Nottingham has changed a lot over the years. I remember waiting for many a bus in Trinity Square when I was too young to go clubbing but looked old enough to be questioned by grumpy bus drivers about paying a child’s fare. In those days, other than a hassle free bus trip, the highlight of the square was a chippie and the old Nottingham Post building. Fast forward a few years to 2014 and the now pedestrianised square is set to host one of the year’s big highlights in the form of an outdoor Food and Drink Festival. Friday 19th and Saturday 20th September will see the square filled with an array of mouth-watering gastronomic delights, stalls, live music and activities. On the main stage there will be a packed programme of entertainment with mocktail classes and demonstrations, as well as a charity baking competition (you can’t beat a bit of cake for charity) as well as a belly busting Man vs. Burger challenge hosted by the Pit and Pendulum.
The event is part of Food & Drink Fortnight which returns for a second year from 13th – 27th September to celebrate Nottingham’s culinary supremacy. Following the success of last year’s event, the city-wide extravaganza, organised by the Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID), will showcase the extraordinary array of brilliant food and drink venues available right on our doorstep in an aim to encourage visitors to make Nottingham their destination of choice, whilst also tempting locals to experience new flavours and venues or perhaps enjoy some old favourites including Cafes, delis, pubs, clubs and bars at discounted prices.
Readers of NottinghamLIVE may remember our coverage last year of some of the taster sessions and events which took place and will be happening again this year during the course of the two week event, whilst the city centre’s numerous food and drink outlets – including cafes, delis, pubs, clubs and bars – will have special offers and discounts designed to tempt customers. Top eateries such as the award winning MemSaab, Yamas, Barburrito, Nada Budaya and Antalya will also offer special menu deals.
Great news is that to make it easier and safer for people to come into the city and enjoy a great, inexpensive evening out, the BID has also secured some brilliant transport deals. There will be free on street parking after 4pm throughout Food & Drink Fortnight when using the RingGo system – plus there will be 400 free parking spaces all day on Saturday 20th September at NCP Mount Street. You can also enjoy unlimited bus travel for up to five people (maximum two adults) for only £4.50 after 5pm or all day at weekends with Nottingham City Transport’s great value Group Rider Ticket.
According to Experience Nottinghamshire, Nottingham has more pubs, cafes, bars and restaurants per square mile than any other city in the UK.
In the last 18 months alone, a plethora of major new venues have opened such as Rakonto Bar and Grill, Bill’s, Wildwood, The Ned Ludd, Long Island, Pan Asia BBQ, Suede Nightclub, Hometown Cuisine, Calcutta Club, Natural Kitchen, Govinda’s Vegetarian Cafe, Pudding Pantry, Sobar and Chopstix. Throughout Food and Drink Fortnight there will be great £10 menus at many top eateries including two of our favourites; World Service and Chino Latino, so maybe Food and Drink Fortnight is the perfect excuse to give some of them a go!
All the details can be found in a new Food & Drink Fortnight guide, being delivered to homes across Nottingham. It will also be available at city centre businesses and locations.
Find out all the latest details at www.itsinnnottingham.com
By Tanya Raybould
