While I am from the midlands, I’m not actually born and bred in Notts. I know, I shouldn’t be admitting this! But, I’m just so pleased to be celebrating 10 years of calling Nottingham home this year.
I moved here for university, and I stayed here after graduating. From my time as a student all the way to my current time as founder and editor of The Notts Edit, I’ve learned a lot about the area – and about myself.
These 10 cover things to do in Nottingham, places to eat, plus some very random things. For more features and guides, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
10 things I’ve learned about Nottingham after living here for 10 years
By Eve Smallman
1. Everywhere is uphill
I’ve lived around the city and been to all corners of the county, and let me tell you – everywhere is uphill. Every day is leg day, and my thighs are now made of steel (also helped by the fact I fell in love with running here, and have done the Robin Hood Half twice).
2. It’s a real food and drink destination
Nottinghamshire doesn’t really get shouted about as a food and drink hotspot on a national level, but my goodness it should. Raymond’s, Bar Iberico, Pogo, Kushi-ya, and Tough Mary’s are among my favourites in the city. I also love the Welbeck Estate over in Worksop (Primrose Creamery and DropWorks are doing exciting things!).
3. Robin Hood needs more love
Robin Hood should absolutely be made more of a deal of. You go anywhere in the world and say you’re from Nottingham, and they say Robin Hood. I’m talking more attractions, themed bars, hotel rooms, more everything. We should be shouting about our most famous export way more – and Maid Marian and the Merry Men too.
4. Mushy peas are a thing
I’ve never minded mushy peas – but here, musheh peas are a huge thing, especially around Goose Fair time. A hot pot with lashings of mint sauce, from the traditional stall, is an absolute dream. Whenever I mention it to people outside of Notts they’re always baffled – but Nottingham makes it make sense.
5. It has sparked so many innovations
The area is such a hub of creativity – so it’s no surprise that it has been home to amazing innovations. Invention wise, from HP Sauce to ibuprofen, and from traffic lights to tarmac. There are also some very cool brands that have set up here too – Sunspel, Tweezerman, and Warhammer come to mind.
6. It’s straight out of a movie
I had an interesting conversation the other day about Nottinghamshire being utilised more for film sets, à la Wollaton Hall in The Dark Knight – and I could not agree more, as it has so many cool and beautiful locations. Nottingham Castle, Newstead Abbey, Clumber Park, Rufford Abbey, Highfields Park (with its own waterfall). And of course, the stunning cave network – with over 1,000 within it.
7. Pronouncing names right is important
I am terrible about pronouncing words, but there are a few that I have picked up from the locals and taught how to say them properly (I’m told, anyway!). It’s Suthhell, not Southwell. It’s Snenton, not Sneiynton. It’s Got-ham, not Gotham. Am I missing any?
8. The sport scene is stellar
I never used to be into sport, but I have changed my mind living here. Nottingham Forest and Notts County for football (pie and mushy peas at half time), Trent Bridge for cricket (home of legends Harold Larwood and Stuart Broad), and the Nottingham Panthers for ice hockey (what an atmosphere!). Oh, and Herbert Kilpin, the founder of Italian football and AC Milan, was born on Mansfield Road.
9. It’s not its stereotypes
The city definitely gets a bit of a rep for being a student area and for being rough – and, with some recent events, I can see why this is. But the whole area just has such a warmth about it, from the people to the places, that stretches far between these identities. It has its own character and life. Oh, and there’s nothing like going into a shop and being greeted duck – that’s how you know you’re in Notts.
10. It’s home
I might not be from here originally, but I have fallen in love with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It’s not too big, it’s not too small. It’s bursting with creativity and passion. It’s my home, and I’m so proud to be here – and I hope flying the flag for it! I can’t wait for another 10 years.
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