

Add this one to your list to visit, folks! Julia Head @theatriumbarandkitchen

30 Main Rd, Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham NG12 2FH

Summer in the city when you’re not jetting off somewhere fancy can occasionally feel a little claustrophobic, but there’s a few spots that give off that holiday vibe right on our doorstep. One of my favourites is Bronte & Co, a small airy Turkish restaurant and cafe situated on the main Mansfield Road strip in Sherwood.

Other than the great menu (more on that in a minute) one of things that makes Bronte special is the thought put into the decoration and design. While the inside seating area gives cosy, chic cafe, as you move on through to the next room a retractable roof lets the sky and the sun pour through (in good weather only, of course!) Add some chilled music and it’s the ideal place for sipping an iced latte or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.

Speaking of breakfast, Bronte again offers something a little special. Their traditional Turkish breakfast is an absolute feast, combining both fry up favourites such as eggs and bacon with fresh fruit and vegetables, olives, feta cheese, pastries, toast and Turkish tea. This is the perfect hangover cure - or ideal for anyone wanting something healthy but hearty in the morning. It is also served all day and comes as meaty, vegetarian and gluten free - bonus!

During the evenings, Bronte takes on more of a restaurant vibe, and the rest of the menu really does have something for everyone, offering steaks, Mediterranean chicken, veggie casseroles, chilli and burgers - but it is the Turkish dishes that really stand out. Being a halloumi lover, for something light I can’t help but go for the halloumi and roasted red pepper salad served on khobez bread, but if the weather is a bit chilly the shaksuka (spicy tomato, poached egg, feta and khobez for dipping) is just the thing. I also hear from the carnivores that the sucuk (a garlicky beef sausage), avocado and poached egg is also delightful.

Much quicker than catching a flight to Istanbul, if you don’t mind a ten minute bus journey from the city then stick Bronte on your list of places to go. Drop in Sunday - Thursday from 9am, or book a table for dinner on Friday, Saturday evenings until 10pm.

Sophie Gargett