The Hidden Delights of Derby Road

To make the most of your exploration of Nottingham’s city centre, a little venture off the beaten track can lead to unique encounters and rewards. We have got a thriving independent community of people cultivating their personal interests into well curated businesses, and this of course means knowledge, passion and dedication are inherent within their services. Derby Road, a sophisticated street that you might not often think to visit, has maintained a culture of local business for decades. Top notch eateries, quirky shops and some of the best beer gardens in the city... if you've not had the pleasure yet, we recommend a wander!

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Breakfast

A good cooked breakfast to set you up for a day of exploring is best to be had at The Warsaw Diner. Serving fresh smoothies, bottomless coffee and a choice of breakfasts ranging from fully loaded American pancakes to a good old fry-up, you’re guaranteed to leave satiated and satisfied. The retro diner atmosphere is much more authentic than many of the shinier, brash types that have popped up in recent years, and evokes a quirky American film set. Plus there's a great choice of Polish food if you fancy trying something new and different. 

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Shopping

Now is the perfect time of year to check out The Worm That Turned, who provide both beautiful and useful items for your garden and home. Get inspired with their ideas to transform allotments, gardens and patios into magical spaces you’ll want to spend more time in.
Or head up the road and pop into Happy Sunday Vintage & Antiques at 128 Derby Road and shop the coolest vintage pieces and immerse yourself in our nostalgic retro wonderland.

Windblowers is a specialist music shop that has the largest selection of sheet music in the midlands. If you’re looking to pick up a new musical hobby they will have the knowledge and expertise to get you started!

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Pubs

Just a little off the main strip on Alfreton Road is The Organ Grinder. Owned by local brewery Blue Monkey, their selection of local ales is second to none in the area. A proper classic pub, you certainly won’t find blaring music and fruit machines, but you’ll probably get some friendly conversation, a newspaper and a friendly dog at your feet. There's also a lovely roof terrace to relax on for those warm summer evenings.

Finally, The Hand and Heart is a rather special pub. Not only is it generally lovely throughout, but also a great place to check out some of Nottingham’s famous caves! Beginning life as a brewery in 1831, the building was soon extended to create a romantic Victorian dining area within the caves, complete with an open wood fire and a delicious menu that is a little fancier than your standard pub grub.

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Photo Op

As you wander back down towards the city, there are two spots which are perfect for snapping photographs and selfies. The grand Park Tunnel was built in 1885 to allow horse drawn carriage access to the Park Estate and is now a unusual public thoroughfare. Or if you veer onto Circus Street, check out Anish Kapoor’s Sky Mirror in the courtyard of Nottingham Playhouse. Installed in 2001 this magnificent sculpture reflects the sky giving an optical illusion effect that is quite extraordinary and a brilliant spot to snap a photograph!

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Entertainment

Whether you’re a seasoned theatre goer or a newbie, having a nose at the programme of shows on at Nottingham Playhouse is highly recommended. From big name touring spectacles to smaller offbeat exclusives, every show is of a high standard. The adjoining bar and outdoor seating area have a cool modern style that might make you feel rather continental and is a perfect place to relax at the end of the day!

If you've taken a wander up Derby Road, picked up some treasures and seen some good sights, get in touch! We love to hear your thoughts on X, Facebook and Instagram! 

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This blog was written by Sophie Gargett in 2018, Marketing Assistant at Visit Nottinghamshire and updated by Kinga Kapias in 2024.