April 17, 2017, by Words on Words
Literary Inspired Places in Nottingham Everyone Should Visit
This blog post was written by second year English student, Josie Severn.
It’s the Easter break, which can only mean one thing: deadlines and exams are on the horizon. However, it is a break after all and everyone needs some rest and fun once in a while to stay focused. Whether you’re looking for something to do in Nottingham over the break or you’re already planning those after-exam celebrations, I’ve put together a list of literary inspired places to eat, drink and visit so you feel a little bit less guilty and a bit more like you’re contributing to your English degree.
Take a tumble down the rabbit hole into Curious Manor in Trinity Square. This restaurant, bar and café is one of the most impressively decorated places I’ve ever visited, themed on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Have afternoon tea like the Mad Hatter in the tea garden, sip on a cocktail that will leave you smiling like the Cheshire cat, or curiously sample a wide range of pizzas, burgers, breakfasts and Sunday roasts. It’s bonkers. But I’ll tell you a secret: all the best places are.
Website: http://www.curiousmanor.co.uk
Image: John Tenniell / Public Domain Mark 1.0
Another Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland inspired café, but this time slightly smaller and more tea party focused. Even the evil Queen of Hearts would approve of the cupcakes, cookies and EAT ME brownies. Situated on Station Street, it is in the perfect location to visit before you travel.
Website: https://en-gb.facebook.com/wonderlandcafenottingham/
Image: Author’s own
- Lost Property
This newly-opened bar is mysteriously placed at 7 ½ Carlton Street in Hockley, situated underground beneath a hotel. Go back in time to the world of The Great Gatsby – think speakeasies and prohibition – as you push past the doorway hidden by suitcases into an old speakeasy disguised as a hotel serving speciality cocktails and a wide range of other drinks. I don’t want to say too much as this one needs to remain a surprise. In fact it is so secret, it doesn’t even have a website or Facebook page.
Website: none!
Famously once home to poet Lord Byron, Newstead Abbey is often overlooked by Nottingham students as it is situated a bit further afield than the city’s other popular houses, such as Wollaton Hall. It’s definitely worth a visit for all English students though. The beautiful grounds are perfect for a walk and to sunbathe in and you’re sure to be left having learnt something new about Lord Byron’s crazy life. Be careful though, rumour has it the ghost of Byron’s dog roams the grounds…
Website: http://www.newsteadabbey.org.uk
Image: Andy Stephenson / CC BY-SA 2
Perhaps not as literary inspired as my other suggestions, but definitely guaranteed to put a smile on even the most stressed student’s face, the Kitty Café on Friar Lane will transport you to the world of T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. One of my favourite cats was called Heathcliff from Emily Brontë’s Wuthering Heights, so if that, and a guaranteed cat cuddle and yummy cake, can’t persuade you English students to go, I don’t know what will.
Website: https://kittycafe.co.uk
Image: Author’s own
What are your favourite literary inspired things to do in Nottingham?
Josie Severn
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