Hockley and Lace Market

The beating heart of all things independent in Nottingham, Hockley and the Lace Market are situated in the cultural quarter of Nottingham. This is where the city's individual spirit shines, with colourful rainbow roads, cool street art, alfresco dining and a host of businesses set up by locals with a passion. You can easily lose track of time whilst browsing the independent shops, bars and cafes that make up Hockley, and if your style or interests are more offbeat, you're likely to find something to make you smile in this quirky area.

Shopping 

If you're a book lover, charity bookshop Bookwise is the place to search shelves for rare and vintage editions. Legendary record store Rough Trade is not to be missed if you are a music fan, with a bar upstairs holding regular album release and touring gigs.

For those who enjoy sitting down to a good old crafting session, Debbie Bryan is a hidden gem. Selling unique British craftwork, ceramics, jewellery and Nottingham lace, their popular workshops and crafternoons let you have a go at making something yourself, while evenings are dotted with events such as vegan supperclubs. They also offer a delectable Afternoon Tea!

The Fletcher Gate Art Gallery is the only independent art gallery in Nottingham with a focus on quality original fine art. The gallery has a wide variety of original art ranging from local artists to artwork we have sourced, creating a diverse portfolio of art to appeal to aspiring collectors and meet the individual tastes of the existing clientele.  Fletcher Gate Art Gallery's interests are broad, with the emphasis on inspirational, quality and aesthetically beautiful works.

Food & Drink

It's not just shopping that makes this part of the city shine however, the area is also a mecca for delicious dining and one-of-a-kind bars. The Hockley Arts Club may be tricky to find, but its array of delectable cocktails, bottomless brunch and afternoon tea are worth the hunt. Get the taste of the Mediterranean and dine alfresco at the award-winning Bar Iberico and Iberico World Tapas. For a truly unique bar experience, why not get a round of nostalgic arcade games in at Penny Lane?

When looking at dining options, one of the best spots in Hockley is undoubtedly MESA, which has a a slick industrial theme and an open kitchen. Or start your day with a breakfast, cake or coffee at Hockley Kitchen. 

In the Lace Market area, you will find the inspiring bar Pitcher and Piano housed inside a striking Grade II-listed church and the legendary Annie's Burger Shack which is famous for their unique burgers. Some other local favourites include Cock & Hoop, Kean's Head and Penny Lane.

Fashion

Let's talk fashion. Men's urban streetwear can be found in Mimm, home to original printed tees and hoodies. Those with a penchant for the darker side of fashion will go crazy for Void Clothing. Vintage obsessives can find classic threads at Cow Vintage, White Rose or Wild Clothing. And Ice Nine has been the place to go for anyone on the hunt for new-age clothing, silver body jewellery, circus toys and bohemian knickknacks for the past 40 years.

Evening Entertainment

If you're after a spot of evening entertainment in the area, why not go to Broadway, one of the world’s leading independent cinemas, check out a varied programme of theatre at Nottingham Arts Theatre and the Lace Market Theatre, or (if you get your timing right) head to an exhibition opening at Nottingham Contemporary, which often include themed live music and activities. Peggy's Skylight is an independent jazz club in Hockley, hosting fantastic and unique jazz evenings throughout the week. They also have a bar and kitchen, making it the perfect night out for food, drinks and entertainment. 

The East Midlands' only arena is also found in the Lace Market. Visit the Motorpoint Arena Nottingham for one of the best nights in town and see world-remowned acts which have included Rihanna, Elton John and The Who.

What to See & Do

The National Ice Centre sits of Bolero Square at the edge of the Lace Market. Here, you can skate in the home to Olympians Torvill & Dean and enjoy a variety of fun sessions throughout week including family skate, club sessions and foam parties. You can also enjoy a day at the National Justice Museum or City of Caves.

There are a few tours which cover this area of Nottingham, including Good Tours, The Bendigo Story, and Ezekial Bone’s award-winning Robin Hood Town Tour.

You will likley pass the Lace Market Street Mural, which celebrates Nottingham’s pioneering history with the lace industry and you'll find it on the NCC Car Park located on Fletcher Gate. Designed and created by Nottingham street artist Rubes, the artwork is an intricate lace pattern that includes a number of references to Nottingham formerly being the world leader in lace making – from the Spinning Jenny machine to the Luddite movement.

The Weekday Cross, in the historic Lace Market area of Nottingham, was once the main market area in Nottingham in the days before the Norman Conquest. In those far off times, it was named Weekday Market and its streets would be full of many citizens, as it was the centre of the town, before the market moved to the Old Market Square. It was also once the location of Nottingham’s old Court House and Town Hall.

St Mary's Church Nottingham City Centre is a Grade 1 Listed medieval building. An iconic example of Nottingham’s prosperity during the 15th century, its magnificent architecture, massive tower, slender columns, huge windows and alabaster monuments testifies to the wealth poured into its construction by the guilds, merchants, and gentry of Nottingham society. The Reformation of the 16th century, the Civil War of the 17th and unsympathetic alterations in the 18th stripped St Mary’s of its medieval splendour but the last two hundred years have seen sensitive restorations and additions, for example the splendid west front, chapel of the Holy Spirit, glowing stained glass, fine furnishings and a stunning stone floor. In the quiet churchyard the grave of George Africanus, a West African former slave who became a successful entrepreneur in Nottingham in the late 18th – early 19th century, has become a focus of much local interest.

The Adams & Page Building dates back to 10th July 1855 and sits proudly as the largest building in the Lace Market district of Nottingham City Centre. It was once a lace warehouse and showroom when Nottingham was at the heart of lace production around the globe. The Adams Building is instantly striking, with its grand exterior, marvelous design and foreboding entrance and windows. The design represented its importance in the city and it was once at the centre of Nottinghams industrial revolution during the 19th century. The building is named after Thomas Adams who was a famous quaker and industrialist in the 19th century.

Hotels

Lace Market Hotel is situated a stunning Georgian building. Previously a doctors residence, the hotel has elegant period features such as original sash windows, fireplaces and a quirky layout. After being completely restored and modernised the Lace Market Hotel is full of artistic character and aspiration design.

The boutique Mercure Hotel Nottingham was originally a coaching inn built in 1822 and epitomising the finest points of Georgian architecture. Regarded as the oldest hotel in Nottingham, the hotel exudes a sense of tradition, comfort and relaxation. Located in the fashionable Lace Market, the heart of the City Centre.

Located on the edge of the vibrant Lace Market area, the Ibis Nottingham Centre perfect location for business or pleasure. The hotel offers 142 non-smoking bedrooms featuring, flat screen tv (with internet access), direct dial telephone, high speed broadband connection, black out blinds, power showers and tea and coffee welcome tray.

For more city centre hotels, click here.

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As the oldest area of the city, Hockley and The Lace Market are steeped in history. Whatever your reason for visiting Nottingham, Hockley and The Lace Market are not to be missed and a brilliant way to get to know the city's unique, independent character.