Two-for-one offers are commonplace in modern dining, but it’s rare for the same idea to apply to architecture.
A glimpse of Prezzo on Low Pavement, however, provides a view of two wonderfully Gothic structures combined to form one restaurant.
Number 10 (on the left in our picture) existed before Nottingham even became a city. Constructed in 1876, the building was designed by architect and builder Albert Smith. A casual observer could be forgiven for thinking it much older. Designed in a Gothic revival style, it echoes features and flourishes that would have adorned buildings in the medieval period. Combine this with the weathered and discoloured façade, and it seems reasonable to think the building older than its 120 years.
The Gothic revival style was a reaction to Britain’s increasing industrialisation. As functional buildings such as warehouses and factories became prevalent in the Victorian era, many were keen to look back and try to ensure that the past wasn’t washed away by the ferocious tide of modernity. Albert Smith was one such person, and he’d doubtless be thrilled to know that number 10, Low Pavement continues to sharply contrast with other functional structures that have been built in close proximity as the decades have rolled on.
Number 8 by A.R. Calvert was built in 1903 – six years after Nottingham became a city. It is also in a Gothic style, but notable different to number 10. Number 8 is in a style known as Bruges Gothic, named after the Belgian city famed in architectural circles for its original medieval brick structures. Where its neighbour offers curves, Calvert’s building is much more angular, and since number 10 already existed when number 8 was designed, it’s fun to realise that this contrast was intended by the architect.
It’s improbable that back in Victorian times anybody could have guessed that the two buildings would one day serve as one location, as attractive to fans of Gothic architecture as devourers of Italian food.
Prezzo on Low Pavement:
http://www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/restaurant/nottingham-low-pavement
Find more to read by Scott Taylor on Amazon (http://astore.amazon.co.uk/scotttaylorauthor-21) and follow his Nottingham-centric tweets @Nottinghasm.
