Notts Going On — Winter Wonderland and NYC vibes
Christmas events, new bar openings, a cosy cottage, and more...
Hello and welcome to Notts Going On — your weekly guide with events, property, news, and more.
Before we get into things, I just wanted to drop an editor’s note at the start of this. William Sitwell’s review of Kushi-ya in The Telegraph was published last Friday, and while it was lovely to see such well-deserved, glowing words about the restaurant, I wasn’t pleased with how he spent three paragraphs being unnecessarily unkind about Nottingham itself, calling it ‘a bleak setting’ among other things.
I thought this was incredibly unfair. Nottingham, like many other cities across the UK, isn’t perfect. But those of us who actually live here know just how many wonderful shops, restaurants, and event spaces there are. I feel so lucky to live here and to love it here. I hope here, at the Edit, we play a small part in showcasing what a brilliant place it truly is.
🎁 Speaking of fabulous things in Notts — we’re putting together a Christmas gift guide this year and want to fill it with lots of makes from local creators. If you’d like to put anything forward for consideration, email me, Eve Smallman, at editor@thenottsedit.com by November 20 latest. And if you’d like a guaranteed slot, let me know when you email and we can see how we can work together.
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Notts Going On
By Ellie Foster
What’s On This Week 🗓️
Nottingham Winter Wonderland 🎄🛍️
When: From November 13
Where: Old Market Square, Nottingham
How much: Free entry
Get the season started properly by cosying up with a warm hot chocolate and enjoying Christmas fun at Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland. With stalls brimming with beautiful gifts, the Ferris wheel providing a breathtaking view of the city, and the ice rink being full of joy and laughter, it is a must-visit this winter.
Do if: You just love a classic Christmassy day out doing fun things with loved ones.
nottinghamwinterwonderland.co.uk
A Christmas Carol 🎄🎭
When: November 14
Where: Southwell Minster
How much: From £19.25pp
It’s the night of Christmas Eve, and Ebenezer Scrooge is not in the best mood, to say the least. But, he’s soon whisked away by three ghosts who are determined to show him the true meaning of the holidays. Will his frozen heart defrost, or is it too late? This show will be performed by the critically acclaimed Chapterhouse Theatre in the Minster’s Nave.
Do if: You know someone who’s feeling a bit Bah Humbug this year and want to help them feel festive.
An Evening With Stuart Broad 🎭
When: November 16
Where: Theatre Royal, Nottingham
How much: £35.50-£55pp
The former England and Nottinghamshire cricketer Stuart Broad is returning to Theatre Royal to reflect on his cricketing life. Expect Broad, who retired from cricket a year ago, to talk about fierce battles with Australia, that 8-15 Ashes spell at Trent Bridge, and his fearsome partnership with Jimmy Anderson which yielded over 1000 wickets together. Tickets are extremely limited so you’ll need to be quick to get in this one.
Do if: You want to hear one of England’s sporting greats tell all about a glittering career.
The Arrival of Santa 🎄🛍️
When: November 16-17
Where: Rufford Abbey, Ollerton
How much: Free entry
Is it Christmas without seeing Santa at least once? We don’t think so. If you don’t either, you can see him spectacularly arrive at Rufford Abbey, along with his team of elves and the Rother Valley Working Newfoundlands. There will also be a mini Christmas market with unique gifts, a vintage fairground, and live music and entertainment.
Do if: You’re looking to ring in the holiday season with the family in style.
Scottish Ensemble — In SYNC 🎶
When: November 17
Where: St Mary’s Church, Nottingham
How much: £16pp
Head down to Lace Market for an energetic and interactive afternoon filled with vibrant string music. The whole show will be performed from memory, with moving and uplifting classical and folk music. It’s perfect for those who might not usually consider going along to a classical concert, thanks to its fun and accessible format. The ticket price also includes tea, coffee, or juice following the concert.
Do if: You’re in town on Sunday (perhaps gift shopping!) and would like to try doing something different to break up the day.
What’s On This Christmas 🎄
On Our Radar 🚨
Looking for a new bar in Nottingham to visit? Manahatta has just opened on Queen Street, and it has all the dazzling NYC vibes. We tried it out on Thursday and loved the Instagrammable interior, the amazing variety of cocktails, and the delicious food options — think burgers, hot dogs, and salads. If you like its sister bar BOX but also like glitz and glam, you’ll love it here. You can see more of it on our TikTok. tiktok.com/@thenottsedit / manahatta.co.uk
Hot Property 🏡
The picturesque Woodnook Cottage in Selston is straight out of a storybook, giving major The Holiday vibes. Downstairs it has a cosy family room with a wood-burning stove, a modern kitchen with an Aga cooker, and a dining room that connects to this. Upstairs, you’ll find two double bedrooms with lots of natural light. There are also two bathrooms — one on each floor. The house is not only perfect for winter but will work well in warmer months too, thanks to its summer house, al fresco dining area, and beautiful garden outside. It’s marketed by Pygott and Crone and is listed at £275k. onthemarket.com
News 🗞️
🍹 New bar on the block: Speaking of new bars opening, we spotted a new one being teased on socials over the weekend called Tahula’s Tiki Shack. This is located where The Hockley Arts Club is and is being run by Fletchergate Industries, which also runs bars such as Penny Lane, The Walrus, and The Magic Garden. It’s reportedly aiming to be open by the end of November — fingers crossed it will be! @tahulastikishack
🎁 Powerful presents: Looking for lovely local gifts this Christmas? Nottingham homelessness charity Framework has launched a brand new festive gift range for the holidays. The range includes jumpers, mugs, puzzles, notebooks and greeting cards with heartfelt designs from ‘Everyone Deserves a Home’ to ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is.’ All proceeds will go directly to the Framework’s Winter Appeal. frameworkfashion.co.uk
⚽ Scores on the doors: Nottingham Forest will go into the final international break of 2024 sitting 5th in the Premier League, after a 3-1 home defeat to Newcastle. Forest took the lead through Murillo in the first half, but three second-half goals consigned the Reds to only their second league defeat of the season. Mansfield Town fell to a 1-0 defeat at promotion rivals Wrexham, while the points were shared between Notts County and Doncaster Rovers in a top of the table clash. Meanwhile in ice hockey, the Panthers slipped to a 4-2 defeat against their fierce rivals Sheffield Steelers but will be looking to bounce back in a home double header next weekend.
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