Nottingham The Midlands, England Travel Guide
The city's food scene reflects its historical context, from its industrial past to its current status as an university city. Traditional British fare, often hearty and comforting, stays a staple.
However, the diverse population and student community have fostered a growing and varied international food culture, with a wide array of global cuisines.
In most sit-down restaurants, wait to be seated by a host or staff member.
For drinks, order directly at the bar. If a pub serves food, you might order at the bar or at your table, depending on the establishment. Many pubs now offer full table service for food.
Review Section 2.3 for detailed tipping guidelines. Generally, 10-15% for good restaurant service is customary if a service charge is not already on the bill.
A local variation of the classic scone, often richer in texture. Enjoy them with clotted cream and jam at a local tea room for a delightful afternoon treat.
Pairs well with clotted cream and jam.
If you visit on a Sunday, experience a classic Sunday Roast. This traditional meal has roasted meat (beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. Most pubs have a Sunday Roast menu.
A traditional Sunday meal.
A quintessential British classic, widely available from "chippies" (fish and chip shops) throughout the city. Enjoy freshly battered fish with thick-cut chips, often with mushy peas.
A classic British takeaway.
A popular British dessert with fruit (like apple, rhubarb, or mixed berries) baked under a sweet, crumbly topping. It often serves hot with custard, cream, or ice cream.
A rich, moist sponge cake made with dates, generously covered in a warm toffee sauce. This comforting dessert usually comes with custard or vanilla ice cream.
Nottingham has acclaimed fine dining establishments for special occasions or discerning palates.
Numerous mid-range options are throughout the city centre, Lace Market, and Hockley, with a wide range of international cuisines.
Affordable options are available for travelers on a budget or those seeking quick, casual meals.
Nottingham's diverse population means a wide selection of international restaurants. You will find excellent choices for Indian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Turkish, Polish, Caribbean, and many other cuisines.
Explore areas like Hyson Green for a concentration of diverse eateries.
Nottingham is progressive in this regard. Many restaurants have dedicated plant-based menus or clearly marked vegetarian and vegan options. Dedicated vegan restaurants and cafes, like Prickly Pear, also exist.
Use online search filters (e.g., HappyCow for vegan/vegetarian) to find suitable venues.
Numerous Halal-certified restaurants, especially in areas like Hyson Green.
Less widely available. Kosher products can be found in larger supermarkets, but dedicated restaurants are rare.
Most restaurants are familiar with common allergies and have gluten-free options. Inform staff when ordering.
Calling restaurants ahead to confirm options is always good practice.
The city has a growing number of independent eateries and pop-up events, especially in the Hockley and Lace Market areas.
Explore these neighborhoods for unique dining concepts, often found in quirky or unusual locations.
Local guides have walking food tours that explore Nottingham's culinary scene. These tours often include tastings of local produce, visits to independent eateries, and insights into the city's food history.
Check local tourism offices for current listings and booking options.
Explore Nottingham's culinary delights with curated food tours. These tours let you sample local specialties and discover hidden food gems, providing a dive into the city's gastronomic landscape.
Beyond tours, visiting local markets like Victoria Centre Market, or independent cafes throughout the city, immerses you in the everyday food culture.
This historic funfair brings traditional fairground food to the city.
Beyond savory options, the fair has various sweet treats.
The Goose Fair experience combines traditional rides with unique food offerings, creating a lively atmosphere.
This annual event celebrates local and regional produce, with tastings, demonstrations, and stalls from various vendors.
Check local event listings for specific dates and participating vendors.
For beer enthusiasts, this festival showcases a wide range of craft beers from local and national breweries.
A chance to sample unique brews and enjoy a lively atmosphere.
Festival dates and times vary each year; always check official websites before planning your visit.
Events occur at various city locations, from Old Market Square to specific venues like Nottingham Castle or forests.
For current listings and official updates on all Nottingham events, check the Visit Nottinghamshire website.
For a true taste of Nottingham, seek out independent eateries and pubs, especially in the Lace Market and Hockley areas. These establishments often use local produce and have unique atmospheres.
