Nottingham certainly has its fair share of things to do which you don’t exactly have to hunt down.
But it’s also a city with a whole host of hidden gems to explore and hunt down. Be they cafes, bars, or just cool little places, we’ve run down the seven best hidden spots in Nottingham you need to explore.
1. White Rabbit Tea Room
Another quaint way to spend a day out, White Rabbit Teahouse is about as traditional as it gets, with great cakes, scones and more located right in Nottingham City Centre. It’s also got a picture of the rabbit in its photo, which is always a good thing, we think.
5 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2HB
2. Behind Closed Doors
Behind Closed Doors is hidden away in the basement beneath Oldham Street. It’s easy to miss so keep your eyes piled for a tiny doorway that leads to Manchester’s best kept secret.
To get in you’ll have to ring a buzzer. Once inside you’ll be lead down a staircase to a den of debauchery decorated with retro TVs, vintage chandeliers, mismatched mirrors and some pretty cool rugs.
This venue has a reputation as a “sexy and downright sleazy throwback bar”. Prudes are warned not to open the cocktail menu which is illustrated with eye popping pictures – if this offends we would also advise holding yourself for the toilets until you get home.
Ring in your drink orders or call another table through their retro dial phones situated on several booths. We recommend the Furry Cup cocktail, its simply delicious.
91-95 Oldham Street, Northern Quarter, Manchester, M4 1LW
3. Twenty Twenty Two
This is the worst kept secret in Manchester. It’s always heaving with people playing ping pong.
Apart from the table tennis, its renowned for being a late-night party spot, open until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. With entertainment from hip-hop R&B and Disco DJS.
On weekdays they have happy hour deals, offering bottles of wine for £10 and cocktails for £5 between 4pm and 7pm. Not bad at all!
Its very easy to miss this place – its down a flight of stairs behind ominous-looking gates down a side street of the Northern Quarter.
20 Dale Street, M1 1EZ
4. The Washhouse
This venue is epic, its designed to look like a laundrette, but don’t be fouled. Behind this facade lies a hidden world of wonderfulness.
To get in you’ll have to pre-book. They are pretty strict on this too. There was a time when a phone number wasn’t even listed but thankfully they have rethought this and you can now find it on their website.
19 Shudehill, M4 2AF
5. Science and Industry, Cane and Grain
This is a firm favourite in Manchester and has a big loyal fanbase. The downstairs may not seem very hidden with its skater shop 80s style skateboards serving as seats. But its the upstairs that the magic happens.
Disguised by a stack of wooden beer crates lies Science and Industry, a cocktail laboratory complete with its own chemistry workshop, serving some seriously delicious cocktails.
Cane and Grain, 49-51 Thomas Street, Manchester M4 1N
6. Dusk til Pawn
This place is in the Northern Quarter but its super easy to miss. As the name suggests its decked out as an old-fashioned pawn shop with guitars, jewellery and neon adorn lining the windows.
Beyond the frontage lies a drinking den with an atmosphere of a speakeasy bar and a brilliant jukebox. The cocktail list is extensive with some yummy choices.
Dusk til Pawn, Stevenson Square, Northern Quarter
7. The Fitzgerald
This place is located above Rosylee. The bar boasts a 1920s-style interior with vibes of sophistication and retro glamour.
It can be accessed via a chandelier stairwell but you’ll have to find the secret door first (hint: its off Stevenson Square).
Once you find the way inside you’ll find soundtracks of Jazz, Swing and Soul, velvet armchairs and stylish cocktail menu. Its well worth hunting this place out, even if you go once for the experience.
The Fitzgerald, Little Lever Street, Manchester M1 1DB
8. Studio23
Serving up some delicious Japanese, Korean and Vietnamese street food, Studio23 is perfect for those who want to experience the taste of South East Asia without leaving the comforts of home.
23-25 Heathcoat Street, NG1 3AG
9. Aubrey’s Traditional Creperie
This cute little creperie has been providing some of the best French sweet treats you could possibly find in Nottingham since 2009. With a chef was trained in Brittany, you know you’ll be getting pretty much the real deal.
14-16, West End Arcade, Long Row, NG1 6JP
10. Higoi
This is one for the sushi lovers among you. Nestled on Lenton Boulevard, Higoi treats you to the authentic Japanese delights provided by head cheg Mr Kato, who has been running Higoi since 1989.
57 Lenton Boulevard, NG7 2FQ
11. Surface Gallery
Those seeking a more cultured day out should hunt down Surface Gallery. The volunteer-led contemporary art gallery nurtures local Nottingham talent, encouraging participation in the arts from residents of the city. It can be found in the Creative Quarter.
16 Southwell Rd, NG1 1DL
12. The Clock House
This twee little tea room is hidden away in the grounds of the British Horological Institute, and is the place to go for an incredibly English day out featuring homemade cakes, scones and loose leaf tea and coffee.
Upton Hall Main Street, NG23 5TE
13. Thaikhun
This little Thai food place is well worth seeking out, with authentic recipes straight from the streets of Chiang Mai and ‘interiors from a Bangkok bric-a-brac bazaar’. It’s delicious menu will mean it’s a secret little place you’ll want to hunt down again and again.
City Centre (55 Thistle Street, EH2 1DY)
