Welcome to Nottingham Student Guide 2018 by LeftLion

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As a true Notts local would say, “Ayup, me duck!” Congratulations on making it through your A-Levels without tearing your hair out, and welcome to our fair city. Whether Nottingham was your first choice, your backup, or the only place you thought sounded half decent, you’ve made a cracking choice. How do we know? Because not too long ago, we were in the same boat… This guide is brought to you by us, the LeftLion team. Each month we print a magazine boasting about all the good stuff happening in Notts. If you’re after interviews with cool, local folk, reviews of restaurants and a list of all the best events that month, make us your first port of call. You’ll find free copies sitting proudly in pubs, cafes and shops throughout the city. To make this guide happen, we were lucky enough to get some help from two current students, Eve and Chloe. Eve took the reigns of control over NTU’s Platform magazine after digging it up from its grave, and will remain editor-in-chief throughout her final year at uni. Just like Eve, Chloe is about to enter her third year studying Journalism at NTU, and is a dab hand at writing about this city. Big love to Emma Heasman and the gang at UoN’s Impact magazine for dobbing in too.

We’ve had plenty of talented folk pass through our hometown over the years, so we thought it best to have a natter with some alumni who have gone on to live their best lives. We spoke to bloggers and bakers, plus some current students who offer up advice they wish they’d been given when starting uni. As you’re young and full of potential, we’ve included plenty of information about the opportunities awaiting you here in Hoodtown, such as the Young Creative Awards and the literary and music organisations who’ll happily offer a helping hand. There’s also a handy map of the city, and your very own local dialect dictionary, so you don’t get too confused when your mate asks if you want “owt or nowt?” from the shops. Towards the back of this guide, we’ve given you a quick rundown of some of our favourite haunts in Notts. We’ve covered everything from nightclubs and music venues to cocktail bars, restaurants and gyms, so you need not worry about finding the coolest places. Anyway, be gone with you. You’ve got a city to explore. Tarrar! Emily Thursfield Editor, Welcome To Nottingham 2018

CONTENTS 6

The Anna Edit

Class of the Past

Selasi Gbormittah

Student Top Tips

WELCOME TO NOTTINGHAM 2018 6

She came to The University of Nottingham to study Psychology, then became one of the biggest names on the UK’s YouTube scene

Our universities have nurtured the brains of some proper big names over the years. See how many you recognise

He was the undisputed heart-throb of The Great British Bake Off in 2016, but was an Economics student at Nottingham Trent University first

Pearls of wisdom from some current Nottingham students

20 Folk You Didn’t Know Were From Notts

A list of famous faces you didn’t know call Hoodtown their home

City of Literature

On the Set List

Students Who Stayed

Give Green a Chance

It’s All Hood

Women in Nottingham

You, Me and Humanity

Nottingham has a rich literary heritage that we’re dead proud of, and we’ve got plenty of organisations who help out young writers

Our mates at Nusic dish out some advice to aspiring musicians, and we chat to a few bands who formed while studying

When your time at uni is up, you ain’t gotta pack up your bags and go back to the ‘rents. Graduates who made Notts their home tell us why they stuck around

Nottingham is up there with the best of ‘em when it comes to being environmentally friendly

A look at all the times our local hero, Robin Hood, hit the big screen. They don’t call us Hoodtown for nuffin

We’re doing all we can to make sure our streets are safe for the gals

Home to folk from all over the world, we love how diverse our community is are in Notts

31 4

Independents

This city has some great independent businesses. Get to know them.

61 Festivals

Nottingham is the UK’s Festival City in October, don’t yer know

63 Nightclubs

With a party every night of the week, you’re proper spoilt

The Places You’ll Go

We chat to three students who hopped on a plane to complete a placement in a far away - and slightly sunnier - land

Made in Notts

Our City is the Mother of Invention, as these dozen things from here prove

Live Music

Art Galleries

Cinema, Theatre and Comedy

Whether you like hip hop or house, booming or ballads, our music venues cover it all

You’re a real adult now. Time to start soaking up some culture at our local art galleries

Staying Safe at Uni

Nottingham: 2020 Vision

Your Notts Reading List

Young and Creative

78 Cafes

Bucket List

81 Beer

Nottingham Language and Grammar

82 Cocktails

Suburb Guide

Making sure that you look after yourself and each other

There are some parts of the city that resemble a building site. We swear there’s a good reason.

Sometimes drinking in a good experience doesn’t have to involve Jägerbombs

70 Noshingham

If you want to get to know this city, these ten books will help

Outside the university walls, there’s a world of opportunity for a creative spark like you

If you want our utmost respect, you better click your pen and start ticking things

It wouldn't be a guide to Nottingham if we didn’t help you understand the local dialect

Some of the best places in tahn to get your scran

All the best places to sip a latte and nibble some cake

A list of places offering an alternative to watered-down, fizzy-pop lager

If there’s one thing Notts does well, it’s extravagant booze

Activities

That essay can wait. Head off for a day of fun instead

A handy guide to your new home, the urban jungle

86 Sports

Get to know the difference between our Magpies, Panthers and Outlaws

CREDITS

88 Parks EDITOR IN CHIEF Jared Wilson

EDITOR

Emily Thursfield

DESIGNER

Natalie Owen

PRODUCTION EDITOR Alan Gilby

WRITERS

John Baird Alexandra Chrystomou Emma Heasman Juga-Naut James Kramer Dan Lyons Lucy Manning Sam Nahirny Eve Smallman Bridie Squires Chloe Underwood

PHOTOGRAPHY Ralph Barklam Shaun Gordon

COVER

With so many green spaces, it’s easy to escape the hustle and bustle

Emily Catherine

91 Gyms

ILLUSTRATORS

It’s all about them gains, innit

Tom Goodwin Lucella Jayne Mark Leary Becky Riley

MARKETING Ashwin Balu Ash Dilks

92 Shopping

The best local places to pick up all your bits and bobs

Eating Well With Chef Jugz

Now that your ‘rents can’t cook for you every night, you’ve gotta up your kitchen skills. Local hip-hop legend and chef, Juga-Naut, is here to help

96 Politics

Democracy is important, whichever way you vote

ANNA NEWTON interview: Chloe Underwood

Anna Newton came to the city to study BSC Psychology at UoN, but soon found herself enjoying crazy nights out and picking up a new hobby; beauty blogging. Known to the internet as The Anna Edit, she is now one of the UK’s leading bloggers and YouTubers, racking up millions of views. Here’s what she had to say about her time as a student in Nottingham… What was your experience of Nottingham like? I absolutely loved the city, especially as a student. It’s not too big, not too small, and it’s got everything you need there; cool places to go out and cool places to eat and drink. Anyone that I meet that’s wondering where they want to go to uni, I’m like “Guys, you have to go to Nottingham. It’s fab.” Did you enjoy your time in halls? My parents always remind me about this story of when I moved in. I was in Willoughby Halls, not in the main building but in this kind of extension bit at the back that we hadn’t been shown on the open day. The walls were a kind of mustard shade of yellow, it was like breeze block that had been painted. It was not how I’d pictured my first day of uni going, and I started crying. To this day, my parents still think it was hilarious that I had a bit of a breakdown over these yellow walls. I ended up being really happy there; it turned out to be a very cool group of people. Where did you go for nights out in Nottingham? I feel like this is going to be an obvious one, but Ocean. Every Friday night we made it to Ocean. No matter what we had on, no matter if we had exams. We’d buy the ticket or queue hours for them. I loved Ocean, some of my best memories were in there. Drinks were cheap, the dancefloor was massive, and the music was always hilariously good. Do you have any fancy-dress tips? I loved a bit of fancy dress and, let me tell you, after you graduate it does not happen nearly as often! That’s sad, because it is so much fun. Primark is an amazing resource when you’re a student for getting fancy dress. We went to Primark once a week buying purple leggings, or trying to find something that would make us look like a cat. You could pretty much find anything you needed there and if there’s any good, cheap, fancy-dress shops, they’re always handy. Just try and get crafty with what you have in your room. How did you manage your money as a student? In first year, I worked in the holidays at the job I’d previously had before uni. Then in second and third year, I worked in the student union bar. It was really good working for the uni, because they obviously knew everyone was a student; everyone had things to revise for and other things going on, so they were really flexible with working hours. It really helped to supplement my income because my loan barely covered my accommodation costs, so I had to work to be able to feed myself. It was really fun to work with other students, and it was a good laugh, but it was also good to have that extra bit of money to fall back on so things weren’t tight.

What’s your standout memory of university? This is really lame, but it would be meeting my husband. I met him on the first day of uni, which was also my birthday. I’d moved in to my halls, and the girl in the room next to me had also come from Brighton, so we chatted and realised there were only girls on our floor. So, we basically went around looking for the boys. One of my friends got with the first boy we met, so he was out of the question, and then the second guy we met was Mark, who is now my husband. Obviously, I thought he was glorious when I first met him and as we walked away, I was like “That guy, he’s mine, hands off.” One of the girls who was with me on that day was at our wedding. It was just so crazy; you go to uni for a degree, not a husband! What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far? I’ve been so lucky with the opportunities I’ve had, it’s hard to pick just one. Last year my friend Lily [Pebbles] and I did a podcast called At Home With, and we didn’t really think much of it. We had talked about doing a podcast for yonks, but we finally got around to it, and we just sort of threw it out there. It ended up going to number one on the podcast charts and it was just the craziest thing. We didn’t expect it at all, the feedback was just so lovely and it was fun to turn our hand to something a bit different. Working alone for long periods of time can be quite isolating, especially for university students. As someone who works from home, how do you cope with that? Something I’ve learnt in the last three years since moving back to Brighton is to leave the house every day. If I don’t leave the house for 24 hours, I just feel like my mind is muggy. So now I force myself to leave the house. I just think it’s such an important thing, and that little break can sometimes be that boost you need to get refocused. As someone who started your blog at university in your second year, what tips would you give to students wanting to get into the blogging and YouTube world? I would say it’s a really good creative outlet. My degree was quite full on, quite wordy with lots of reports, so it was nice to have something creative to work on to relax my brain a bit. You don’t need any fancy kit, so don’t worry about that. Your degree is the most important thing; you’ve spent a lot of money on it, and you want to complete it to the best of your ability, so in terms of consistently uploading and all that kind of stuff, I wouldn’t worry too much. I’d just say enjoy it, take it as the creative outlet it is and don’t put too much pressure on it. But they do come in handy when you graduate. theannaedit.com

CLASS OF THE PAST

words: Eve Smallman

Our universities have seen quite a few household names step foot through their doors over the years...

NTU MATT BERRY

BOBBY FRICTION

PAUL KAYE

DAN HARDY

DAME LAURA KNIGHT

This funny bloke has appeared in classics such as The Mighty Boosh and The IT Crowd, as well as winning a BAFTA for the title role in Toast of London. He studied Contemporary Arts, and said it was his time at university that made him realise the arts was where he wanted to focus his time.

He’s an awardwinning BBC Radio Presenter and DJ who studied Creative Arts, during which he made art from cages and ghetto blasters. “Nottingham taught me to actually be and live the art,” he said. “It meant that I could come up with original ideas even in the corporate entertainment world.”

After studying Theatre Design, Paul Kaye took on the role as iconic nineties celebrity interviewer Dennis Pennis. Most recently he played Thoros in a little-known TV show called Game of Thrones. He said of his time at NTU: “Studying art there was amazing in every respect, creatively, sexually and alcoholically.”

Dan “The Outlaw” Hardy is a former mixed martial artist, who studied Fine Art at Trent. For one performance piece, he hung a punchbag from the ceiling of the university's art studio and punched it for six hours nonstop. He recently was an analyst for the Conor McGregor Vs. Floyd Mayweather fight on Sky Sports.

This lady was a bit of a badass back in the day. She was one of the most famous painters in Britain at the time and specialised in realist paintings, depicting events like the World Wars. Her success paved the way for other female artists to be successful and recognised in what was a maledominated industry.

“Ed Mac” studied Photography at Trent before becoming the lead singer of Friendly Fires. He told NTU’s alumni magazine Network: “We were always encouraged [on my course] to describe why we’ve created something. It’s really inspired me to question my music and think about the sound or feeling I’m trying to create.”

ED MACFARLANE

UON RUTH WILSON

DON BROCO

LONDON GRAMMAR

THEO JAMES

TIM MARTIN

RICHARD SCUDAMORE

After studying History, Ruth Wilson went on to become a three-time Olivier nominee and twotime winner. She has appeared in TV shows, playing roles such as Alice Morgan in Luther and Alison Lockhart in The Affair, for which she won a Golden Globe. Her trophy cabinet is basically jampacked.

The lads formed the alt-rock/poprock/post-hardcore band after studying at uni together. They’ve had three top-ten albums, played at festivals like Download, and have supported mega bands such as Bring Me the Horizon and 5 Seconds of Summer. They’re playing at Nottingham Arena in February too.

The three-piece band managed to snag themselves a record deal right after they graduated. Their first big gig was at Hockley venue The Bodega, of which guitarist Dan Rothman said: “It was our first proper venue, in terms of it not being a pub or club thing - a very exciting experience.”

Theo James studied Philosophy, before studying at the Bristol Old Theatre School. He then went on to become a renowned hunk by playing Tobias “Four” Eaton in the Divergent franchise. Failing that, you might know him as the smarmy holiday rep that dates Carly in The Inbetweeners Movie.

Can you imagine being the absolute don that founded Wetherspoons? Although he studied Law at uni, he never went on to actually practice it. Maybe that’s for the best. Your cheap cocktail pitchers and hangover-cure breakfasts are all thanks to this guy.

He started his career in newspapers, then went on to become the Executive Chairman of the Premier League aka the top dog in English football. He’s dealt with football matters such as thirdparty ownership controversy, the bungs inquiry and the international expansion of the Premier League.

SELASI GBORMITTAH

interview: Eve Smallman

Selasi Gbormittah graduated from Nottingham Trent University flaunting a degree in Economics with International Finance and Banking, but his career took a sweet turn when he made it to the semifinals of The Great British Bake Off in 2016. He spoke to us about learning to cook, doing things last minute, and what it’s really like inside that big white tent... You studied Economics with International Finance and Banking at NTU; that’s quite a departure from being a celebrity baker. How has your degree helped with your career? I loved my time at Trent; I keep telling people that it is one of the best universities out there. The course itself was amazing, and there was a lot of discipline; I remember my lecturer would kick us out or embarrass us in front of the whole class if we were late. It’s funny because when you’re a student, you think he’s being harsh, but in the real world no one really gives you second chances. So it made it easier for me when I went into the baking career. It just meant that I could apply small things I’d learnt, like being organised. Where did you live in Nottingham? I started living in Simpsons Halls; I was glad I got that because I left it last minute to apply for accommodation, in true Selasi style. I met all my really good friends living in Simpsons, and we go back for reunions. In the second year I lived in Forest Fields, and in my final year I lived in St. Ann’s, just behind the Victoria Centre. The Forest Fields house was actually really nice; we used to throw our own parties, and I think that's actually when I first started baking. Where did you go for a night out? We obviously used to go to Ocean on Wednesdays; we used to go after sports. I played basketball for Trent, so we went to Clifton to train, then went Ocean afterwards. Me and my friends were a bit lazy when it came to fancy dress, and the only thing we actually dressed up for was the Halloween night where we dressed up as vampires. What’s your standout memory of university? I like to think that we used to throw the best parties. But I think my best memory was in the first year, of one of the worst presentations that I’ve ever given. It's one of my top memories as you learn from it, and you just get better, which we did. I remember laughing about it and thinking "Did we really write this?" We've come a long way since then. What was your favourite thing about being in Nottingham? The people. Nottingham is quite diverse, and we used to get on with people from so many different backgrounds. People literally came from Wales, Scotland, London, Manchester, Leicester... They were all nice and friendly, and we found the locals to be exactly the same. If we went out on a night out, there were always locals in the clubs and bars too. What sorts of things did you cook at university? We made a lot of Jollof rice, and then normal things like pasta bake, pizzas, anything that people fancied. We used to do desserts as well, and bear in mind that at the time I didn't know how to bake. I still don’t think I know how to bake properly, but at the time I was terrible and I tried to make something with grilled bananas which looked so awful. We still talk about it now, and I’m so glad I don’t have pictures.

What cooking tips would you give to new students? Try and cook things yourself. You get a lot more for your money if you cook at home, and you’ll enjoy it. If you want to bake, you can literally buy ingredients for a fiver and make good bakes. If you're cooking, you just need nice, flavorful stuff. It's always good to cook with a group of friends too. We used to pool all our money, go to the shops, cook a big feast, and have a nice time together. How did the pressure of being in the Bake Off tent compare to being at uni? I like to procrastinate a lot, which I found out when writing my dissertation. It wasn't last minute, but I handed it in on the day, rather than being one of those really organised students. I personally feel like I work better under pressure, but with dissertations you have time and can plan months ahead, whereas with Bake Off, on the day you've got four hours to do something and you've got conditions that you may not necessarily be able to control. What have you been up to since leaving the tent? I'm quite grateful for being accepted to go on Bake Off as it has literally changed my life, and it opened a lot of doors for me. I've worked with a few major brands in the UK, and I've done some TV stuff since. At the moment I'm based in the Culinary Arts Academy in Switzerland; I'm at the pastry school, and I'm there for the rest of the year now. It's pretty amazing. What’s your favourite thing to bake? I'd probably say a good, spongy chocolate cake. It sounds really cliche but it can be quite tricky to make, as sometimes it turns out dry. I like cakes that aren't very heavy in texture as it means you can eat a lot more without feeling guilty. What has been your standout moment of your career so far? My career has been a bit weird; it started off purely in banking but since Bake Off, there's been a shift. One thing I love about baking is that you get to share it with people. I get emails and letters from people that I've never met, saying things like “Because of you I started baking, thank you very much.” For me, that’s so much better than someone telling me my cake is great. I'd rather have a positive impact on someone's life, for them to try baking or do something out of their comfort zone. How did your time in Nottingham contribute to who you are now? It's contributed hugely. Nottingham Trent was my first choice, and I'm glad I decided to go to a university outside of London. If I was in London, I wouldn't have had the exposure to a different culture and a diverse range of people, plus I met some great friends who always keep me in check. What advice would you give to people starting uni now? Just have fun, enjoy it, and obviously be sensible with your time. A lot of people say first year doesn't count, but that’s not necessarily true. Party at the right time, but don't do something stupid in your first year and regret it for the rest of your life.

@selasigb

Calling all University of Nottingham students Want to get paid to blog, vlog, snap, insta or tweet for the University? We have paid positions for students who have a passion for creating content. To find out about becoming a Digital Ambassador, email us: digicomms@nottingham.ac.uk

@uniofnottingham

STUDENT TOP TIPS Settling into university can be hard, but the anxious lead-up is far more difficult. Remember that you’re not alone, and that thousands of other students will be feeling the same way. If you are struggling to find people with the same interests as you, join a society, because you will automatically be mixing with people similar to you. Independent cafés, such as Pudding Pantry, are a great place for hungry students (like myself) to happily indulge in stacks of salted caramel pancakes. I love Pitcher and Piano in the Lace Market too, but it’s the Highfields Park Boating Lake that steals my heart, with its ability to offer a quick escape from study. Natasha Fernandes, BA Religion, Philosophy and Ethics, 3rd Year, UoN

I’m from Nottingham, so I feel like I should know everything. But living in the city centre made me begin to notice just how many unique stores, cafes and hidden clubs there are dotted around, with their own personalities that need to be explored. My favourite place in Nottingham is probably The Cornerhouse. I’m a bit of a film buff so I love going there to the cinema to see the latest releases, and then enjoying some food out with friends and family. My advice would be to get into as many societies as you can. You meet a wider variety of people with common interests, make great friends and enjoy wild nights out. Lewis Hill, BA Product Design, Class of 2018, NTU

Broadway Cinema is definitely one of my favourite places. It’s perfect for students, as tickets for under 25s are only £4.50, so I can regularly watch great films for a small price. They also put on film festivals, such as Mayhem Film Festival; great if you like your horror films. The cinema has a café which serves tasty food and drinks, and I highly recommend their milkshakes. Make the most of opportunities that arise, including the huge choice of societies that the universities offer, whether that be sports related, your course society or even something like the Belly Dancing Society. There’s also opportunities to get involved in the local community. I did this through a work placement, but there are also volunteering schemes which allow you to do this. Emily Patel, BA English, 3rd Year, UoN

Don’t be afraid to explore. I know of a lot of people who felt isolated on their university campus because it was a little out of the way, but Nottingham has a lot of useful transport links, so travelling is really easy. The bus and tram services in Nottingham are reliable and can get you nearly everywhere in the city for a reasonable price. Don’t be afraid to venture to the city centre and beyond for trips out and hidden gems. One of my favourite places in Nottingham is Wollaton Hall and Deer Park. Not only does viewing the home of Batman make for a great day out, but it’s a great setting for a picnic and has many attractions to please everyone. Faith Pring, BA Spanish and Linguistics, 3rd Year, NTU

One of my favourite areas in Nottingham is Hockley. It’s full of so many quirky hidden gems; from strange cocktail bars to alternative clothes shops, I find something new there every time I go. One place I visit as much as possible is the Nottingham Contemporary art gallery. If there’s a sport you’ve always wanted to try or a society you know you’ll enjoy but are worried to join, then just give it a go. Course trips, society socials; these are all things that you’ll only get the chance to try whilst you’re at university. Some of my closest friends are people I met through the Theatre Society and on the English society trip to Berlin, so take every opportunity you are offered. Daniel McVey, BA English, 3rd Year, UoN

STUDENT TOP TIPS My fave place in Notts has definitely got to be Rescue Rooms. You can go there for any occasion; a few daytime pints, a night out or to see some live music. There are loads of other interesting bars and pubs to go to around the city, that are probably less student orientated but are sick nonetheless. Don’t splash the cash in the excitement of the beginning of term because once exams finish and everyone’s hitting the beer gardens, you don’t wanna be that melt that can’t even afford a warm, flat Doom Bar at Spoons. Decide who you’re living with and sort out a house for next year as soon as possible, so you don’t live somewhere awful. Adam Gamer, BA Architecture, 3rd Year, NTU

Nottingham is a city that reveals itself slowly. Originating from Liverpool, a city of loud mouths and busy streets, I found this quiet modesty strange, and mistook it for nothingness. But once I started to look and immerse myself within the city, I started to appreciate everything Nottingham has to offer. The thriving poetry scene holds events across the city in various venues, which allowed me to discover the enchantments of Nottingham’s many hidden gems. Don’t expect everything to happen at once. There is so much going on at university that I felt overwhelmed, convinced that I needed to be involved in everything. Pursue and follow things you enjoy. Settling in takes time. Like Nottingham itself, the complete and full university life reveals itself gradually. Let it happen. Elenor Gray, BA Politics and International Relations, 3rd Year, UoN

My favourite places in Nottingham are the Canalhouse and the Arboretum Park, although the wonders of both are dependant on the weather. The Canalhouse has the best beer garden I’ve ever been to; it’s situated right on the canals near the station, offering lovely views to accompany a drink. The Arboretum on a hot day is hard to beat, as during term time it gets flooded by students, which creates a great atmosphere. Learn to love the library. As much as the social life is a massive part of the student experience, you need to keep a balance. It is relative to your course, but as a general rule learn how to use the library and fall in love with it. James Evans, BA Politics and International Relations, 3rd Year, NTU

Though relatively small compared to the city centre, Beeston just outside UoN is a great place to go if you’re looking to escape the uni bubble. It has all the essentials, including an Argos, Boots and a massive Tesco, as well as some hidden gems. The patio area tucked away at the back of the high street’s Café Nero is an ideal spot for coffee and cake and the Bendigo Lounge is another great place to go with friends for brunch. If you’re feeling a bit homesick or tired, it can be so easy to shut yourself away in your room with Netflix and a cup of tea. Although many good evenings can be spent doing this, don’t forget how important it is to focus on your hobbies too. Francesca Hadland, BA English, 2nd Year, UoN

I wish I knew from the first day that there are some amazing hidden places in town, like Hockley Arts Club, the Boilermaker and Cobden Chambers. I also wish I knew how active and inspiring this little city can be; there’s no time in Notts to get bored! Page 45 is a must, especially for art students; just visit that place and you’ll get what I mean. Ideas on Paper is also great for smelling books and magazines. As a fresher, you’ll be tempted to go to each party, join ten societies, and still want to be in top of your class. Don’t forget to save some energy and set your priorities. While you should have a good time, don’t neglect the reason you chose this degree. Chase that everyday. Maria Pais, BA Graphic Design, 3rd Year, NTU

20 FOLK YOU DIDN’T KNOW WERE FROM NOTTS

Jesse Boot Chemist, philanthropist and the man behind Boots PLC Hockley

Samantha Morton Actress and director, starred in Minority Report and The Walking Dead Clifton

words: Eve Smallman illustration: Natalie Owen

Bruce Dickinson Lead singer of Iron Maiden Worksop

Stella Rimington Former Director General of MI5 Ilkeston Joe Dempsie Actor, starred in Skins and Game of Thrones West Bridgford

Sheku Kanneh-Mason Classical musician played at Harry and Meghan’s wedding Mapperley

Ed Balls Former politician and absolute meme Keyworth Mathew Horne Actor, starred in Gavin and Stacey and Bad Education Burton Joyce

Alan Sillitoe Writer and angry man Forest Fields Alice Levine TV and radio presenter Beeston

Torvill and Dean Ice skaters and Olympic gold medalists Clifton and Calverton

Herbert Kilpin English lad who became the founder of AC Milan Mansfield Road

FolkMark Hoyle a.k.a. LadBaby YouTuber and 2018’s Celebrity Dad of the Year West Bridgford

Shane Meadows Film director, creator of This Is England Sneinton

MistaJam Radio 1 and 1Xtra DJ and presenter Nottingham

Dr Stewart Adams Invented Ibuprofen, realised it cured hangovers West Bridgford

Vicky McClure Actress, starred in This Is England and Broadchurch Wollaton

Liam Bailey Notts modern answer to Sam Cooke Carrington The Downie Sisters Rebecca and Elissa are both Olympic gymnasts Nottingham

Jay McGuinness Formerly one fifth of pop-band The Wanted Newark

CITY OF LITERATURE words: James Kramer illustration: Mark Leary If words are your thing, our city is the place to be. Back in 2015, Nottingham was given permanent status as a UNESCO City of Literature, on account of our literary heritage, as well as our commitment to encouraging emerging writers. Full to the brim with places to go and things to do, Nottingham is built for the bookish, laid out for the lyrical, and pruned for the poetic. Here, we’ve bashed out a guide to get you started on the road to the literary community in all its scribbled glory… Since 2006, the Nottingham Writers’ Studio has been incubating a fruitful crop of literary figures. A creative retreat located at the tail end of Hockley, the NWS supports both existing authors and those newly developing. Whether you find yourself prosaically inclined, a playwright, poet or just general scribbler of all things wordy, here is the writing community for you. With an impressive alumni who have Man Booker shortlists and Dublin IMPAC awards under their belts, there’s few better places to grab yourself a membership for. Nestled behind Primark and down a dark alley opposite a defunct bookies, you’ll find Five Leaves Bookshop, national winner of Independent Bookshop of the 2018 at the Nibbies. It’s the kind of place that worries folks the first time you take them down, but therein lies half its charm. Where else are you going to find shelved sections dedicated to feminism and anarco-politics? Five Leaves have been fuelling radical fires since 2013, providing ad-hoc grieving sessions post election results, as well as supporting many local poets, authors and literary practitioners. If Notts’ new literary status and DIY poetry scene is all a bit too “now,” then recline back in time in one of the few subscription libraries left in the UK, with the centrally located Bromley House Library. In existence since 1816, it holds a stonking 40,000 books, which is enough to challenge even the most voracious of page turners. It also provides a rather fine collection of reading rooms inside its grade II listed Georgian townhouse, to disappear into and unleash your inner Lord Byron. Few get involved in reaching out to young, emerging writers quite like Writing East Midlands do. Involved in too many supportive projects to mention, they run writing seminars and courses, offer mentorship and critical aid, build spoken-word tours, and even provide one-to-one guidance, they’re just that supportive. Dedicated to staging a platform for young, budding authors, they’ve even got themselves tucked in with the National Arts Awards. That's another useful way they’re helping young writers up the ladder, the thoughtful sods. Continuing the rich literary tradition of the African Caribbean community in the city is Nottingham Black Writers Collective. Ran by Nottingham Black Archive, and headed by Panya Banjoko, the collective is a growing haven for creative writers of African-Caribbean descent to write, share ideas, curate events and perform. Earlier in the year, they released a poetry anthology called When We Speak, and they’re working on creating a timeline of black writers from the earliest time to the present day.

There’s been a number of literary opportunities sprouting up in Nottingham City Libraries of late. There are reading groups with specific focuses such as crime fiction, mental health as well as Bengali Literature and Urdu poetry. Oh, and there are ties with local writing groups too, with the likes of the DIY Poets and the Nottingham Poetry Society all getting stuck in. There’s even language classes held all through the week, to practice your enunciation and verbal articulation. Keeping abreast and well informed is vital in these trying information times. Find out what is arguably the most impressive range of weird and wonderful magazines in the city at Ideas on Paper. Not only stocking magazines like Monocle, Tapas and Positive News, the Cobden Chambers store has some of the most beautifully jacketed books and stationary available. There’s also word-based discussions and lusting gorgeous literary illustration up for grabs. Originally set up more than a decade ago, Kavya Rang run the regular Kavi Sammelans; traditional Northern Indian spoken word events, where participants recite and discuss poetry. The organisation is headed by Mrs Jai Verma, a long-serving member of the Nottingham Asian Arts Council, and a champion of Indian culture in the UK. The collective also run events that see poets being brought over from India to discuss their work. Think you can spin a yarn? Fancy yourself adept at keeping your listeners gripped until the very end? Down at The White Lion in Beeston stands some of the finest storytelling you’ll find out there with Beeston Tales. Events are regularly run by Tim Ralphs and Mike Payton, but open to a plethora of guest speakers. Often drawing from audience participation and their overall gift of the gab, expect nothing of the usual from these craftspeople of the turning tale. Women’s libraries are in scarce supply across the country and the Nottingham Women’s Centre Library on Chaucer street is the only one of its kind in the East Midlands. It still holds most of the original – and often rare – books and magazines which were donated in the seventies and eighties when the library was first set up, including every copy of trailblazing feminist mag Spare Rib (1972-93). If you’re just starting out in the poetry world, DIY Poets will provide you with plenty of support with both writing and performing. For over ten years, they’ve been passionate about helping poets feel confident performing their work in public, and letting the public know that poetry can be exciting and relevant. You can catch their spoken-word nights in a variety of venues over the city, including The Maze on Mansfield Road. nottinghamcityofliterature.com

TOP 8 TOURIST SPOTS As Nottingham is a UNESCO City of Literature you’d expect our city centre to feature many literary locations, and you’d be right. Here are ten of our finest... Bromley House Library, Angel Row. This grand building could easily pass as a museum or stately home, but it’s a working library with over 40,000 books. Since 1816, Bromley House has been the place for writers and intellectuals. With its spiral staircase, fine art and working meridian line, Bromley House is a hidden gem. There’s even a secret garden providing a perfect escape from the bustling city. JM Barrie Plaque, 30 Pelham Street. JM Barrie came here in 1883 to work for the Nottingham Journal. He was sacked a year later, but Nottingham helped provide the Scottish playwright with inspiration for his most famous story. Legend has it that Barrie witnessed a street urchin wandering through Nottingham’s Clifton Grove, sparking the idea for his character Peter Pan, and Neverland is said to have arisen from his many walks through the Arboretum.

Newstead House, 76 St James Street. The romantic poet Lord Byron lived here as a boy while an unqualified “surgeon” worked on his lame foot. It was around this time that the youngster wrote his first verses and inherited his title. He lived with his widowed mother and took Latin lessons from Mr “Drummer” Rogers.

Express Building, Upper Parliament Street. This impressive building, designed by Watson Fothergill, housed the offices of the Nottingham Journal when a young Graham Greene worked there as an unpaid trainee writer. It was to be a significant time in Greene’s personal life, one that would yield influence over his future literary output.

Jermy & Westerman, 293 Mansfield Road. Nottingham’s oldest second-hand bookshop is also its best. The ground floor houses antiquarian books of local relevance as well as a tearoom. As the stairs climb upwards, so do their eclectic mix of titles which cover every wall and crevice.

Jamie's Italian, 24-26 Low Pavement. It might now be a restaurant, but the writer Abigail Gawthern lived and died in this elegant house. Gawthern’s diaries documented how Nottingham's professional classes lived during a politically turbulent time. On the side of the building is a sign for Drury Hill, which was a famous old street that featured in the film of DH Lawrence’s Sons and Lovers.

Nottingham Writers’ Studio, 25 Hockley Lane. At the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter is the Nottingham Writers’ Studio; home to a community of writers and poets. This is a venue for networking, professional development and, most of all, writing.

The Exchange Arcade, Cheapside. There is a fine metal plaque here, dedicated to Henry Kirke White, a prodigious knowledge-seeker and, by the age of thirteen, a prolific writer of poetry. Kirke White’s verse greatly impressed poets Byron and Wordsworth, but his story is more a what-might-have-been, as the young genius died aged 21.

POETRY NIGHTS IN NOTTS Poetry and spoken word is a big deal in Notts. There’s nothing quite like a night in a crowded pub listening to folk perform their verses. Pop along to some of these so you don’t miss out…

Poetry is Dead Good Fox and Grapes £3 Third Tuesday of every month, 7pm

Speech Therapy The Chameleon Donations Fourth Thursday of every month, 7pm

Pottle Poetry Pottle of Blues, Beeston Free First Sunday of every month, 4pm

Crosswords Cock and Hoop £2 Second Wednesday of every month, 7.30pm

Totally Wired Wired Cafe Prices, times and dates vary.

Chapter and Verse JamCafe Free First Saturday of every month, 5pm

Psst JamCafe Free Prices, times and dates vary.

Between the Shadow and the Soul City Arts Pay What You Can First Wednesday of every month, 7.30pm

Blackdrop Rough Trade Prices, times and dates vary.

Big White Shed Debbie Bryan’s Prices, times and dates vary.

Soetry Various Venues Prices, times and dates vary. Poets Against Racism Various Venues Prices, times and dates vary.

Various Events Five Leaves Bookshop Prices, times and dates vary. World Jam Nottingham Writers Studio Donations Prices, times and dates vary. DIY Poets The Maze £3 Meeting on first Wednesday of every month upstairs at Broadway, about 6.30pm DIY Poets showcase takes place at The Maze on a quarterly basis

ON THE SET LIST

interviews: Eve Smallman

So you reckon you’ve got what it takes to be the next Jake Bugg, ey? Notts has a thriving music scene, and we’re blessed with some great venues and an extremely supportive home crowd. We had a natter with some of Nottingham’s breakthrough student acts.. CAMILLE CHRISTE How did you find your sound? I've known my bass player, John Thompson, all my life. After months of meeting up and playing around with new sounds, we recorded together in March. We released Copenhagen which went down really well. I sent it to Mary Anne Hobbs from Radio 6, who chose it as her track of the week. After that, everything's gone a bit crazy! Why is the Nottingham music scene special? Nottingham is such an inspiring city, and so many people have something to say. It is really unique. It's also a very friendly music scene; everyone tries to help each other succeed. What’s the support like from local venues? I did my first ever gig when I was thirteen, at JamCafe. Now every Christmas I do a gig there, so it’s become a sort of tradition. I've also had quite a lot of support from The Bodega.

Do you think it’s important for new bands to maintain their social media? Yes and no. I want my social media to reflect me as an artist. I don't post every single day, I post when I feel like I want to. You have to be honest about what you're really like, otherwise it's not going to work. What gigs have you got coming up next? I've got a single release at Rough Trade on 12 October; it’s not just a gig, but a multi-sensory experience. I'm working with 3D sounds and scents, like candles. Top tips for new students wanting to join a band? Don't do something that's already been done, just be completely yourself. Watch loads of bands playing in Nottingham, as that way you get to meet new people. Discover all the venues, because there are so many great ones. camillechristel.com

HASHTAGOBI Your first album is called A Day in the Mind of a University Student. How did your life at uni inspire you? Everyone at uni gets to a point where it's like, “I've been doing this degree for three years; is this the path I want to take?” It was just putting those feelings into words, wondering if it was too late to do something else. What’s been your highlight as an artist so far? One thing that springs to mind is playing Rock City. Nusic have a competition where your songs are judged by presenters and radio people, and they liked my stuff. Stormzy was there a week before, so it was just the coolest thing. Why do you think the Nottingham music scene is special? You find a lot of creative people here, even when you're just walking around. The artist who designed the cover for my latest release was just someone I found on the street, painting.

How did you juggle being a student and gigging? I didn't do too many gigs while I was a student, but if you map out a few hours to revise a day, you can create a balance depending on what you want to spend your time doing. Do you think you’ll carry on making music for a while? Yeah, music is like an inescapable hobby. To be able to wake up and do something that you truly enjoy, that's the goal. Top tips for the new students looking to start gigging? Make sure you have a group to support you. Not necessarily people that are singing with you, but feedback groups, like your friends, your mum. No matter what you're doing, whether you're playing the piano or the harmonica, make sure you're doing it from the heart. soundcloud.com/hashtagobi

THE MEMOIRS How did you all meet? Alex and Seb met on campus at UoN, then they met Jamie. I [Ned] met Seb and he mentioned that they were looking for a singer. For some reason I sang at them in the Rock City smoking area. Whether or not they just wanted me to stop singing, they told me I could be in the band. With our drummer, we put out some feelers and James’ name came up. Turned out he was awesome. You changed your name from Tusk to The Memoirs? Why? We'd been going as Tusk for the past two years, and it was time for a change in sound. We are still easing into the new name, but it's given us a new lease of life. What’s been your highlight as a band so far? The first time we went to a real recording studio, a place in Wales called Giant Wafer. It's a residential studio, so you live there and record. Going there

made us realise “this is where we need to be.” Every moment from then on has been spent working towards getting back to that studio. Why is the Nottingham music scene special? It's a small city, but it’s closeknit, and there are so many cool venues: Bodega, Rough Trade, JamCafe. Nottingham's produced a lot of big artists, and the University of Nottingham has produced a vast majority of them as well. It's a small enough place that no one is going to be doing exactly the same as you. Any tips for budding musicians? No matter what uni you’re at, there will be lots of Facebook groups and societies. Even if you don't end up being in a band with the people you meet, it's still a great place to share your music and meet other musicians. thememoirs.net

words: Sam Nahirny

Our mates over at Nusic exist to do one thing; help Nottinghamshire musicians hit the big time. They’ve got a few words to say... Student musicians, you’ve made an intelligent decision by studying in Notts. Not only have you got yourself into a top-notch University, but one based in arguably the most vibrant music city in the UK; there is no better place to be an up-andcoming musician. This ain't just hype; even BBC One did a documentary on our “thriving music scene”. We’re gonna tell you both how we can help you, plus how others in Notts can help you. We at Nusic do everything we can to help Notts musicians; from fortnightly podcasts featuring only original, Nottingham music (send yours in at nusic.org.uk/faq), through to professionally filmed and recorded live sessions (see more at youtube.com/feelthenusic). If you’re studying here, then you’re well on your way to qualifying. We also run the Nusic Academy, which aims to help Nottingham musicians acquire the knowledge

and contacts they need to be successful with their music. We put on three workshops a year, which are essentially panel Q&As with leading industry names like Radio 1, Spotify and NME. On top of all that, we invite everyone in Nottingham who can help you as a musician, from BBC Introducing through to PRS Foundation, so you can meet them all in one go. And, it’s all for free. Speaking of other peeps who can help you, we have a Media Resources page, which has links and contacts for the BBC Uploader, through to all the websites we are aware of that have a strong Notts connection, so you can get your sexy face in print and make your nan proud. For all the ways we, and others, can help you, visit nusic.org.uk/faq. Welcome. It’s gonna be sick. x

STUDENTS WHO STAYED I’m from Nottingham originally, but I still lived in halls and felt an element of homesickness. However, this was combined with a sense of excitement at being free to do as I pleased!

Alex Noble Musician and BBC Radio Producer History (Class of 2014) University of Nottingham

My course was very hands-on and that appealed to me; I loved creating and physically making things. I still love making things with my hands, and being able to eat them makes it even better! The early mornings and no-social-life side to being a baker sucks, but there’s an amazing sense of satisfaction making things like croissants from scratch, and seeing the transformation as they turn from lumps of dough to beautiful flakey pastries. My course also included a year working in the fashion industry, during which time I worked in New York for six months and then Milan

Uni wasn't right for me at first, so I decided to take a sabbatical to tour with a band I used to be in. I returned with enthusiasm for my course. Getting involved in University Radio Nottingham gave me a huge interest in radio. I did a history degree and ended up in broadcasting, so don't feel you need to do a course that doesn't appeal to you.

for four, and both experiences were incredible. At uni, make sure to explore who you are, but also work hard and make the most of the opportunities provided to you. I was really excited to leave home; I grew up in London and wanted to leave so badly. I really wanted to move out and create my own space. I got a good feeling from Nottingham when I came to view the university; the city felt small, but still big enough. I like the vibe of the city and I have fond memories of it, plus the cost of living in London is just too high. toughmarysbakehouse.co.uk

Kate O’Shea Owner at Tough Mary’s Bakehouse Fashion Knitwear Design and Knitted Textiles (Class of 2011) Nottingham Trent University

I have a clear memory of driving past Wollaton Park and being taken aback at how green Nottingham is. There are trees everywhere. Even that minor contrast to my hometown of Leeds was revelatory.

Curator at Newstead Abbey BA (Hons) Human Geography with Hertiage Studies (Class of 2014) Nottingham Trent University

You are in the best student city in the UK; everything you need is on your doorstep, so try to enjoy it as much as you can, because the time flies like you've never experienced before. apriltowers.com

I applied to NTU after looking through the gig guide in the NME; Rock City was a stop on every tour. I spent a lot of time there and in Rescue Rooms when it opened.

Simon Brown

Making great radio programmes that help unsigned artists via BBC Introducing is very rewarding. In my musical life, being able to tour all over the UK and Europe is amazing, as well as spending time in the studio creating. The renaissance of this city's music scene made it a nobrainer to stay in a place which was getting huge amounts of praise on a musical and cultural level.

Newstead is such a beautiful setting, it’s a pleasure to go there every day. I wouldn’t be in my job now without my time at NTU. Not only in terms of the education I received, but the freedom

it gave me to spend time in the city, in its cultural institutions, and to realise the fact that there are public spaces that I could spend my career working for. Nottingham is a wonderful place to live and to learn. I feel very lucky to have made my home here. It is also in a constant state of change, which is a result of the new people who are always moving through the city. This brings opportunities to be part of new things, and even to make new things happen. You will always be supported. newsteadabbey.org.uk

STUDENTS WHO STAYED I get to fuse creativity with science to create tasty beverages that bring people joy. I also work for myself which means I can finish whenever I want and most of my business meetings are held in a pub, which is never a bad thing. The qualifications I achieved at university gave me a lot of options when it came to employment. I initially landed a well-paid sales job selling scientific equipment. As I knew a lot of the processes and equipment required, I was able to make a lot of money from it.

Rob Witt

I invested that into developing a couple of houses, which then paid for the set-up of the brewery. Nottingham is an amazing city. It's just the right size, not too big but with everything you could wish for (except a beach). This means you can pretty much get anywhere, to do anything, in less than thirty minutes. Be sensible with your choices, but also just try and chill out. Invest in your time and experiences, as you will always have those whatever you do after university. Most importantly, drink local beer!

Owner and Head Brewer at Totally Brewed Microbiology BSc (Class of 2004) University of Nottingham

I spent six months travelling before university, so everything was a bit of a whirlwind. I remember coming into Nottingham with my mum and seeing cars filled with other students’ belongings. I was just really excited to meet everyone. My lecturers and course were constantly challenging and engaging. I also integrated with other courses, spending time with fine art and graphic design students. This helped me analyse my work from different perspectives. After graduating, me and my course mate, Craig Proud, started a print studio called Dizzy Ink. Helping creatives to develop their ideas has always been our endeavour. My job sometimes feels like a real life extension of doing a degree.

totallybrewed.com

I’m constantly learning, developing and growing, both as a creative and someone who has learnt about accounting, tax and all the nitty-gritty stuff you need to run a business. We knew Nottingham was a good place to set up a studio for a number of reasons: access to funding through the university; we already had contacts; cheap studio rent; good transport; lack of competition and the cost of living is so cheap here in comparison to other cities. Why not stay? Just make sure you're doing what makes you happy! Also, never leave printing until the last minute, it’s such an important stage in the process. Especially on creative courses. dizzyink.co.uk

Benjamin Kay Director at Dizzy Ink Photography (Class of 2014) Nottingham Trent University

University provided me with a wide variety of experiences; the most valuable of which was the opportunity to explore, learn about myself, and gain a measure of independence along the way. I discovered photography at the end of my first term in 2008, and it’s now grown into my career.

Lamar Francois Photographer and Archivist MSci Mathematical Physics (Class of 2012) University of Nottingham

Mathematical Physics helped me with the technical aspects of photography, from the inverse square law to exactly how digital sensors interpret light. This frees me to focus more on the artistic and expressive aspects of the medium. It also helped inspire a methodical approach to the work I produce.

The best thing about being a photographer is having the opportunity to use your ingenuity to creatively solve problems. Not only that, but sharing new ways of seeing things and inspiring other people to do the same. That’s magic. I chose to remain in Nottingham as I was already settled in the area and the city has quite a bit to offer in terms of the creative industries. picturedbylamar.co.uk

GIVE GREEN A CHANCE illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Emily Thursfield

Thanks to its love of solar panels and electric transport, Nottingham has become the UK’s most energy-self-sufficient city. In fact, carbon emissions in Hoodtown fell 33% between 2005 and 2016. That equates to around three tonnes less per person of CO₂ per year. That’s the same weight as the tongue of a blue whale. So how has Nottingham painted itself this lovely shade of green? Trams By now, you’ve probably noticed the big green machines zipping around town, aka the trams. This electric-powered tram network spans 18km throughout Notts, and is a great way of getting around the city without emitting any harmful gases. There are stops right outside both universities, meaning you can easily hop on — with your validated ticket, of course — and get yourself to the city centre or the train station when it’s time for a visit home. Last year, the trams were used for around 18 million journeys, and when it makes travelling so simple and it’s good for the environment, it’s easy to see why.

Parks Would you believe that 20% of Nottingham is parkland, and 36 of those parks are Green Flag award winners? As well as being the perfect place for you to take a walk or a stress-relieving jog after a particularly difficult seminar, there are lots of free events held in the parks throughout the year. Watch out for Goose Fair on the Forest Recreation Ground in early October, in particular. But it’s not just the outdoor spaces that have received this award. In fact, both universities received Green Flag awards in 2017 for their efforts in keeping their campuses environmentally friendly. By maintaining a healthy habitat for any wildlife that has settled on campus and producing as little waste as possible, both unis have cemented their green status.

Eco Cars and Buses As part of the council’s scheme to promote sustainable travel, Nottingham is the first city in the country to build a brand-new green lane just for buses, taxis and bikes on an existing road. We’ve also recently become home to 53 brand-spanking-new double deckers, powered using renewable bio gas. These buses are expected to emit 3,500 tonnes less CO₂ into the air, and will help Notts have the lowest spread of emissions in the country. To become a Go Ultra Low City, the city will soon see the introduction of 230 new charging points along its streets for electric vehicles and the fleet of buses. By 2020, we’re aiming for every bus in the city to be gas powered or have a Euro-5 environmentally friendly engine.

8 SMALL CHANGES FOR A GREENER LIFESTYLE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room There’s a reason your mam’s always harping on about those bleddy Blackpool Illuminations Don’t overfill the kettle with more than you need It’s surprising how much energy — and money — this saves Put the lid on your saucepan to trap the heat in Otherwise you’ll literally be watching your money go up in smoke Whack on a jumper instead of turning up the thermostat The coin you save on heating now can be spent at the pub later Stay away from single use plastics when possible Pop your homemade sandwich in a lunchbox rather than clingfilm, and bring a fork from home Buy reusable cups for pre-drinks Invest in something sturdy that you can wash, and say NO to straws. Tell your mates to use their mouths Carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup Look out for water fountains around campus, and get some money off your morning latte Get on yer bike Both universities offer a rent-a-bike service for less than the cost of a textbook, and you get to tone your thighs as you save the world

If you spot a problem where you live, like rubbish, graffiti or dog poo, let Nottingham City Council know so they can sort it. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit

NOTT INGHA M

NOTTINGHAM

IT’S ALL HOOD

words: Jared Wilson

If there’s one thing that has been synonymous with Nottingham for decades, it’s our very own heroic outlaw, Robin Hood. Yes, we’re aware of the various claims by Yorkshire folk who think he belongs to them, but it’s time for ‘em to back off. Let’s be clear: he’s 100% Notts! Our Robin has been depicted in thousands of films and TV shows over the years, but here are a few of our favourites for you to brush up on... THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938) One of the classic movies of the Hollywood Golden age, and widely considered to be Errol Flynn’s (Robin) best role as an actor. The film also starred Olivia de Havilland (Maid Marian), Basil Rathbone (Sir Guy of Gisbourne), and Claude Rains (Prince John). The film is in technicolour, which gives it a funny glowing tint. ROBIN HOOD (1973) Hot on the heels of Jungle Book and The Aristocats, Disney decided to put their own take on the legend, and it’s still an adorable watch to this day. Fun and adventure abound as the cast are made up as animals, and Robin (a fox) takes on the Sheriff of Nottingham (a wolf). Proper Sunday afternoon fun. MAID MARIAN AND HER MERRY MEN (1989) Created by Tony Robinson of Time Team and Baldrick from Blackadder, this TV series ran for five years at the dawn of the nineties. Originally pitched as children’s TV, the plot was outright feminist for the time, with Maid Marian picking up all the slack from the useless wimp they called Robin. PRINCE OF THIEVES (1991) Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, Alan Rickman and Christian Slater all in their pomp. It’s spectacular. If you only watch one film on this list, we recommend this. And, it’s on Netflix. Also, back in the nineties, when music charts actually mattered, the Bryan Adams soundtrack spent sixteen weeks at number one. MEN IN TIGHTS (1993) A comic parody by much-lauded American comedy director Mel Brooks, the man behind Young Frankenstein, Blazing Saddles and Spaceballs. Cary Elwes plays the main man, and the supporting cast includes Patrick Stewart, Isaac Hayes and Dave Chappelle. Available on Netflix as we speak and well worth a watch with your mates over a few beers. ROBIN HOOD (2010) Directed by Ridley Scott (Aliens, Gladiator) we’ve put this on the list as it’s easy to get hold of on Netflix, but frankly it’s appalling. Russell Crowe plays Robin with an accent that sounds like an American trying to portray a generic English northerner. Even Cate Blanchett as Marian can’t save this film from being long and dull. ROBIN HOOD (2018) Due out in cinemas towards the end of this year, it’s anyone’s guess if this will be any good, but having watched the trailers, we’re dubious. What we do know is that Taron Egerton (Kingsman) is taking on the main role, supported by Jamie Foxx (Django Unchained), Jamie Dornam (Fifty Shades of Grey) and musical comic Tim Minchin as Friar Tuck. Expect grim and gritty.

WOMEN IN NOTTINGHAM words: Bridie Squires and Lucy Manning illustration: Lucella Jayne

Nottinghamshire Police were the first police force in the country to rule misogyny as a hate crime. This includes physical or verbal harassment directed at women, because they are a woman, via any means. So, if you’re walking home after a lecture and a group of guys decide to shout inappropriate, sexual comments at you, or someone grabs your arse on a night out, you’re well within your rights to report the behaviour to the authorities. All you have to do is ring 101, and if the assault is particularly severe, call 999. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the perpetrator will be punished, but it does mean the police can collect information regarding these types of incidents – where, when and how often they happen – and work on making the streets of Notts safer for all. It also means that they can direct you to any support and guidance you may need following the event. Nottingham Women’s Centre is a safe haven for women in the city, and played a massive part in bringing about classing misogyny as a hate crime. The centre have recently been presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary service, and launched online campaigns #NottACompliment and #TimesUpNotts with the objective of encouraging women to report instances of harassment to the authorities. If you’ve experienced sexual harassment or domestic abuse and you want to talk it out, give them a call on 0115 941 1475. They’re also the home of Nottingham Women’s Library, and host events and activities that champion women in the city. The Topaz Centre is Nottinghamshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre with trained crisis workers. You can contact them directly on 0845 600 1588 and they’ll guide you through the process of reporting a sexual assault or rape. You can visit the centre without going to the police, and they can take a statement, offer a forensic medical examination, as well as lots of support. Nottingham Rape Crisis Centre is a service open to anyone over thirteen years old, and specialises in supporting survivors of sexual violence. The centre offers support and guidance through face-to-face counselling as well as group support, and helps service users to access creative therapies. They also offer a counselling helpline, staffed by female support workers, that provides a safe space to talk for yourself or a friend. Their helpline number is 0115 941 0440.

Both Nottingham Trent University and The University of Nottingham offer support services to students, doing all they can to help tackle the problem of rape and sexual assault among students. If you’re a student in Nottingham, pop over to your university’s website where you will find information on all the guidance and support services on offer. Hollaback! is a worldwide, female-led movement seeking to end street harassment by connecting us up, and Nottingham has its very own branch. Through the use of their app, available for both Android and Apple phones, the organisation is breaking silence by encouraging people to record incidents of street harassment, logging their whereabouts. App users often send each other supportive comments, and it doesn’t half give you a boost after being put down. Reel Equality is a film collective working in partnership with Equation – a not-for-profit organisation promoting healthy relationships free from domestic abuse. Reel Equality screen Bechdel-approved films – flicks featuring at least two, named women who talk to each other about something other than a man. Yep, you’d be surprised at the lack of them. Fan Club is the dedicated club night popping off at Rough Trade on the first Saturday of every month. It’s creativity-led, and rammed full of zines, cake, glitter, film screenings and power-female tunes. They’ve got a strict safe space policy, and the event is totally free and welcoming to everyone, so rock up and rock out. One For The Lads Right then, fella. We know you’re not a plank, but here’s a sad truth you might not be aware of: one in five women aged between 16 and 59 have experienced sexual violence in their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important that men stand with their peers in the fight against misogyny. If you see an incident, be on the right side of it and offer help and support where you can. And if a friend is acting inappropriately or visibly making someone feel uncomfortable, be sure to call them out on it.

YOU, ME AND HUMANITY Nottingham is a beautifully diverse city, and we’re dead proud of that. These streets have become home to folk from all around the world, and the City Council reckon that the diversity of Nottingham’s communities is a huge asset that should be celebrated, and seen as one of the city’s greatest strengths. Now that you’re pitching your tent in our camp, we’d appreciate it if you lot continue to spread this message of unity. Diversity is about valuing our individual differences. Earlier this year, Nottingham Trent University made headlines after a first year student became victim of racist abuse. Rufaro Chisango, who was eighteen at the time, said she was too scared to leave her room after fellow students began chanting racial slurs outside her door. She tweeted the footage, which was met by disgust from many UK politicians, musicians and celebrities, who all offered up their support. The university reacted with a full investigation into the perpetrators, who were immediately suspended, taken to court and charged with racially aggravated harassment. Responding to the incident, the President of the National Union of Students said: “Our education institutions should be spaces where all students, regardless of background, feel secure and safe.” And we wholeheartedly agree. You’re an adult now; don’t discriminate against another person, for any reason, just because they’re different to you. The University of Nottingham expects both staff and students to adhere by the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Students at Nottingham Trent experiencing bullying can get in touch with their Dignity and Respect Contacts, who provide a confidential, informal and timely source of support. Pete Rodgers, Community Organiser at Nottingham Citizens, urges anyone who experiences a hate crime to contact the police: “Our recent research revealed a deep under-reporting of hate crime in the city. We simply have to keep picking up the phone and making noise for the authorities to see the extent of these incidents across the city. We must also create a culture of bystander reporting; if you see someone else being abused, report it.” Nottingham Citizens develop the skills of ordinary people to win social justice change. They’re a grass-roots organisation funded almost entirely by member organisations, an alliance of trade unions, faith and community groups, charities,

schools and the universities. The organisation acts on the issues that are important to their members; so far they’ve brought about improvements to Notts’ social care and mental health services, helped improve BAME recruitment in the city, improved the lives of the refugee community, and much more. “We work with people who want to transform the world from what it is to what they believe it should be,” says Pete. “For the past six or seven years, we’ve created an environment where people can work together to bring change. Our work brings together Muslims and Jews, Christians and atheists, students and the elderly, and helps them unite around what they have in common.” Young people are the lifeblood of their organisation; they are already working with thousands of them. As both universities are dues-paying members, it’s easy for you lot to get involved. There are three main ways to participate: get trained up in the craft of community organising at their training events, join a strategy team, and attend their public assemblies, the next one being scheduled for the springtime. “It’s an amazing opportunity to grow as a human being while at university, and to win justice change in the process. Do something, anything, that gets you out of your student bubble,” says Pete. If there’s something seriously grinding your gears, or you want to help your new city to develop to its full potential, these are the people to help you. Pete has found that people are far more effective if they act on the issues they truly care about themselves, rather than the issues their mates care about. Find that injustice that makes you so mad you could punch a wall or burst into tears, and channel that energy into making a positive change. “We live in scary times; Brexit, fake-news, Trump, Boris Johnson’s ‘letter-box’ comments, all of this contributes to creating a ‘fear of the other’ mentality, which is divisive in today’s society,” says Pete. “If you go through your three years and don’t connect with the life of this vibrant city, then not only has Nottingham missed out, then you have too. Throw yourself into relationships with people who are unlike you. Be curious, ask questions and take risks with people.” citizensuk.org/nottingham

words: Emily Thursfield illustration: Natalie Owen

CREATIVE SHORT COURSES AT NTU 10% STUDENT DISCOUNT Do you want to learn new creative skills, supplement other studies or meet creative folk who share your interests? There are courses for beginners, improvers, and for those with experience who are looking for inspiration. Most courses take place during the evenings and weekends, meaning they can ďŹ t around your studies. We oďŹ&#x20AC;er courses in graphic design, illustration, writing, interior design, model making, photography, fashion and more. WANT TO FIND OUT MORE? Visit the website to browse all the courses and book your place. www.ntu.ac.uk/creativeshortcourses ANY QUESTIONS? Contact the short course team and claim your student discount. Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2813 Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk

THE PLACES YOU’LL GO illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Chloe Underwood

For language students, studying or working abroad is a no-brainer. However, you may be surprised to hear that most university courses offer students a placement abroad for a few months or an entire year. Some people choose to study in a foreign country, whereas others opt to throw themselves into working life. We spoke to three students about the benefits and experiences you gain from leaving your homeland… Amber Hayley, a Psychology student from Nottingham Trent University studied Spanish, French, Chinese, Globalisation and Aboriginal studies for a year at The University of Adelaide. During her time away, she got engaged, worked tutoring English and had a part-time job as a barista. Making the decision of where to study can be difficult, but after originally having her heart set on Malaysia, Amber opted for Australia instead. She said: “I'd seen loads of beautiful pictures of Australia and heard stories. Something about it being so far away did actually tempt me to go; I looked at one in Sweden that was only an hour flight away so I could always come home, but I thought ‘No. If I'm going away, then I'm really going away.’” Although Amber was there to study, having only nine contact hours a week meant she could spend time exploring her new city and working, rather than being stuck in lecture halls all day. Taking the chance to do as much as possible in the time that you’re there will play a big part in how you will benefit from your time abroad. You will need to work, but there will always be time for play. “I managed to travel a lot of Australia and around that side of the world as well. As the seasons are backwards, we got a summer break from the start of November to the end of February, so you get almost four months off. In this time I did a lot of travelling, and met people from all over the world.” The main concern for many students who’ve gone abroad is becoming homesick. Amber had to contest with a ten-hour time difference, and found she was living in the opposite timezone to her friends and family back home. “When anything goes wrong or you're missing home, that's definitely the hardest bit. You do really learn to work things out though, you almost fall into a routine. If it wasn't for FaceTime... I don't know how people did it years ago before technology, because waiting three weeks for a letter would have been awful.” Despite all the challenges, Amber insists that she never regretted her decision to move away. The one thing she wants new students to know is that the finances aren’t as daunting as they may seem.

“A lot of people worry about finances, so I think it's important to know that there is always a way around it. The University of Nottingham gives you a lot of extra support, and student finance gives you more money,” she says. “It's not possible for everyone to get a part-time job, but if you can then definitely go for it. It's easier for international students to choose university-run accommodation too; it’s a logical option, and you don't have to turn up on the other side of the world and find somewhere to live.” Rory Webster, a BA Zoo Biology student at Nottingham Trent University, bagged himself two placements abroad. He spent three months at Lionsrock Sanctuary in South Africa and four months for Underwater Africa in Tofo Mozambique. “I believed going abroad gave me better placement opportunities, allowing me to dive into areas that have a more diverse marine life,” explains Rory. “The sanctuary in South Africa used all its space for the animals, allowing enclosures ranging from one hectare to three, which I believe is better.” Research has shown that graduates who have had international experience are more likely to earn a higher salary and have better career prospects. For Rory, bagging two placements while studying at university will be extremely beneficial when applying for jobs. “My placement in South Africa was very much a fulltime job. I worked from six until six every day of the week, and in Mozambique it was similar, doing a dive and then conducting post dive analysis. I spend four days a week, nine to five, at uni, and then my free time is split between sport and friends.” While his placement in South Africa was pretty full on, Rory’s time working in Mozambique was a bit more laid back. On a typical day in Mozambique, Rory would wake up as the sun rose, prepare all of his diving gear and then head over to the research project. He would return at 10.30am, have breakfast, log the data he had collected, analyse it until 4pm, and afterwards have free time to go surfing, socialise, or watch the sunset.

Rory reckons his time abroad gave him a deeper understanding of topics that he studied in Nottingham. The job allowed him to observe animals first hand, as well as giving him more of a directional idea into career he’d like in the future. He said: “I had the absolute best time in Tofo, Mozambique. I got to do so many awesome things there like diving with whales, mantas and sharks, ocean fishing, beach volleyball and surfing, flying a research drone, tagging sharks and much more. It was the best time.” Pia Schafer studies Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham, but only moved to the UK from her home country of Germany when she started her studies two years ago. In her first semester of her second year, she studied for four months at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. She said: “I always loved the idea of experiencing university abroad and getting to know loads of people from all around the world.” On a typical day, Pia would only have one or two classes, usually not starting until noon, so would begin her day either doing coursework or spending time with friends. “I shared a flat with other exchange students and we were all really close,” explains Pia. “After classes finished in the afternoon, I came home, and we all cooked together or had

so-called ‘pot lucks’. People would prepare a specific dish from their country and we would sit together and share the food.“ Studying abroad is not only great for gaining new experiences, but also getting used to different styles of teaching, and learning aspects of your chosen subject that may not have been touched on at your university back home. Most placements last a year, yet some, like Pia’s, are only for several months, which meant she only had four months to explore Montreal and Canada. She tried to pack in as many things to her schedule as possible, never passing up an opportunity to go travelling. “I lived in a house with thirty other exchange students, and we used to rent a car and go to different places around Montreal almost every weekend, which made my time abroad so much more special and fun.” Organising your placement can be quite daunting, especially if you are doing so while preparing for exams, but it is very easily done. Pia gave us her top tips on how to get organised and make sure everything runs smoothly. She explains: “Prepare everything in time so you can check that you fulfil all the requirements. Try to join Facebook groups from your chosen university and research the city so you get a feel for it. Be aware that work is still a big part of the experience, and sometimes you have to study instead of joining your friends on a trip to Mexico… which happened to me, unfortunately. That said, try to fully live your life. Just be open minded and curious!”

Whether you choose to study or work, opt for the sun or snow, or decide to complete your placement year here in the UK, it’s too good an opportunity to miss. Whatever you decide to do, you’ll gain new experiences, meet some new friends and maybe get a better idea of what you’d like to do when the university whirlwind is over.

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Have a carefree year in Notts.

NG2: HP SAUCE The brown blob was invented by West Bridgford grocer FG Garton in 1895. He – foolishly, in hindsight – swapped the recipe for £150 and the settlement of a debt. The HP originally stood for Houses of Parliament, as they were serving it at the time. Ironic that now HP has come to mean getting in the red.

NG1: LACE Not only did the city’s famous openwork fabric give it’s name to an area of the city that would confuse many a tourist into thinking there was an actual market there, but it also gave knuckle draggers the opportunity to use rhyming chat-up lines for the first time: “Take off yer lace and sit on me face.”

NG15: HIGH PRESSURE WATER Papplewick Pumping Station is not just a brilliant piece of alliteration. It’s also a result of the city hosting the country’s first high-pressure water supply, originally installed in the castle rocks during the 1830s. Not to be confused with low pressure water, which takes everything in its stride and sits about all day getting salinated.

NG8: RALEIGH CHOPPER Arthur Seaton wasn’t the only person with a Chopper at the old Raleigh factory. This motorcycle-inspired push bike, with its rather fetching ape hanger and drag handlebars, was the must have item on kids’ Christmas lists in the seventies.

NG7: MRI SCANNER Boffin Sir Peter Mansfield used radio waves and magnets in the seventies to develop a well-fast brain scanner that could detect serious health issues, as well as dirty thoughts about your mate’s sister.

NG14: STOCKING KNITTING MACHINE Saucy Calverton clergyman William Lee invented the first stocking knitting machine in 1589. However, Queen Elizabeth, possibly the earliest Luddite, feared it would cause unemployment and he was forced to take it to France.

NG7: VIVIAN MACKERRELL The alcoholic thespian who inspired the character of Withnail is best known for smoking giant spliffs and drinking lighter fluid. However, he spent much of his later years living in Cecil Street in Lenton and donating a generous amount of money to Nottingham pubs.

NG13: VIDEO TAPE RECORDER Norman Rutherford and Michael Turner were the East Bridgford lads who developed the Telcan for the Nottingham Electronic Valve Company in 1963. It might sound like a race of aliens from Star Trek, but it was actually an early precursor to Betamax and VHS tape machines.

NG5: DESPERATE DAN Dudley D Watkins grew up in Sherwood and dreamed of a gigantic cowboy who shaved with a blowtorch and stuffed himsen with cow pie complete with horns. He wasn’t bothered in the slightest if it was organic or locally sourced.

NG2: PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Once upon a time, football was an excuse for an unlimited number of players from opposing villages to kick the bobbins out of each other as long as nobody got murdered. Then Notts County came along and ruined it all by making it proper with rules and everything.

NG21: ROBIN HOOD Knock, knock. Who’s there? Robin. Robin who? Robin the rich to give to the poor. Yer get meh?

NG9: IBUPROFEN When Dr Stewart Adams invented a pain relief cure at the Boots factory in 1961, he aptly did it with a hangover. Fifty years on, and the nation’s binge-drinking capital still pay homage to his invention every Sunday morning. And Saturday morning. And Friday morning. Sod it, any day goes.

words: Jared Wilson illustration: Thomas Goodwin

STAYING SAFE AT UNI

illustration: Natalie Owen

words: Emily Thursfield

Now that you don’t have the ‘rents watching over your shoulder, you need to take responsibility for yourself. That includes staying safe around the city, and being a responsible member of your local community. Student living is fun, but remember, your neighbours have jobs, families, and won’t like listening to your drum and bass at 4am on a Tuesday. Take heed of this advice... Look after your mates when they’ve had a few too many While it may be fun watching your pal dancing like a loon after one too many Jägerbombs, it ain’t gonna be fun if they get themselves into trouble or end up passed out on the club floor. Nobody wants their night to end at the hospital or the police station. If your mate’s starting to look a little bit sloppy, take one for the team and get them home to bed. Don’t leave anyone alone after dark We love the people of Notts, but like every city, there’s the odd few out there who make our streets less safe. If you’re putting in a late night shift at the library, find a friend to keep you company and make sure you stick together on your walk home. Be wary of your surroundings and don’t go down any dodgy looking lanes when it’s pitch black. This also applies when leaving a club after a heavy drinking sesh; strength in numbers and all that. Be on your guard There are some types who like nothing better than to end the night with a punch up, or something more sinister. While we don’t reckon a sensible type like you would ever get involved in a scrap, it might be worth checking out your university’s selfdefence classes. There’s also a number of programmes offered around the city which can help you build your confidence, such as Gracie Barra, who combine self-defence and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Don’t flash your new stuff about We understand that getting new tech is exciting, but can you imagine having your laptop robbed just as a 3,000-word essay is due? Have your fifteen minutes of smugness when you whack out your new Apple Mac in a lecture, and then get over it. We’d hope nobody would nick a year's worth of work from you, but you can never be too careful. Basically, if you don’t need it, leave it at home. Make it hard for burglars This seems like a given, but Barry the Burglar makes his way around Hoodtown too. He especially likes students, because he thinks they’ll be stupid enough to give him easy access to their houses. So prove Barry wrong and lock all those windows and doors. If your door is locked, your flatmates won’t be able to cover your whole room in tinfoil either. Make sure you’ve got home insurance, too, just in case. Be careful who you rent a house from After your first year in halls, you’ll no doubt be wanting to move into your own gaff with your new pals. There are no written rules, but there are areas that students tend to populate. Most UoN students go to Lenton, Beeston and occasionally Dunkirk, whereas NTU prefer The Arboretum, Forest Fields and the city centre. As a general rule it’s usually safer to rent from a trusted agent or student lettings company rather than from random landlords. Bring the bleddy bins in Nottingham City Council aren’t best pleased if you leave your rubbish out on the streets for too long, and you can get into trouble if you don’t comply. It’s also a way of making sure your neighbours don’t hate you. So learn when your bin days are, put ‘em out the night before, and bring them in as soon as you roll out of bed in the morning. Have a look online to find out when your bin day is. nottinghamcity.gov.uk/bin-and-rubbish-collections

Don’t get in a dodgy taxi Notts has two kinds of taxis: hackney cabs, which you’ll often find in the city’s taxi ranks, and private hire vehicles, such as Uber. Remember, it’s only legal to hail a hackney cab on the street without pre-booking. Don’t be gerrin in any private hires without booking by phone, online or by app, because you’ll be uninsured. Using an app, like Uber or MyTaxi, is a good idea as it gives you a record of your journey. In Nottingham, all hackney carriages must be run on the metre, and it’s illegal for any hailed hackney cab to refuse your custom, no matter how far you wanna go. If you’re unhappy with the service you’ve had in a taxi round here, take a picture of the licence plate or drivers badge and let the council know what happened.

nottinghamcity.gov.uk/reportit

NOTTINGHAM 2020 VISION words: Alexandra Chrysostomou

Just as you lot embark on your journey of self-development, a couple of areas in Nottingham will be doing the same thing. Our city is constantly changing for the better, and sometimes we have to take a little time out to work on it. While there are still many wonderful areas of Nottingham for you to experience and admire, you may notice that some places are looking a little like a building site. Two of the city’s most popular sites are currently undergoing major renovations to make them even more fantastic, but don’t worry; there will be plenty of time for you to enjoy them before you head off into the big, wide world. Nottingham Castle You may have heard about Nottingham Castle; the starting location of the English Civil War, previous home to the annual beer festival, and host of many Robin-Hood-themed events. Well, it’s closed to the public at the moment, but rest assured that you will be able to explore the building in all its glory before you graduate. Right now, we’re just giving it some extra special TLC, just to make sure it’s in tip top condition. Come 2020, you will have access to an interactive cave experience, featuring Robin Hood as your tour guide, as well as extended access to the cave within Castle Rock. Major improvements to the grounds and the castle will replicate how the place would have looked during the Medieval period, and there will be galleries which provide an insight into Nottingham’s famous lace history. The redevelopments are costing £30 million, which has been funded by the kind souls at Heritage Lottery Fund, the D2N2 business partnership, Nottingham Castle Trust and the City Council. But it will all be worth it in the end, when in a grand re-opening, we reveal the crown jewel of our city, reinvented. As previous students will know, the castle is a vital part of Nottingham’s history. And also, it’s right by Bierkeller and Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, two of the most brilliant boozers you’ll ever have the pleasure of drinking in. So jot 2020 in your calendar as the year when history returns to Nottingham. We’re already counting down the days.

Broadmarsh shopping centre Acting as one of the main shopping destinations in Nottingham, Broadmarsh is the second site that will be undergoing some much-needed redevelopments. Previously deemed the “ugliest building in Nottingham”, students were often unimpressed by the lack of shopping variety and miserable interior. But that’s all about to change. The eyesore of a car park and bus station has been completely knocked down to make way for a more modern parking zone, with charging points for electric cars. The shopping centre will be completely revamped with a £134 million upgrade, introducing a wide selection of places to eat, shop and relax. This includes a brand new cinema, The Light, and a Hollywood Bowl for you to get your skittles on. Making your journey from the Lace Market to the station slightly easier on the eye, the areas of Carrington Street, Colllin Street and Canal Street will become more pedestrian friendly with reduced traffic, creating a safer and more welcoming space for the city. Lastly, Nottingham College will get their own City Hub to the east of Middle Hill, serving 4,000 students a year. This work will also wrap up in 2020, and this area on the south side of Nottingham will all be linked back to the main attraction, the new Nottingham Castle. So while you may have been disappointed to discover that some of the city looks unfinished at the moment, rest assured that the powers that be are doing all they can to make this an even better place to live. In the meantime, head to Market Square, Wollaton Park, or one of Nottingham’s other vibrant areas to enjoy all kinds of fun.

YOUR NOTTS READING LIST words: Tamsin Parnell

You already know Notts is great, but as we’re a UNESCO City of Literature, we thought you might want to brush up on some of the books written in and about this town. Read your way down this list, and learn all the charms and secrets of our city…

Saturday Night and Sunday Morning By Alan Sillitoe

Luddite Political Speech By Lord Byron

Sons and Lovers By DH Lawrence

Broxtowe Boy By Derrick Buttress

The Killing Jar By Nicola Monaghan

Dawn of the Unread By James Walker and Friends

You’re in Notts for the next three years, so you’re gonna have to learn the lingo, duck. This novel by our Sillitoe is the perfect way to practice, as the dialogue is written in the local dialect. Like the author, protagonist Arthur Seaton is a bit of a rebel. His motto is “be drunk and be happy” and he’s well into binge drinking, which means he’d give you a run for your money on a night out.

This is a memoir of life on a council estate in Broxtowe, a district in west Nottingham. Buttress failed his 11plus exam, and ended up on an assembly line at the Raleigh bicycle factory. Nonetheless, he remained dedicated to his education, spending his evenings either in classes or reading in the public library. If you’re looking for inspiration to start swatting up, this book’s well worth a read.

Notts’ history is a right riot, and this speech will help you get your head round it. When textile factory workers felt threatened by industrial machines back in the 1800s, they got down to smashing ‘em all in protest. Like a true hero, Lord Byron, who lived at Newstead Abbey back in the day, defended the workers in this speech, spoken in the House of Lords during the debate over the workers’ punishments.

Nicola Monaghan’s debut novel is another story that grapples with life on a council estate. It’s a harrowing tale dealing with cycles of violence and drugs, but hope exists in the unlikely form of an elderly neighbour. If you’re looking for a book that reflects the experiences of learning, growing up, and bridging the gap between young and old, this one’s for you. Nicola Monaghan taught on the Creative Writing course at UoN, too.

You’ve probably heard a bit about Lawrence’s saucy novels, like the fact that Lady Chatterley’s Lover led to an obscenity trial in the sixties. While antics like these landed Lawrence a coveted position among our Rebel Writers, his book, Sons and Lovers, is our pick for you. It’s a fascinating exploration of relationships, which doubles up as a historical map of Notts, thanks to Lawrence’s settings in and around the city.

Our fave Notts authors are back from the dead in this graphic novel, and they’re not best pleased with us for letting their books go unread. Presented in comic strip style, you’ll see Sillitoe come back to tackle the “right balls-up” of 21st-century education, and you’ll be made to think of Lawrence’s novels as a response to zombie encounters. We think this book is great fun, which makes it the perfect fit for a bit of procrastination.

Reservoir 13 By Jon McGregor

Holiday By Stanley Middleton

Bows against the Barons By Geoffrey Trease

Lonely Hearts By John Harvey

UoN students, get excited now, because this novel was written by a Professor in Creative Writing at your uni. It’s been nominated for this year’s Man Booker Prize, which means it’s one of the best books to come out of the UK in 2017. A thirteen-year-old girl goes missing while on holiday in the Peak District, but this is not your typical whodunnit; it’s actually more of a look at rural communities and how they respond to loss.

There’s no easier or more entertaining read for new Notts locals than a children’s book on Robin Hood. When a reading list full of textbooks starts to get you down, Geoffrey Trease’s retelling of the popular Notts legend is the best antidote you’ll find. In this version from 1934, a teen joins a band of outlaws who are getting fed up with the pesky elite.

Stanley Middleton was a Notts lad through and through. Born in the working-class area of Bulwell, he went on to study at UoN. This 1974 novel won the Man Booker Prize, but it’s often overlooked nowadays in favour of works by Lawrence or Byron. We reckon this is a shame, so we’re tasking you with keeping the memory of this hidden gem alive. Give it a read and pass it on to your pals when you’re done.

If you’re bundled up in bed with the aftermath of freshers’ flu, Harvey’s Lonely Hearts is a go-to for escapism. The first in a twelve-strong series of detective tales, this masterpiece of criminal fiction is set in the streets of Notts. Embark on a trip with Detective Charlie Resnick and help discover who murdered two women in quick succession. You’ll be so immersed in the narrative, you’ll forget all about feeling poorly.

For these and other Nottingham-centric books we highly recommend a trip to Five Leaves Bookshop, 14a Long Row, NG1 2DH. fiveleavesbookshop.co.uk 47

YOUNG AND CREATIVE

interviews: Eve Smallman

Whether you fancy yourself as the next Wordsworth or spend your lectures making extravagant doodles, The Young Creative Awards (YCA) is something you should get involved with... Open to 13 - 24 year olds, the YCA’s aim is to develop the city’s talented youth. Each year, they decide on a theme, and it’s up to you to turn that theme into something wonderful. There are ten different categories for you to enter – architecture and design, animation and digital media, creative writing, dance, fashion and textiles, film, graphic design, music, photography and visual arts – each split into age groups. A winner is chosen from each age group in each category, and then an overall winner is decided by a panel of judges. Every winner bags £100, with the overall winner taking home an extra £150. If you really impress, then there’s always the chance to get yersen some mentoring, work experience or an exhibition around the city. The point of this competition is to put the talented youth on the creative map, and turn Nottingham into a world-class creative hub. It’s an opportunity which is designed for young, creative people like you, so take advantage while you can. youngcreativeawards.org

JESSICA FORGIE (NTU)

Won the 19 – 24 Graphic Design category in 2018 How did you feel when they called your name out as the winner? It was crazy. I didn't expect it at all. I entered on a whim really, as I had that piece of work from my degree, so I thought it was perfect to send. I never even thought I'd be shortlisted, so when he read out my name I was shocked. It gave me a real confidence boost, which was good. How has the Young Creative Awards changed your life? I got offered an internship at STENCIL, but I couldn't stay long because it clashed with my part-time job. When applying for jobs, it's been really good to have it on my CV, and everyone asks me about it. It's made me want to take illustration further; before it was just a hobby, but now I can see myself doing more with it. What have you been up to recently as an artist? I've just graduated, so I've been applying for jobs which means I haven't had much time to do illustrations. With my YCA piece, I want to expand on that by going into the characters, like the ducks and deers. I might see if I can make products from them to sell on Etsy. What advice would you give to people who are thinking of entering the YCAs? Just go for it. You're better entering than not, and something will come from it; whether that's an extra bit of work on your portfolio, or if you do win, a title that can take you places.

THOMAS CRAN AND JOSEPH COPLEY (UON)

Won the 19-24 Architecture and Design category in 2018 Why did you enter the Young Creative Awards? We heard about the awards through social media and our university tutors. We saw it as a great opportunity to apply the skills we developed through our course to a realworld project. It was a great way to showcase our passion for design and interact with the community outside the university. Tell us about your entry... Our project stemmed from a brief presented to us earlier that year, based on the bank of the canal in Nottingham along Wilford Street. We were inspired by the history of the canal and the crucial role it played in the growth of Nottingham, in particular through the transport of coal. We wanted to maintain creativity while actually making it possible for the project to be implemented. How has the Young Creative Awards changed your life? To gain recognition from the judges for our work outside of our studies was incredible, and the

awards have aided us in gaining skills above and beyond those gained through university. Realworld competitions and projects are invaluable to students. What are your plans for the future? We both secured jobs in architecture firms which we are excited to start. I’m sure that our success in the YCA was a major factor in us gaining interviews and securing jobs; being named one of Nottingham's young creatives of the year is a huge accolade and looks amazing to employers. What advice would you give to people who are thinking of entering the YCAs? As a young person, the YCA is a great opportunity to showcase your talent. You’re not doing it for a mark or grade like most work at our age, so you can relax and create something that you enjoy. The ability to work in a pair or group is also exciting, so is definitely worth considering. If you are passionate about anything creative, it’s a great opportunity that everyone should get involved with.

NOTTINGHAM BUCKET LIST 50

illustration: Emily Catherine

You’ll be spending at least three years in our city, so you’ve got plenty of time to try out our local pastimes. If, by the time you graduate, you manage to tick every box on this list then you can count yourself as "Proper Nottingham”...

cky es sti o h s r ing ou Get y night danc a after y ck Cit at Ro

Go and see some awesome live music at Hockley Hustle

Take a se Brian C lfie with the lough statue

Finish an entire Annie’s Burger Shack burger

Attempt a 3 60 toe flip o n your skatebo ard at Sneinton Ma rket

he ut at t Chill o m tu Arbore

at at and flo Rent a bo ke hfields La ig H d n u aro

Meet a friend at the left lion statue in Old Market Square

Buy a p o with m t of mushy p in eas legend t sauce at th e ary Go ose Fa ir

e dle in th d a p a e ins Hav e founta r a u q S t Marke

Drink a tw at Bierk o-pint stein eller an d dance o n the benche s to the tune of the o ompah band

Take y Robi our pare n Ho n od s ts to the tatue

Walk among the deer at Wollaton Hall park

Take a walk up Mansfield Road and visit the tiny house of AC Milan founder Herbert Kilpin

Wrap your smackers around a tasty treat from Doughnotts

py of Read a co agazine LeftLion M

age

int elf a v s r u o Buy y n Hockley ti jacke

Go to Riverside Festival Visit Nottingham Contemporary

Jump on dice, a a tram, roll nd a end up see where you

Try to fin House d Bromley Library

NOTTINGHAM LANGUAGE AND GRAMMAR: AN INTRODUCTION Welcome to your beginner’s guide to the Nottingham language. Keep this handy translation kit with you on your travels around the city, and you’ll be sure to decipher the local vernacular in no time. Once you’ve covered the basics, why not test your fluency on the locals? ‘Appeh lonnin’.

illustration: Raphael Achache words: Bridie Squires

LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK Musheh Peas

Cob

Nobby greens Watter

Tuffies/duddos

Guzzgogs Taters

Sukka

USEFUL WORDS AND PHRASES Hello – Ayup Goodbye – Tarrar/Tattar Yes – Aye No – Nehhh How are you? – Ahh yow gooin’ on then? I would like… – Gizzsum

Something – Summat Here you go – Ee-yar Please – I beg yer Thank you – Ta Hot – Ott Cold – Code

Anything – Owt (pron. Oat) Nothing – Nowt (pron. Note) I am feeling unwell – Am a bit badleh You’re making me grumpy – Yer mekkin’ meh mardeh You/Yourself – Yow/Yersen Me/Myself – Meh/Mesen

THE HUMAN FACE Bonce Tabs

Gob

Tegs

PRONUNCIATION 1

Where many English words end in the suffix –y, Nottingham’s take the form of –eh. This can also be applied to any words with endings involving an elongated ‘e’ sound. Wearing a particularly careless facial expression during oral delivery will help you blend in even further.

Examples:

And – H’and Hospital – Ospickle Remember: Occasionally, ‘t’ will become ‘ck’ e.g. bockle (bottle), keckle (kettle)

Examples:

Lucky – Luckeh Me – Meh

The heart of a word lies in its central vowel syllable. In Nottinghamish, watch out for the ‘ow’, which becomes ‘ah’; pronounced with your mouth gaping open to one side, plus throat rattle, for full effect. Pro tip: it’s not AR, but AH

Examples:

Like Rule 2, but where we were previously transforming bluntness into elongation, this time we will apply the reverse. The central syllable, ordinarily pronounced ‘ir/ or/er’ in English, becomes a hard ‘o’. Place your hands on your hips when reciting these types of words (or wodds) to ensure people really listen to you.

Examples:

Thick – Fick Bothered – Bovvered

PRO TIPS ‘Duck’ and ‘Youth’ are terms of endearment! ‘Mam’ means ‘Mum’! ‘Bob’ is another word for ‘Poo’! ...but ‘Bob on’ means ‘spot on’!

Bird – Bodd Hurt – Ott (Not to be confused with hot.) Remember: Pay attention to context and always ask if you’re unsure.

ACTIVITEH Now, let’s see how much you’ve learned. Can you translate what Shelleh from Strelleh is saying? “Yow were dead luckeh not to get ott dahn Wollo Park; that bod could ‘ave took yer ‘and clean off and yow could ‘ave h’ended h’up h’in ospickle. Are you fick or summat?”

There are exceptions to this particular rule – words like the, that, then, etc. – but generally, the sound ‘th’ does not exist in Nottinghamish. Instead, it is replaced with an ‘f’ or a ‘v’ sound. Stick your chin out as far as you can in order to get the ‘proper’ effect.

Examples:

Down – Dahn Round – Rahnd

This is one of the most confusing rules in the Nottingham language: If there is a H at the beginning of a word, lose it. If there is a vowel at the beginning of a word, add a H.

Basford

Beeston

Located on the main tram route, Basford is split into two parts; Old Basford, which is situated a bit further from town, and the mainly Victorian New Basford. It’s an affordable working-class area with a decent mix of pubs and shops, and was once home to the brewing empire, Shipstones.

Located near the main University of Nottingham campus, it’s a popular area for students – particularly postgraduates who want a more laid-back lifestyle in their old age. The origin of its name is “bees”, for its abundance of honey, and “tune”, which used to mean a farmstead settlement.

Population: 17k Postcode: NG6 Famous resident: Actor Arsher Ali, who starred in Four Lions, grew up here. Go see: Vernon Park is a lovely place to chill in the summer. Bus from city: 68, yellow line

Population: 37k Postcode: NG9 Famous resident: Motown legend, Edwin Starr, lived and died here in 2003. Go see: George the Beekeeper sculpture on Beeston High Road. Bus from city: Y5

Clifton

A former village and historic manor, recorded as far back as the Domesday book in 1086. The whole area was owned by the Clifton family for over 700 years. Population: 27k Postcode: NG11 Famous resident: The birthplace of Jake Bugg, the 24-year-old who’s already got three top-ten albums under his belt. Go see: Clifton All Whites FC, the breeding ground for Jermaine Jenas and Viv Anderson. Bus from city: 48, navy line

There’s more to Nottingham than the city centre. Its urban area consists of twenty voting wards, and each suburb has its own distinct local identity. Get the lowdown on the parts that you’re more than likely to stumble across in your time here.

Forest Fields

Lenton

The name might suggest that you’ll be entering a leafy woodland, but this area is actually one of the most densely populated inner-city areas. A community spirit to rival the best, it also has Berridge Road, one of the best streets in the city for Asian food shopping.

As well as being popular with students, Lenton is also home to the city’s only surviving pre-war cinema, the Savoy, and the headquarters of miniature behemoths Games Workshop. There’s also the place you hope you don’t end up – unless you’re studying there – the Queen’s Medical Centre.

Population: 21k Postcode: NG7 Famous resident: Writer Alan Sillitoe lived round these parts, and much of his work references nearby streets. Go see: Forest Recreation Ground, which is where Nottingham Forest were founded. Bus from city: 68, yellow line

Population: 11k Postcode: NG7 Famous resident: WWI fighter pilot Albert Ball VC. Go see: Tabletop gaming giants Games Workshop’s HQ. Bus from city: 34, orange line

Netherfield

Lying about three miles to the east of the city centre, just outside the city boundary and in the borough of Gedling. It’s a pretty a sleepy suburb, even though it was once targeted by a German Zeppelin bomber in 1916. Despite its diminutive size, it still has its own train station. Big up, Netherfield. Population: 8k Postcode: NG4 Famous resident: Four-time super middleweight boxing champion Carl Froch. Go see: Nottingham Greyhound Stadium, if you fancy a flutter on the dogs. Bus from city: 44, red line

The Meadows

Located next to the River Trent, this is a traditionally working-class area that was originally constructed to house railway workers. The area is split into two distinct areas; the Old Meadows – an area of mainly pre-1919 privatelyowned terraced housing, and the New Meadows – largely consisting of social housing. Population: 8k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: Leicester City FC captain, Wes Morgan, grew up here. Go see: Nottingham War Memorial on The Embankment. Bus from city: 11, green line

Sneinton

A stone’s throw from the city centre, it’s got its fair share of art galleries and centres, boasts a market, and a couple of decent pubs. Add to that a windmill, and one of the best views over Nottingham if you take a walk up Colwick Woods, and it’s a pretty decent spot. Population: 13k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: Film director, Shane Meadows, lived and shot dozens of short films in the area. Go see: Green’s Windmill, a restored and working nineteenth century windmill. Bus from city: 43, red line

St Ann’s

Named after the patron saint of lacemakers, this area has a largely working-class population and a diverse ethnic mix, with prominent cultural hubs in both the Pakistani Community Centre and the Afro Caribbean National Artistic Centre (ACNA). Population: 19k Postcode: NG3 Famous resident: Sociologist and author Lisa McKenzie lived here for many years. Go see: St Ann's Allotments, the oldest and largest allotment site in Europe. Bus from city: 39, blue line

West Bridgford

One of the posher parts of Nottingham, it’s sometimes called Bread and Lard Island because people thought its inhabitants spent so much money on big houses and fur coats that they had to skimp on meals. This ‘burb has no “streets” – the Victorian planners thought the term too urban, and went for roads and groves instead. Oo-er. Population: 45k Postcode: NG2 Famous resident: England cricketer Stuart Broad and Tory MP Kenneth Clarke. Go see: Trent Bridge Cricket Ground. Bus from city: 66, green line

Sherwood

No men in tights or wooded areas to be seen here. A charity shop mecca, this northern suburb is an affordable, artistic haven with plenty of independent cafes and shops. Look out for Sherwood Art Week in June each year. Population: 16k Postcode: NG5 Famous resident: Sleaford Mods singer, Jason Williamson. Go see: Sherwood high street has a great range of charity shops. Bus from city: 58, lime line

Wollaton

A leafy, suburban area in the western parish that balances the 2km surroundings of Wollaton Hall and Deer Park – not a bad green space to have on your doorstep – with thriving pubs, shops and one of the best chippies in the Midlands, nay, the world. Also kind of posh. Population: 25k Postcode: NG8 Famous resident: Olympic ice-skating sensations, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, have roads named after them. Go see: Wollaton Hall doubled as Wayne Manor in The Dark Knight Rises (2011). Bus from city: 30, pink line

TOP INDEPENDENTS Bar Iberico Having scooped up a heck of a lot of awards this year, including the Best Independent of the Year, this restaurant sure lives up to all its shiny trophies. It’s the most mouth-watering tapas you’ll get your hands on, with bits like crispy cauliflower, patatas fritas, and churros with hot chocolate. Wipe the saliva off yer chin, duck. 17-19 Carlton St, NG1 1NL baribericotapas.com

Malt Cross Built in 1877, the Malt Cross is one of the last Victorian music halls still standing in the UK. It’s been closed for a few weeks of late, but Nottinghamshire YMCA are now on board with management support and they intend to reopen it in September and continue the legacy of amazing events, craft beer, live music and carols at Christmas all within this resplendent venue. 16 St James's St, NG1 6FG maltcross.com

If getting stuck into life a little to the left of the mainstream is what floats your boat, Notts has a mean selection of independent outlets for you to discover. This year, the people of Nottingham voted these our top independent outlets of 2018…

Broadway Cinema The home of indie films in Notts, this cinema has been endorsed by greats such as Quentin Tarantino and Paul Smith. It’s been about for forty-odd years now, but still keeps up with times with its sleek exterior and interior. Nab an under 25s ticket for £4.50, a drink from the cafe for the film, and you’re golden. 14-18 Broad St, NG1 3AL broadway.org.uk

Handmade Nottingham

Knit Nottingham

You’ll find this place tucked up just off Old Market Square, down St James’ Street. They champion products made by Nottingham folk, and sell a range of jewellery, cards and other home accessories. Consider yourself sorted if you’re scouting for prezzies for the folks back home.

Didn’t yer know that knitting is cool now? This award-winning craft shop is perfect for avid crafters who love nothing more than curling up on a Friday night surrounded by their yarn. If you start now, you could make a lovely blanket for your mum for Christmas.

16 St James's St, NG1 6FG handmadenottingham.com

9 Trinity Walk, NG1 2AN knitnottingham.co.uk

Steele Hairdressing

Weavers

Wired Cafe

If you’re after a trim before or after your lectures, Steele Hairdressing will sort your barnet out. They’re well known for always looking after their customers, as well as producing fabulous hairstyles. Whether you want a simple trim or a wacky colour, you can trust ‘em with your locks.

This is the first year the Special Achievement award has been banged out, and these wine merchants won it. The family-run business has been knocking about since 1844, and is well-known all over for its expertise in wine and spirits. Go nuts for their Nottingham Castle Gate Gin made with local acorns.

This cozy cafe has an urban style, alike to classic London and Melbourne coffee houses. There’s always a great big pile of leaflets and magazines to sift through while sipping on one of their lovingly made coffees. Taste a bit of Spain with their ultra-sweet lattes made from condensed milk.

3 Trinity Walk, NG1 2AN steelehairdressing.co.uk

1 Castle Gate, NG1 7AQ weaverswines.com

42 Pelham St, NG1 2EG wiredcafe.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: FESTIVALS DETONATE FESTIVAL This one is loved by students at both universities, so no doubt you’ll have plenty of mates to accompany you. On an island in the middle of Nottingham’s oldest country park, the guys at Detonate provide over 12,000 of you with some of the biggest DJs in the country. June, Colwick Country Park detonate1.co.uk

MAYHEM FILM FESTIVAL Every year, Nottingham’s independent fireball of a picturehouse, Broadway Cinema, is home to the film festival to end ‘em all. Expect screenings of horror, science fiction, and cult cinema, premieres, previews and masterclasses. 11-14 October, Broadway Cinema mayhemfilmfestival.com

There’s no such thing as resting on your laurels in Nottingham. There’s a load of events cracking off left, right and centre throughout October, so you can get stuck in as soon as you touch down...

DOT TO DOT

GOOSE FAIR

HOCKLEY HUSTLE

Fancy a festival with the best in indie music and the support of up-and-coming bands, spanning multiple city-centre venues for under twenty quid? Welcome to Dot To Dot. It’s a day of dancing and discovering your favourite new artists.

For over 720 years, Nottinghamians have been gorging themselves on mint sauce and mushy peas, and seeing if they can keep them down after a session on the waltzers. Fill your purse for the rides and see if you can win yersen a giant teddy bear.

The Hustle is something special. Hockley gets taken over by musicians, street performers and food stalls in an all-out shindig for charity. Overflowing with talent and good vibes, it’s not a day to be missed.

27 May, Various Venues dottodotfestival.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL For nine days in November, sixteen venues in the city will be taken over by peeps who make us laugh. This year’s lineup includes names like Tanyalee Davis and The Parapod, plus many others. 2-10 November Various Venues

nottinghamcomedyfestival.co.uk

ROBIN HOOD BEER AND CIDER FESTIVAL You’ll have to move fast if you want to bag tickets for this one. CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) used to hold the event at the Castle, but due to the redevelopment it’s being held down at the Arena. With over 1,000 real ales and 200 ciders to sample. 17-20 October, Motorpoint Arena nottinghamcamra.org

3-7 October Forest Recreation Ground

28 October, 20+ venues around Hockley hockleyhustle.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM PRIDE

NOTTINGHAM COMIC CONVENTION For the fifth year of this event, they’ve managed to bag some very special guests, including Mark Laming of DC Comics and Marvel, and Kickstarter comic kings the Etherington Brothers. It’s hosted in partnership with local shop Forbidden Planet 14 October Nottingham Conference Centre nottinghamcomiccon.co.uk

Nottingham Pride is a magical day for all. The parade moves through the city centre and the streets are filled with trans singers, comedians, spoken -word artists, emerging LGBTQ+ performers and drag queens and kings. There’s normally an arts arena, stalls and plenty of places to dance. Late July Nottingham City Centre nottinghamshirepride.co.uk

SPLENDOUR This is the day Nottinghamians take over the grounds of Wollaton Park and boogie with the dear at the biggest music event in the city. Headliners over the past few years have included Paloma Faith, Dizzee Rascal and the Notts legend that is Jake Bugg. July, Wollaton Park splendourfestival.com

NOW OPEN COME AND VISIT ALBERT’S, NOTTINGHAM’S NEWEST VENUE AND ENJOY:

BEERS COCKTAILS FOOD SKY SPORTS POOL RETRO ARCADE

+ LIVE MUSIC AND MORE! ALBERT’S, 17 GOLDSMITHS STREET 11AM - 12AM SUNDAY - THURSDAY 11AM - 2AM FRIDAY & SATURDAY FACEBOOK: @ALBERTSNOTTS CALL: 0115 837 2363

BEST OF NOTTS: NIGHTCLUBS THE BODEGA

We’re not telling you not to drink, but no-one wants to see you face down in your own vomit. So have fun, but be sensible out there. Now we’ve got that over with, here’s a list of some of Notts’ best party places.

BOWERY

It’s been at the forefront of the Midlands’ live music scene for the past two decades, having hosted some of the biggest names in the industry before they hit the big-time. But it’s also regarded by locals and students alike as one of the best places for club nights. Don’t miss: The Pop Confessional, every Friday. 23 Pelham Street, NG1 2ED bodeganottingham.com

Once the ping-pong balls stop bouncing, the downstairs of Das Kino turns into The Bowery Club, which plays the best in dance and r‘n’b. Their Saturday event, Aces, can also be found in Marbella, Ibiza and Dubai. Don’t miss: Industry Sunday 22 Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ facebook.com/theboweryclub

COCO TANG

NTSU

This place would be completely hidden if it wasn’t for the Chinese lantern that hangs proudly over the entrance on Bridlesmith Gate. If you see a big queue of suavely-dressed students wanting to get a cocktail in their hand, you’ve found the right place. Don’t miss: Student night, every Wednesday. 45 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GN cocotang.co.uk

The union bar is open every day for you to grab a casual drink with mates, but it does like to treat its guests to one wild night every Saturday. UoN students, they’ll let you in too if you smile nicely enough. Don’t miss: Quids In, every Thursday. Climax, every Saturday. Shakespeare Street, NG1 GH trentstudents.org/ents

OCEAN

POM POM

PRYZM

RESCUE ROOMS

Possibly the only club in the entire country that still has carpeted floors, but you’re gonna love it anyway. NTU turn up in fancy dress, whereas UoN don their ordinary clothes to dance to cheesy music until 3am. Prepare to Baywatch... Don’t miss: Ocean Wednesday, NTU. Ocean Friday, UoN.

Full of neon signs, urban artwork and Chinese lanterns, Pom Pom is your typical, everybody’s-happy kinda club. There’s a pop room and an r‘n’b room, and as it’s in The Cornerhouse, you’re literally seconds away from a row of takeaways for your after-club chips. Don’t miss: Dirty Mondays. YoYo Thursdays, Shakedown Fridays.

Could Notts even be classed as a city if we didn’t have a Pryzm? Since they already have ten clubs in the country, most of you probably know the drill with this one. Popular music, cheap drinks and the latest reality stars making personal appearances Don’t miss: Playground, every Saturday.

If you’re looking for plenty of alternative tunes, with a helping of rock, a side of pop and a sprinkle of hip hop, you’ve found the right place. It’s also one of Nottingham’s most loved venues, so check out their gig guide. Don’t miss: Pressure, every Tuesday. Stealth vs Rescue Rooms, every Saturday.

Greyfriar Gate, NG1 7EF iloveocean.co.uk

Burton Street, NG1 4BT pompomnottingham.com

ROCK CITY When they don’t have world-famous bands gracing their stage, they’re holding some of the biggest parties in town. The tunes are a real mixed bag, so it’s a good place to go with the whole gang. Don’t miss: Crisis, every Wednesday and Tuned every Thursday Talbot Street, NG1 5GG rock-city.co.uk

Lower Parliament Street, NG1 3BB pryzm.co.uk/nottingham

Goldsmith Street, NG1 5LB rescuerooms.com

STEALTH The housey younger brother to Rock City and Rescue Rooms. It describes itself as the “musical mecca” for dance fans in the Midlands, and prides itself on showcasing the newest musical talent each week. Don’t miss: Stealth vs Rescued, every Saturday. Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT stealthattack.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: LIVE MUSIC ALBERT’S A little bird has told us that the new management taking over the Goldsmith Street dwelling have got big plans for the place, including live music, food and gaming competitions. We’ve even heard rumours of musicians dropping by for a party after gigging down the road. Watch this space… 17 Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT

We’re not short of places to catch music in its purest form here in Notts…

JAMCAFE

THE MAZE

METRONOME

Aside from serving up the best eggs benedict in town, the Hockley venue also delivers a cracking live set or two from some of Hoodtown’s best-loved bands. They also host regular live sessions on a Friday and a Wednesday open mic, should you feel all inspired to get up and give it a go yourself.

A proper mixed bag, sat on the middle of Mansfield Road, the venue has hosted some of the hottest parties Notts has ever see. Quite literally, that is, until they got their air con fixed last year. The best of reggae and dub nights can be found here, with a healthy dose of both local and global acts.

This is the newest venue to hit the streets of Notts and it’s right next door to Confetti college. It’s going to be a home for all things deserving a stage; from music, moving image and videogames, to live performances and spoken word. You’ll be able to catch not only local talent but also national and international artists.

12 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AA jamcafe.info

257 Mansfield Road, NG1 3FT themazerocks.com

Huntingdon Street, NG1 1AP metronome.uk.com

M’S

MOTORPOINT ARENA

behemoth venue where ORTS POOL The RETRO ARCADE

AND MORE!

5 837 2363

all the truly massive acts go and tickets can be pricey. Still, if you want to catch Jess Glynne, Mariah Carey, WWE Live or former UoN students Don Broco before the year is out, then this is the place for you. It’s also the new home of Nottingham Beer Festival. Bolero Square, NG1 1LA motorpointarenanottingham.com

ROCK CITY, RESCUE ROOMS, BODEGA AND STEALTH This set of venues also double as nightclubs, so see their full listing on the previous page. They’re all owned by Nottingham’s DHP family, who also have a couple of venues in London and Bristol too. Between them, they put on some serious heavyweight live acts of all genres, but they aren’t afraid to take a punt on up-and-coming artists either, so keep an eye out on their line ups.

ROUGH TRADE There’s only four of these in the world, you know. Two in London, one in New York and one in Nottingham. It’s a record shop with a great live music venue upstairs. They’ve had some pretty big names in too, usually you just have to buy the record to get a ticket for the gig. Keep an eye out for the Don’t Believe The Hype events that pop up every now and then, too. 5 Broad Street, NG1 3AJ roughtrade.com

THE SPACE AT NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY There’s nowt quite like a gig in the basement of an Art Gallery. This space has been purpose built for live performances, with a natural oiled oak floor, professional acoustic design and topnotch lighting. You’ll find everything from folk bands to hyped-up DJ sets down ‘ere. Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB nottinghamcontemporary.org

BEST OF NOTTS: ART GALLERIES

Like any decent city, Nottingham has a rich history of art that goes beyond the crude doodles found in the pub toilets...

BACKLIT

BONINGTON GALLERY

CITY ARTS

LAKESIDE ARTS

A two-storey independent art gallery located in Sneinton and set up by NTU graduates. It provides affordable studio spaces, supports early career graduates and emerging artists, and puts on some interesting – and often confrontational – exhibitions.

An exhibition space and curatorial entity situated within the art and design department at NTU. They curate a monthly programme of exhibits that are always interesting and thoughtprovoking. If you’re studying on the city campus, it’s on your doorstep.

From sauerkraut-making workshops to gigs and digital art, City Arts is a 40-yearold collective centred on inclusivity and accessibility, with a base at the edge of Hockley. Over the years they have done everything from bringing art into care homes, to challenging preconceptions around mental health.

Located on the main University of Nottingham campus, Lakeside Arts has two visual arts venues.The Djanogly Gallery presents a year-round programme of largely twentieth-century and contemporary art exhibitions by British and international artists. The Weston Gallery is a showcase for their most-prized and unique manuscripts and collections.

Ashley Street, NG3 1JG backlit.org.uk

Dryden Street, NG1 4GG boningtongallery.co.uk

11-13 Hockley, NG1 1FH city-arts.org.uk

University Park, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

NEW ART EXCHANGE

NOTTINGHAM CONTEMPORARY

PRIMARY

SURFACE GALLERY

A showcase of contemporary art, but with a focus on cultural diversity. The New Art Exchange believes that art can stimulate political debate, but that the voices of non-white artists need to be better represented. Pop down to their galleries to see work from both British and international artists.

One of Britain’s largest leading centres for contemporary art, with four major exhibitions per year and hundreds of other events aside. It’s totally free to get into the exhibitions, and they have a great cafe bar downstairs where you can talk about what you’ve seen with your mates after.

An artist-led and not-forprofit studio located in an old primary school just off Ilkeston Road. They hire out spaces, have regular and rotating exhibitions as well as many artist workshops dedicated to different themes and focuses. Make sure you pop into Small Food Bakery, their award-winning in-house bakery, after a long painting or viewing session.

Led by volunteers and showcasing the city’s raw talent. One of their most popular endeavours is the annual International Postcard Exhibition, where anybody can submit anything as long as it fits on a 6x4 postcard. They’re always after volunteers too, if you want to get involved.

39-41 Gregory Boulevard, NG7 6BE nae.org.uk

Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB nottinghamcontemporary.org

33 Seely Road, NG7 1NU weareprimary.org

16 Southwell Road, NG1 1DL surfacegallery.org

EXPERIENCE CULTURE ON CAMPUS Student discounts!

Aakash Odedra Company: #JeSuis

Join our Facebook group: Nottingham Lakeside Arts – Students

EXHIBITIONS | GIGS & CONCERTS | THEATRE | CAFÉS | SHOP Nottingham Lakeside Arts University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

Join the conversation @LakesideArts

BEST OF NOTTS: STAGE AND SCREEN

Turn down your telly, and put down your laptop. It’s time to leave halls and venture out to the best Notts theatres and cinemas...

BROADWAY

CINEWORLD

THE GLEE CLUB

JUST THE TONIC

An independent local cinema situated in the heart of bustling Hockley, showing the best selection of independent and foreign films this side of Cannes. They do a reduced-price student ticket for £6.70 or £4.50 for under-25s. Check out the Paul Smith Screen and the top-notch bar.

You know 1the drill with this one. The nation's favourite multiplex is situated in The Cornerhouse, so you can catch the latest J-Law film with an Ice Blast, and then make your way up to Fun Station for a quick round on the arcade games.

You can see some proper offkilter stuff at the canalside venue that specialises in both music and comedy. There are regular burlesque and cabaret nights from The Gilded Merkin; and they host the Best in Live Stand Up every Saturday night, as well as loads of live music.

Ready and raring to give you the giggles every weekend, their Friday Night and Saturday Night Comedy gigs are a great place to discover some up-and-coming stars. Their nights are held either in The Belgrave Rooms (opposite NTU’s Newton Building) or at Bunkers Hill pub in Hockley.

14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL broadway.org.uk

The Cornerhouse, Burton Street, NG1 4DB cineworld.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM NEW THEATRE

LAKESIDE ARTS Located on the main University of Nottingham campus, Lakeside Arts houses two great 200-capacity performance rooms; the Djanogly Recital Hall and Djanogly Theatre. The former is used for regular classical and world music shows and the latter for comedy, theatre and much more. University Park, NG7 2RD lakesidearts.org.uk

Based on the University of Nottingham’s main campus, this is the only entirely student-run theatre in the country, staging an in-house production every week of term and a further ten throughout the year in their emerging site-specific external season. If acting is your thing, you need to get involved. Cherry Tree Hill, NG7 2RD newtheatre.org.uk

Canal Street, NG1 7EH glee.co.uk

justthetonic.com

NOTTINGHAM PLAYHOUSE

SAVOY

Located at the bottom of Derby Road, the Playhouse is a shining example of a regional theatre. The main stage is the place to catch classic plays and contemporary works from both established and up-andcoming writers. The Neville Studio is where you’ll see more out-the-box performances.

If you’re on a date, this ArtDeco treat is an absolute must. Not only can you bask in the glory of your romance in one of their snug loveseats, but you’ll be treated to proper popcorn in a bucket, so you can awkwardly brush hands as you both reach in. It’s also only £4.75 with an NUS card.

Wellington Circus, NG1 5AF nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk

233 Derby Road, NG7 1QN savoyonline.co.uk

SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX

THEATRE ROYAL

This classic cinema brings back fond memories of birthday parties as a kid, and Saturday-morning movie sessions complete with film specific snack trays. It’s also got ridiculously fancy reclining seats.

This lovely place is split into two sections; the Theatre Royal and Royal Concert Hall. One side is the place to be for upcoming runs of of Shakespeare in Love and Opera North. The other usually hosts touring acts with comedian Dylan Moran and eighties throwback Rick Astley booked in. Theatre Square, NG1 5ND trch.co.uk

Redfield Way, NG7 2UW showcasecinemas.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: NOSHINGHAM

In Nottingham we refer to our food as “snap” or “nosh.” Don’t ask why, we don’t know either. Anyway, here’s a list of some of our favourite places to grab a bite to eat in town…

ANNIE’S BURGER SHACK

BUNK

Home to the biggest burgers in Hoodtown, it won’t be long until you fall for the charm of the whoppers. There’s over thirty burgers on the menu, each of which can be made meaty, veggie or vegan, so it’s the perfect spot for a group meal out. They also offer a cracking, American-style breakfast menu.

Ten wings and curly fries for £6.50. We repeat: ten wings and curly fries for £6.50. Get to Bunk any time before 10pm, and you can enjoy half-price wings tossed in your favourite Bunk seasoning and all the house cocktails for £4.50 each. Don’t worry veggies, they do exactly the same with Quorn nuggets for you too.

5 Broadway, NG1 1PR anniesburgershack.com

19 Stoney Street, NG1 1LP bunkwings.com

From fit fish and chips to Super Bowl salads, Clean Cut Kitchen is Nottingham's one stop shop for all things healthy and delicious. Its modern and quirky vibe makes for a snazzy environment when tucking into your granola. If you're after summat refreshing, they also sell clean juices and smoothies. 21 Derby Road, NG1 5AA cleancutkitchen.co.uk

COSMO All you can eat? Bet you’re already sold. On those days where you just don’t know what you fancy for dinner, have a bit of everything. This world buffet offers scran from all over the world, from Chinese to curry, pizza to pasta, charcuterie to salads, or a full-on roast. Make sure to save room for dessert. 29A Milton Street, NG1 3EN cosmo-restaurants.co.uk

DAS KINO

DELILAH

GEORGES

KAR-O-BAR

Das Kino is a super cool bar where you can tuck into some pizzas while trying your hand at ping pong. Their pizza names are filled with pop culture references, such as the Good Morning Vietnam, which is topped with a full English. Other show-stoppers include the tomato tikkabased Slumdog Millionaire, and Mutha Clucka, a garlicbased delight.

A charming deli, a few minutes from the Market Square, set up by some serious food connoisseurs. And be sure to try some of their lovely desserts staring at you from their glass cases. Sit at the bar and order bits and bobs to share so you get to try as much as possible.

Here in Nottingham we’re about as inland as you can get. But you wouldn’t know it if you eat here. Forget your typical cod and taters from the local chippy, George’s is on another level altogether. Sneak in some of the cocktails from their menu and pretty soon you might actually believe you’re by the seaside.

Located in the middle of Hockley, Kar-O-Bar is an Indian street food joint with both veggie and gluten-free options to boot. Share some platters with friends or wash the food down with some craft beer at this inexpensive and unpretentious restaurant. If this doesn’t tempt you, check out their Instagram for some freshlooking grub.

22 Fletcher Gate, NG1 2FZ das-kino.co.uk

CLEAN CUT KITCHEN

12 Victoria St, NG1 2EX delilahfinefoods.co.uk

Queen Street, NG1 2BL georgesgreatbritishkitchen.co.uk

38 Goosegate, NG1 1FF karobarindianstreetfood.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: NOSHINGHAM KAYAL This place offers a style of Indian cuisine that’s a bit different from the norm. If you’re craving spice but you’re tired of the usual korma or balti then definitely give this place a bash. They serve more traditional Indian cuisine, but make sure it’s proper quality. 8 Broad Street, NG1 3AL kayalrestaurant.com

LAGAN Lagan combines Spanish philosophies of eating with traditional Indian cooking to conjure up some tasty, reasonably priced dishes. From Indian classics to restaurant specialties, Lagan is sure to be a crowd pleaser. If you’re not already based there, it’s worth the trek out on the bus. 6A Chilwell Road, NG9 1AA laganindiantapas.co.uk

OSCAR & ROSIE’S Olly, an ex-local-solicitorturned-entrepreneur founded Oscar & Rosie’s in 2013, after growing tired of lacklustre pizza with “plastic-like toppings”. It started off as a pop-up in a sandwich shop, but the people of Notts love it so much they keep growing into bigger venues. The gluten-free ones are ace, and the mac and cheese is also pretty bangin’. 10/10. Would recommend. 8 Stoney Street, NG1 1LP oscarandrosies.com

PIEMINISTER You can’t beat a good pie and since this place specialises in the them, they’re the best you’ll find in Notts. And this place ain’t just for meat lovers; they have some pretty cracking vegetarian and gluten-free options too. The best bit is you can get a pie and two sides for just a tenner. Bargain. 57 Long Row, NG1 6JB pieminister.co.uk

RED DOG SALOON

RUB

SECRET PIZZA

SON OF STEAK

Prepare yourself for a journey to the Wild West. This hickory-smoked gaff serves up the very best in Southern American BBQ; think piles of pulled pork, sloppy burgers piled high with brisket, pimped-out wings and other meaty delights. If you’re feeling fancy, and rather hungry, get a stack of their loaded fries too. You wont regret it! 20 - 22 Victoria Street, NG1 2EX reddogsaloon.co.uk

You’ll likely be a right mucky pup after eating a meal here, but boy oh boy will it be worth it. With a burger named The Chin Dribbler and “dirty” hot dogs slathered in pulled pork and cheese, Rub also offers special food challenges that rival anything you’ve ever seen on Man vs Food.

This gem is located in the alley next to Rough Trade, and sells the most delicious Italianinspired sourdough pizza. In order to make their eighteenhour base, they use UK Heritage grade, unbleached stone-ground flour, adding a deep, soulful flavour. It doesn’t get more hipster than this.

This is the perfect place to treat yourself to a steak dinner without breaking the bank. Take your pick from flat iron, ribeye, sirloin or lomito, and load your plate with sides, sauces and extras for the ultimate beef experience. Their house mojito is also a wonder to behold.

2-4 Adam’s Walk, NG1 1QS rubsmokehouse.com

5 Broad Street, NG1 3AG facebook.com/secretpizza nottingham

Trinity Square, NG1 4AF sonofsteak.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: NOSHINGHAM STUDIO 23 This place serves up Korean, Japanese and Vietnameseinspired street food. Try their Hong Kong French toast at brekkie, or their Korean spicy chicken rice bowl at lunch. Their puds are lush too, particularly the strawberry matcha roll. The interior is great for topping up your Instagram game too. 23-25 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AG @timeoutcafenotts

UCANTEEN It don’t look like much, but we promise you it’s some of the most authentic Chinese food you’ll find on these streets. The menu is extensive, with well over 150 options, but we reckon you can never go wrong with a big bowl of honey-pork noodles. Slurp to your heart's content. 7 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AF facebook.com/ucanteen

STREET FOOD CLUB

SUSHIMANIA

TOUGH MARY’S BAKEHOUSE This place specialises in sourdough bread that’s smashin’ for lunchtime sarnies. Not only is the stuff much healthier than your batch of sliced white, but it tastes a whole lot better too. If you’re looking to switch up your snack game, they also offer, savouries, pastries and other sweet treats.

Shopping centres don’t tend to house a street food section but the top floor of Victoria Centre in Notts is a little different. Homeboyz, led by Masterchef 2015 finalist Pete Hewitt, serve up pan-Asian cuisine and Smoqued do Mexican barbecue. The other two stalls change weekly, and there’s a communal bar. 2nd Floor, Victoria Centre, NG1 3QN @nottinghamstreetfoodclub

All-you-can-eat sushi for £16.80? We were jumping for joy when this joint opened up, and we’ve been stuffing oursens ever since. They’ve got all the classics, like your california rolls and salmon nigiri, plus tempura, sashimi and even some bigger noodle dishes. Prepare your stomach.

YAMAS

WARSAW DINER

ZAAP

Themed in the style of a classic American diner, but with an unusual nod to Poland. Their pancakes will make you go “Yee-haw!” and so will their homemade hash browns. In the evening, the menu transforms to traditional Polish fare. They’ve been going for twenty-odd years, and are definitely a local institute.

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported straight to central Bangkok thanks to the insane decorations in the place. The food adds to the experience as the most authentic Thai food in the city. From Monday to Thursday, students can get 10% off their food bill.

Greek food at its best. This Mediterranean oasis is the perfect place to visit with a group of hungry friends: just make sure they like to share. Tapas-style dining means you can try a lot of dishes for a great price; some of our favourites are the meaty stifado and the vegetarianfriendly halloumi saganaki. 5 Thurland St, NG1 3DR yamas.co.uk

6A Chapel Bar, NG1 6JS sushimania.co.uk

93-95 Derby Road, NG1 5BB facebook.com/warsaw-diner

74 Derby Road, NG1 5FD toughmarysbakehouse.co.uk

6 Bromley Place, NG1 6JG zaapthai.co.uk

Happy Hour 2-4-1 drinks Monday - Friday, 5pm - 8pm

Fishy Kick Back Friday Sundays All day Friday

Relaxed beats & a tasty Sunday Roast

Hump Wednesday 50% off all food

A historical pub with classic Victorian character, recently brought back to life with a modern twist and an onsite microbrewery.

Live music and DJs throughout the week Carnivore and Herbivore menu The chapel music venue

Wednesdays, 12pm - 7pm The Angel Microbrewery, 7 Stoney Street, Nottingham NG1 1LG

BEST OF NOTTS: DESSERTS AUBREY’S CREPERIE A gorgeous little venue tucked way in West End Arcade, up from the Market Square. It specialises in savoury galettes and sweet crepes, and can be considered a little taste of France since it takes its influence from the region of Brittany. 14-16 West End Arcade, Long Row, NG1 6JP

Forget going out for dinner. Get yoursen into 2018 and hop on board the new trend – going out for dessert. Not as nutritionally valuable as a superfood smoothie, but a whole lot better tasting than a pot noodle...

DOLCINO If you're after something more continental, head to Dolcino to sample some of their hand-made Italian gelato. Have it in a cup, cone, waffle or a milkshake; it’s up to you. Upstairs is a great people watching spot too, as it overlooks the entire Market Square. 7 Beastmarket Hill, NG1 6FB dolcino.co.uk

DOUGHNOTTS Doughnuts like you’ve never seen doughnuts before. Some of our faves include the kinder bueno, red velvet, vegan cinnamon sugar, and the one where they take a whole wispa bar and cover it in doughy goodness. You really have to see ‘em to believe ‘em. 26A Long Row, NG1 2DH twitter.com/doughnotts

COOKIESHAKE CAFE During the day, this place can create almost any milkshake flavour you could dream up. At night, it transforms into a bangin’ bar. The cookies are delightful but so are the 99p shots, like the sweet starburst or the love heart. That’s right, 99p. Not even a pahnd.

14 Upper Parliament Street, NG1 2AD facebook.com/cookieshakeuk

facebook.com/aubreyscreperie

CREAMS CAFE

PUDDING PANTRY

They describe their menu as “big, flamboyant desserts”, and we couldn’t agree more. It is home to the bubble pop waffle, the latest craze in the sugar world. Basically, they take a sundae and pop it inside a giant waffle with big bubbly bits on. One of the most Instagrammable spots on this list, it’s not to be missed.

Your quest for the best pancakes and milkshakes ends here. They’ve recently upped their pudding game to a whole new level too; their blackberry pavlova includes shards of charcoal meringue. How fanceh. They also do a crackin’ brunch and are open late for pancakes and prosecco at the weekend.

12 Trinity Square, NG1 4AF creamscafe.com

27-29 Trinity Square, NG1 4AF thepuddingpantry.co.uk

OTTAR CHOCOLATE These choccies are a real work of art. Quite fitting, actually, as these master bakers have just begun a takeover of the cafe bar at Nottingham Contemporary. Along with a menu of fresh and diet-inclusive dishes, you can sample some of their luxurious handmade chocolate and cakes. Welbeck Farm Shop, Worksop, S80 3LW ottarchocolate.com

THE TREAT KITCHEN If you’re a sucker for sweets, you’ve come to the right place. The Treat Kitchen specialise in gourmet gummies, sugar free fizzers, radioactive sours and all your classic sweet-shop favourites. Perfect as a gift for your new friends, or for yourself if you’re having a particularly bad day. 21 Wheeler Gate, NG1 2NA thetreatkitchen.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: CAFE CULTURE 200 DEGREES

THE AVENUES CAFE

BLEND

COFFEE HOUSE OF NOTTINGHAM

These guys, are all about making sure you get a perfect coffee and are proud of it. After getting a good foot in the coffee-house door of Nottingham just off the square, they opened a second cafe, near the train station, which is conveniently located for commuters.

This ain’t the fanciest cafe on the list, but the place thrives with the fact it doesn’t need bells and whistles. Cobs, coffee, bang-up breakfasts and more all at a studentfriendly price. Their fry-up is stuff from the grease gods, and they even do a banging vegan version too.

Located in the heart of the new Sneinton Market/Creative Quarter development, this is a great place to visit, just to check out the amazing creative stuff going on down here. The LeftLion offices are this way too, so if you pass by our window, give us a wave.

A cozy independent coffee house tucked away on Hurts Yard, which as a street is worth a visit to see a range of other interesting indie places. They were the first coffee shop in the Midlands to serve the world-renowned Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee from bean-to-cup.

16 Flying Horse Walk, NG1 2HN 99 Carrington Street, NG1 7FE 200degs.com

13 Gedling Street, NG1 1DS

Avenue C, 30 Sneinton Market, NG1 1DW blendnottingham.co.uk

thecoffeehouseofnottingham. co.uk

facebook.com/The-Avenue-Cafe

3 Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD

CROCUS CAFE

OUTPOST

SOBAR

WHITE RABBIT TEAHOUSE

Crocus Café is right in the heart of Lenton, which makes it the perfect haunt for a post-night-out caffeine pickme-up for you UoN students. The Crocus Breakfast comes in at a fiver, and for that, you’ll get so much food to soak up your hangover that you’ll be back at it by midday.

If you’re a die-hard coffee lover, then this place’s inhouse roasted coffee will get you bouncin’ off the walls. All their nosh is made fresh on the day, and they make sure its proper healthy too. If you’re craving summat a bit naughtier, they source their sweet treats from Tough Mary’s Bakehouse.

Prove you’re not a lager lout out on the razz every night by checking out Nottingham’s alcohol-free cafe/bar. They do a wicked ice-cream shake, the food’s spot on, it’s light and bright, and there’s often some pretty cool live music too.

Somewhere to take your mam, or if you want to go somewhere a bit classy. All the cutlery and plates are hand-selected, beautiful pieces that’ll make you feel like you’re in wonderland. Try one of their decadent homemade cakes, washed down with tea in a china cup. Could it get any more dainty?

18 Lenton Boulevard, NG7 2ES crocuscafe.com

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who drink coffee and those who don’t. And hey, we don’t discriminate, but a mocha from Costa doesn’t qualify you as a coffee person...

2 Stoney Street, NG1 1LG outpost.coffee

22 Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ

facebook.com/sobarnottingham

5 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB whiterabbitteahouse.com

BEST OF NOTTS: BEER THE ANGEL MICROBREWERY With lots of vegan friendly options, The Angel Microbrewery’s bar is jam packed with a range of beers, ales and ciders. They even have The Chapel, a space upstairs that plays host to gigs, poetry nights and more. Not to mention they do a cracking roast. 7 Stoney Street, NG1 1LG angelmicrobrewery.com

We all love our yeast and hops in Blighty. Happily for you lot, Notts is a beer drinkers haven. Read (and drink) your way down this list, and you’ll have tried some of the best the city has to offer...

BIERKELLER

THE COCK AND HOOP

CANALHOUSE

This lot offer you authentic Bavarian beer just up from the Market Square. Dancing on the tables with a stein overflowing is a crackin’ way to have a good time, and you can get a full 2-pint glass for £6.80. That’s a helluva lot cheaper than a ticket to Germany for that classic stein photo with yer pals, guys...

There’s not many places in Notts where you can sup in more idyllic surrounds. Better yet, the river runs through the building, so there’s a bridge and canalboat inside the bar. They also have the largest selection of world beers in the East Midlands, so you won’t run out of options.

15-17 Friar Lane, NG1 6DA thebierkeller.com

48-52 Canal Street, NG1 7EH castlerockbrewery.co.uk

HEAD OF STEAM

THE HERBERT KILPIN

They do a beer and burger for a tenner on Wednesdays, live music every Thursday and Sunday and they serve a belter of a brunch every Sunday until 3pm. If you’re into craft beer, cask ales and music, then get yoursen down there fast; you can even take your dog with you.

This pub is named after a proper Notts hero: the Nottingham lad who moved to Italy and founded AC Milan. Us LeftLion folk even made a film about him; The Lord of Milan. They show most of the major European football games, serve a selection of interesting beers, and put on some unique football-history events.

This gaff opened earlier this year and it’s a super place to pop a pint or two. They’ve got a lot to offer such as quality real ales, craft beer, cider, wines and spirits. Their ping-pong table is pretty grand with a pint in hand. Beer pong is strictly banned though.

10 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB thekilpin.co.uk

facebook.com/totallyoverdraught

7 High Pavement, NG1 1HF theheadofsteam.co.uk

SIX BARREL DRAFTHOUSE Six Barrel is a craft beer haven that boasts over sixty different craft beers. As you’d expect from a watering hole up in Hockley, its marketing is dead cool; the blackboard outside always has a different alcohol-related joke on it, often complete with emojis. 14-16 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN sixbarreldrafthouse.co.uk

THE OVERDRAUGHT

Originally a public house with rooms that barristers would book out to view the public hangings across the road. Now in the 21st century, the pub is a wonderfully traditional hangout, with rotating real ales, a growing craft selection and top notch pub food. 25 High Pavement, NG1 1HE @cockandhoop

A ROOM WITH A BREW

11-15 Alfreton Road, NG7 3JE

If you know your Brontës from your Brownings, this micropub’s for you. We’re talking beers, books and some proper clever puns. Why not try One Brew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest? Or there’s Hoppy Potter and the Goblet of Ale... 78 Derby Road, NG1 5FD scribblers-ales.com

SOUTHBANK CITY If you’re looking for somewhere to crack open a cold one and watch some footy, Southbank City might just be your bag. It shows every major sporting event, and also has some fantastic live music. They have a sister bar (the original Southbank bar) near the Forest stadium too. Friar Lane, NG1 6DQ southbankcity.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: COCKTAILS BOILERMAKER

HOCKLEY ARTS CLUB

You’ll hear about this one dead quickly, because it’s home to the most secretive bar entrance in Notts. Although it looks like there’s an epidemic of faulty boilers in your new city, the queue outside is a pointer to the downstairs delights within.

Spread across three floors, Hockley Arts Club is a favourite with students and the locals. This is definitely thanks to its aesthetic, which is basically a mix of fluorescently-lit hipster sayings like “tomorrow is here,” and old-fashioned leather armchairs. The perfect haunt for an Instagram pic.

36 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN boilermakerbar.co.uk

20a Carlton Street, NG1 1NN thehockleyartsclub.com

PEPPER ROCKS This one’s a favourite with anyone looking for a quiet drink, which means it can get a bit packed on a weekend, even on the terrace. If you get there before 10pm, you’ll get yer mitts on cocktails for £4.50. On Fridays and Saturdays they also hand out free bags of fresh popcorn. Tasty. 12 Pepper Street, NG1 2GH pepperrocks.co.uk

REVOLUCION DE CUBA This is a restaurant, but also an awesome place to come for cocktails. With a huge selection of Cuban and Latin inspired drinks including mojitos, rum punches and daiquiris, they’ve got about a dozen options for each of them. Double-height ceilings and a relaxed, yet buoyant overall vibe. 26-28 Market St, NG1 6HW revoluciondecuba.com

SAINT BAR

TIER

TILT

THE WALRUS

When your folks come to visit you should get them to stay at the lovely, high-end Lace Market Hotel and then convince them to get the cocktails in at their in-house bar: Saint. Expertly put together by their mixologists, they use only the finest spirits and ingredients.

This cocktail place is located right opposite The Bodega, making it a super place to grab a tipple before/post gig. Not only do they serve a snazzy range of classic cocktails, they also do drop-dead gorgeous cheese melts. Let's face it, alcohol and a bit of gooey goodness go together good and proper.

Squirreled away on Pelham Street, Tilt’s easy to miss. It has the most raucous atmosphere of all Notts’ cocktail bars thanks to those live blues tunes it plays. It can get a bit cramped when the guitar comes out, but it’s got a fun vibe you’d be hardpressed to find anywhere else in the city.

Hidden beneath the cobbles, you’ll find The Walrus, with cushy leather sofas and funky signs aplenty. The cocktails are cheap and cheerful, but the main attraction here are the big jugs of rum punch you use to play cocktail pong. Yeah, you heard us. It’s a must do.

38 Pelham Street, NG1 2EG tiermelts.co.uk

9 Pelham Street, NG1 2EH tiltbar.co.uk

29-31 High Pavement, NG1 1HE lacemarkethotel.co.uk

The week long Freshers’ hangover has worn off and you’re ready for a night out. Good news is that Notts is full of cool places to sip a cocktail or two (or five)...

19A King Street, NG1 2AY thewalrusnottingham.com

BEST OF NOTTS: ACTIVITIES CIRCUS HUB Ever wanted to twirl and dangle from a ceiling like a magical circus performer? Here in Notts we have our very own circus hub, where you can learn how to hang from a ceiling in style and get fit doing it. This place offers aerial acrobatics, acro balance and circus skills, all of which are amazing ways to burn off some calories. Nelson Street, NG1 1DR circushubnotts.com

ICE SKATING Whether you fancy some proper ice-skating lessons, or just want to try out one of the public sessions, the sickest ice rink in the country is at your service. If you want to relive those Friday nights in year eight dressed in neon with your cronies, now is the time. They also stick a rink in the Market Square at Christmas. Bolero Square, NG1 1LA national-ice-centre.com

Now, we understand that when you arrive at university there’s one thing in particular you’re looking forward to: Freshers’ Week. But after the endless nights of pints and kebabs, you might want to find a few new ways to amuse yourself in our city…

ESCAPE ROOMS Fancy paying to be locked in a room for an hour with a few mates and a load of clues and having to try and escape? Might sound like some people’s nightmare, but it’s quite good fun. Escapalogic, Logiclock and Cryptology are all options, as well as the shiny new ones above Pieminister. escapologic.com logiclock.co.uk cryptologyrooms.co.uk

pieminister.co.uk/escaperooms

LOST CITY ADVENTURE GOLF Go deep below The Cornerhouse and you will find a crazy golf experience that’s a bit like summat out of an Indiana Jones film. Get a few rounds in as practice before you take your mates there and set up a bet – winner buys dinner. The Cornerhouse, NG1 4DB lostcityadventuregolf.com

GAMING CAFES We bleddy love a good gaming café here in Notts. Ludorati is up near the castle, Dice Cup is near NTU at the foot of Mansfield Road and Alt Gaming Lounge is in Hockley. No matter if you’re big into your games or if you’ve only ever played Monopoly with the family, they’ve both got plenty for you to get stuck into. ludoraticafe.com Dicecupcafe.co.uk @altgaminglounge

GO APE Get some proper fresh air in your lungs and fly around in the air like a crazy mother. Attached to a zip wire, you make your way through obstacles in the heights of massive Sherwood Pines’ trees, and end up feeling like Tarzan. If that don’t toot your horn, you can rent a segway or a bike there too. Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Sherwood, NG21 9JH goape.co.uk/sherwood

PLANET BOUNCE

STONEBRIDGE FARM

They’ve bagged themselves an old warehouse, bundled in a truck-full of inflatables, and created themselves a wonderful world that’s like something out your childhood dreams. You can quite literally bounce off the walls, or have a race down the obstacle course.

Sometimes when it all gets too much, you just want to cuddle a rabbit and gaze at some cute little animals. Luckily this farm is located just off the city centre, so you can yank on yer wellies and play at bein’ Old MacDonald. It’s free and all, but they do accept donations.

153-155 Huntingdon Street, NG1 3NL

Stonebridge Road, NG3 2FR stonebridgecityfarm.com

planetbounceinflatablepark.com

BEST OF NOTTS: SPORTS

Whether you like watching competitive sport or you think your skills are a tad higher than your best uni team, here’s a run down of Nottingham’s major sports teams...

AMERICAN FOOTBALL

BASKETBALL

CRICKET

ICE HOCKEY

Nottingham have had an American Football team since 1984 when the Nottingham Hoods – not to be confused with the basketball team of the same name – first suited up. The Caesars started as the Hoods' youth team, but when they folded in 1994, the Caesars became top dogs. If you’d like to watch the matches or get involved contact them through their website and social media.

Yes, if you like watching or playing competitive basketball we’ve got that covered for you too. The Nottingham Hoods are our men’s team and the Wildcats have both women’s and youth teams. They all play in a lovely new stadium (the Wildcats Arena) in Bakersfield.

If you don’t get chance to make a visit to the legendary Trent Bridge during your time at uni, you’ll be missing out. In terms of county cricket it hosts Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, including England regulars Stuart Broad and Alex Hales. You also have the T20 team the Outlaws and regular England test matches. Under-21 discounts are available.

We take our Ice Hockey seriously in Nottingham, hence why we are home to the National Ice Arena. Our men’s team Nottingham Panthers play in the Elite Hockey League and get average attendances of 4-5,000. Nottingham Lions act as a feeder club, with opportunities for talented players at youth level.

hoodsbasketball.com nottinghambasketball.co.uk

trentbridge.co.uk

nottinghamcaesars.co.uk

NOTTS COUNTY FC The world’s oldest football league club (formed in 1862) currently compete in League Two and are managed by former Liverpool, Leeds and Australia winger Harry Kewell. Season tickets for 18-21 yearolds start at £125, but if that seems like a big commitment then tickets for most games are available for around £14 (no membership required). The women’s team was relaunched this summer after going bust in 2017. nottscountyfc.co.uk

panthers.co.uk nottinghamlions.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM FOREST FC

ROLLER DERBY

RUGBY

Forty years ago under Brian Clough they were the best team in the country. They currently play in the Championship and having spent about £20million in the close season they’re looking to challenge for promotion to the Premier League this season. Home tickets for 1823 year-olds are available for as little as £12 if you get the right game and season cards are £120. Their ladies team is on the rise too.

This growing sport is a big thing in Notts. The Hellfire Harlots are our premier team and feature ladies who play the sport internationally, most of their home games take place on NTU’s Clifton campus. Nottingham Roller Derby, meanwhile, have both a women’s (Nottingham Roller Girls) and men’s (Super Smash Brollers) team. Both teams offer try-outs regularly.

Celebrating their 140th anniversary this year, Nottingham Rugby Club had their best time in the eighties when England internationals Simon Hodgkinson, Rob Andrew, Dusty Hare, Brian Moore and Neil Back all played for the club. They’re not quite the force they were then, but with their new ground in Lady Bay they’re on the up.

hellfire-harlots.co.uk nottsrollerderby.co.uk

nottinghamrugby.co.uk

nottinghamforest.co.uk nottinghamforestladies.co.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: PARKS ATTENBOROUGH NATURE RESERVE A slice of country life, just on the outskirts of Beeston. The on-site centre is a great place to learn about the local birds, or you could simply take the hound in your life for a walk. If you’re feeling especially green, visit one of the four tucked-away hides and spot some of the wetland wildlife going about its business.

52 Barton Lane, Beeston, NG9 6DY

attenboroughnaturecentre.co.uk

You’re studying in a busy city, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t places to escape the bricks and mortar. Here’s where to get a bit of peace and quiet, sun yourself, and enjoy mother nature...

ARBORETUM

BEESTON LOCK

HIGHFIELDS

A hippy’s paradise. All it takes is one ray of sunshine to pop out from behind the clouds and the bongo drums are rolling away, the students are out in the masses, and some much stinkier clouds emerge. If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway from the hustle and bustle but can’t be bothered to venture too far outside of the city, this is the spot.

The opposite side of the weir sees a nice little pub where you can get a cuppa for about a quid. With its boats and pints, let’s face it, it’s a bit more picturesque than the Clifton side. But there aren’t loads of pebbles to play skimmers with so… potato, potarto.

You’re not a proper UoN student until you’ve been for a gander round Highfields lake. You don’t have the prettiest campus in the Midlands for nothing. Get yourself an ice-cream and have a walk – you’ll find plenty of opportunities to snap a selfie with the infamous Beasts of UoN. If you venture down towards the West Entrance, you’ll even find a hidden waterfall complete with stepping stones.

Castle Meadow Rd, NG2 1AJ

Waverley St, NG7 4HF

University Blvd, Lenton, NG7 2RD

LENTON REC PARK

NEWSTEAD ABBEY

VICTORIA EMBANKMENT

Although you UoN lot have got a lake and a park on your campus, you’ll find most of your second and third year pals down here when the sun comes out. It’s on Derby Road, not too far from where most students live in later years, and it’s the perfect place to get a BBQ out if your landlord still hasn’t brought that outside furniture he promised you...

Lord Byron’s old haunt is about twelve miles out of the city centre, but it’s worth the trip to see the lavish gardens and spaces around it. The park is free to enter and wander around, but if you want to enter the abbey itself and gorp at the bulletholes in the wall in Byron’s old shooting room (seriously) it will cost you a few quid.

Completed in 1870, and just as popular today. You can have a good, long look at the River Trent while swanning around in the gardens, pretending you’re in an awful indie rom-com. With plenty of water-based activities going down, it’s hard to get bored around here. There are also a couple of sports pitches nearby, so you can have a kickabout when you get bored.

Derby Rd, NG7 2DP

Ravenshead, NG15 8NA newsteadabbey.org.uk

Victoria Embankment, NG2 2JY

WOLLATON PARK Known as Batman’s gaff because The Dark Knight Rises used the big hall as Wayne Manor, this is one of the best places to get your chill on. It’s a short bus ride from the city centre, so you can easily wile away the day deer spotting, or have a nosey around the stuffed-animal-packed hall. There are a couple of pubs directly opposite for some refreshments, too. Wollaton, NG8 2AE wollatonhall.org.uk

BEST OF NOTTS: FITNESS

Now the compulsory PE lessons and after-school clubs have gone out the window, you need to take control of your exercise regime. All them pints won’t burn themselves off...

ACTIVE NOTTINGHAM

FORMULA 1 GYM

THE GYM GROUP

NTU SPORTS

Nottingham City Council preside over eight gyms, seven swimming pools, over 200 weekly fitness classes and seven health suites across the city. As a Nottingham resident, you can get unlimited access to all of them for less than £20 a month as part of their Active Nottingham package.

Based right near to the Market Square, Formula 1 is a high-tech facility with separate gyms for men and women. They also have saunas and sunbeds and more classes than you’ll have time for. Student packages range from £45 for three months to £110 for the whole academic year.

Located in Trinity Square, their student deal is £99 for eight months. It’s part of a national chain that was set up by former England squash player, John Treharne, and their focus is on proper health and fitness benefits, rather than the luxuries that a small percentage of traditional health club members go for.

One of the perks of being a student at NTU is having great sports facilities available to you at less than a tenner a month. You have various gyms, courts, pitches, classes and even a climbing wall available to you. Plus there’s facilities across all campuses, so it doesn’t matter where you’re based.

21 Victoria Street, NG1 2EW formulaonegym.co.uk

14 Trinity Square, NG14AF thegymgroup.com

City, Clifton and Brackenhurst campuses. ntu.ac.uk/sport/membership

Various venues activenottingham.com

TIGER BOE In addition to your workout you might want to check out Nottingham’s very own community holistic centre. They’re dedicated to providing affordable, alternative healthcare such as myofascial unwinding, cranial bonework, scar healing, reiki, reflexology, Thai massage and more. 7 Clarendon Street, NG1 5HS tigerboe.com

UON SPORTS

YCMA GYM

UoN’s got three gyms – two quieter ones over on Jubilee and Sutton Bonington, and the eye-popping David Ross Sports Village on University Park. A yearlong membership is £199, and it’ll get you access to a 200-station fitness suite, six squash courts, a martial arts dojo, a 25m swimming pool… the list goes on.

Located literally a stone’s throw from NTU’s City campus, so it’s dead easy to get a workout in before you head to your first seminar. Better still, it’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can blow off some steam no matter what the hour or the day. Like all YMCA projects, your membership fees go to a good cause too.

David Ross Sports Village, Jubilee Sports Centre and Sutton Bonington Centre nottingham.ac.uk/sport/ membership

4 Shakespeare Street, NG1 4FG nottsymca.com/gym

BEST OF NOTTS: SHOPPING THE ART FILE

HOPKINSON

SUE RYDER

ICE NINE

The Art File sells the most adorable ranges of greeting cards, stationery and gifts. Next time you visit the Nottingham Contemporary, pop across the street and get a postcard to send back home to the ‘rents. They’ll want to hear off you once in a while.

This place is more than just clothes; it’s a vintage lovers’ paradise. In among the retro furniture, artwork and knick-knacks, there are rails of fur coats, floral dresses and cabinets of jewellery. You can also pay a visit to the beauty parlour on the second floor, where they’ll do your hair up in a nice beehive.

Another one that specialises in all things vintage and retro, but does so for a bleddy brilliant cause. They sell clobber with the aim of helping those who’ve received a life-changing diagnosis and their loved ones. They’ve even found time to colour coordinate the clothes rails.

This gaff will meet all of your hippie-style desires, with its cool clothes, vintage jewellery and treasure trove knick knacks. There’s also a record store and an adultsection in the basement. Oo-err. It would be difficult to not find something that suits you in this one.

11 Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB theartfile.com

IDEAS ON PAPER This place is an absolute haven for those of you that get excited about magazines, journals, books and the smell of paper generally. It’s tucked away in the haven that is Cobden Chambers. They also put on regular talks with NTU under the banner of Raw Print. Cobden Chambers, NG1 2ED ideasonpapernottingham.co.uk

You’ll find some quirky and interesting shops across Nottingham, thanks to our thriving independents scene. Have a peruse of the places below and get yourself some bits and bobs you wouldn’t be able to buy back home...

21 Station Street, NG2 3AJ hopkinson21.co.uk

30 - 32 Goose Gate, NG1 1FF sueryder.org

9-13 Goose Gate, NG1 1FE icenine.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM CITY GUITARS

PMT

SYNTHETIC PRO AUDIO

Being the only shop on Woolpack Lane in Hockley, this one is hard not to miss. You’ll discover that they sell loads of hard to find gear and quality used and vintage electric guitars. These guys know what they’re talking ‘bout when it comes to guitars and they’ll be sure to help you with every need.

Professional Music Technology is the UK’s largest instrument superstore, so if you’re looking for anything musical or just want to take a browse amongst their crazy selection of guitars, this place will sort yer out good ‘n proper.

Whether you’re serious about making a living off your art form, an aspiring producer or just a bedroom DJ, Synthetic Audio are the hardware to your software. A charming little shop on Sneinton Market, they’ve got a wicked studio in their back room so you can crank up the funk and try before you buy.

7 Woolpack Lane, NG1 1GA nottinghamcityguitars.com

Marco Island, Huntingdon Street NG11AR pmtonline.co.uk

19-21 Avenue B, NG1 1DU syntheticproaudio.com

EATING WELL WITH CHEF JUGZ photo: Shaun Gordon

Peace people. I’m Juga-Naut, a Nottingham native, born and bred. I’m also a rapper, and a chef. I’m here to help you figure out how to eat well for cheap, while helping you integrate yourself into your new city and all the culture it has to offer. Not only is Nottingham a student city with loads of student activities, but our local community is thriving; nothing will help you see that more than the food. As a student, eating on a budget goes without saying. But you don’t have to live on frozen food and takeaways. Let’s jump right in with some tips and ideas to get you started... Build your basics This is the most pricey part, but also the most important. Shell out for all the essential seasonings, they will last you for months, and help make all your meals taste top notch. Get your housemates to chip in and stock your shared cupboards with the basics: sea salt, black pepper, garam masala, paprika, mixed herbs, dried parsley, all purpose seasoning, garlic powder, ginger powder, light soy sauce, olive oil, vegetable oil and butter. Once you have all these, you’ve got the foundation for a whole range of wonderful creations. Fresh essentials to buy regularly are lemons, onions and garlic, which form the basis of everything from Asian curries and stir-fries, to Italian cuisine like pasta sauce and risotto. If you shop smart, it will cost you around £25 for them all. Jugz’ Favourite Spots Exploring the city is key. Don’t be scared; go out and mingle, man! If you need a reason to get out and about, shopping can be it. Walk around see what the different areas have to offer. You can pick all your dried seasoning up at Murat in Sneinton Market, just at the bottom of Hockley. It’s a wicked spot full of world food with fresh fruit and veg, a butcher, and the best Turkish bread around. Try the bread with halloumi and honey, and thank me later. If you’re round Basford way, head to Hafiz on Nottingham road; it’s full of spices, has freezer section full of frozen fish, a wicked halal butcher and plenty of treats and other fun stuff. In Sherwood, check out the International Food Centre for more Turkish bread and a Polish butcher, plus impress your guests with their selection of cheese, olives, and baklava for dessert.

If you’re near Hyson Green (close to town, Lenton, the Arboretum and all other student areas), head to Sharif & Sons; it's like the other two spots I mentioned, but bigger and brighter. It’s Nottingham’s OG international food store. You can do your full shop at any of these places, but keep costs low by mixing it up with the budget grocers Aldi and Lidl (branches in town, Carrington, Radford, Basford and all over) for the more eurocentric essentials, and you’re onto a winner. Shopping smart This isn’t only about convenience, but is also about saving you some change, as well as gaining knowledge of where you can get the best produce for the best price. Set some time aside each week to check out the spots I’ve mentioned, and plan to buy your fresh food there; it’s actually more fun than plodding around the same old chain supermarkets. You learn more through experimenting, and keep Notts going by supporting our local businesses. These were some tips that I hope you find helpful. However, if you’re really struggling, feel free to hit me up direct at @Juganaut on both Instagram and Twitter. I do regular pop-ups at Minor Oak in Sneinton Market, and can cater your party, private dinner or just deliver you the fire when you need it. I got you! chefjugz.com

GETTING INVOLVED IN NOTTINGHAM POLITICS Whether you’re a true blue Tory, as far left as you can lean without falling over, or you simply haven’t the foggiest, now that you’ve begun your life in the fast lane, it’s really important that you exercise your right to have your voice heard.

You’re eighteen and, along with not having to use fake ID, voting in local and general elections is one of the privileges that comes with it. Although you can register at your home or uni address, it makes sense to do it here since you’re living here and big decisions made as a city will affect you. In Nottingham, the electoral register is also used as proof of address for certain council services. You can register online, just head over to the gov.uk website. It’s all dead straight forward, particularly for a techsavvy whipper snapper like yourself.

POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER

Being in charge of the police force is a proper tough job, so we hear. Paddy Tipping is the man currently making sure everything runs smoothly. To make sure the right man or woman is saddled with this responsibility, the good folk of Nottingham – that’s us, and now, you – are required to vote every four years (the next one is in 2020) for who we reckon will do the job best. But, you can only do this if you get your bottom in gear and get registered. See where we’re going with this, yeah?

BITE THE BALLOT

There are around 7.4 million 18-24 year olds in the UK. Only half of these are registered to vote, and of those registered, only 43% turned out to vote in the 2015 General Election. We know, it’s a minefield and political doublespeak doesn’t help matters. Bite the Ballot are trying to change that, with impartial, non-politically aligned advice that’ll get you clued up and involved with what’s going on. Check ‘em out online to get the inside scoop. bitetheballot.co.uk

SPEAKERS’ CORNER

If you’ve got summat to say, this is the place to say it. Just next to the Brian Clough statue off Market Square, you’ll find a space dedicated to free speech. Political rallies are often held here, with speakers from all different walks of life. In Nottingham, we pride ourselves on hearing each other out, and getting to the bottom of things through positive discussion, so try and get down to some organised speakers to hear what they’ve got to say. An open mind is a healthy mind...

CITY AND COUNTY COUNCIL FEEDBACK Whether you get the chance to vote in a local election while you’re here or not, this is still your city for the foreseeable. You can still have your say on what’s going on by feeding back your thoughts to the council. If you pop onto the City or County – depending on where you live – website, and click on the “Contact Us” section, there’s a whole host of options

for you to select, including a “comments, compliments and complaints” button that’ll see your suggestions and opinions heard good and proper. You can also write to your local MP whenever you’ve got a bee in your bonnet, or a suggestion you reckon they need to hear. You are the future, after all.