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. Some other local favourites include Cock & Hoop, Kean's Head and Penny Lane.

Mowgli was born to feed the raw need Indians have for tiffins full of fresh bright intense flavour. Their food is about the smash and grab zing of healthy, light, virtuosic herbs, and spices.

Faradays is a friendly venue, situated in the creative quarter of Hockley and just seconds away from public transport and several hotels, making it the ideal place to come for delicious food, a great range of drinks and unforgettable experiences.

The original Six Barrel Drafthouse opened in in November 2016. It is surrounded by independent shops and restaurants, and sits right in the middle of Hockley. Their sister venue can be found a short walk away next to Victoria Centre. 

Paste Thai is offers contemporary Thai cuisine in the heart of the Lace Market. You will love their contemporary rich-decor and stripped-floor restaurant with feature lighting.

HIPO Coffee brings you a fine selection of freshly made ground coffees and beautiful selection of spuds. Enjoy their meal deal including a baked potato with two fillings and a drink for only £6.50 (selected fillings and drinks only).

Ugly Bread Bakery was established in 2014, and have been serving up serving breakfast, handmade pizzas, mezzalunas, breads & deli products ever since! If you're busy exploring the city, why not get your order to takeaway?

BEAR was conceived out of a shared passion for good coffee, good people and good times. With its small red frontage nestled in amongst the rainbow colours of Carlton Street, the store has a lot more to show off inside than first meets the eye. Wether you're in the mood for brunch, coffee or cocktails, they are well worth a visit.

Lloyds No. 1 is a Grade II listed building. A JD Wetherspoons, it is popular with all ages and offers affordable food and drinks. In the evening, the bar changes into a nightclub with dancefloors and music.

Macaron Marlo specialises in gluten-free macarons. All of their macarons are baked by hand using the traditional method. They have a wide selection of flavours, a range that continues to grow and change seasonally.

Bonzai Sushi is a popular restaurant that serves dishes of the highest Japanese standards. They offer you great taste, serving high-quality food at a great value, ethnically diverse food options, unforgettable experience and full of local culture dining experience.

Vi-Va offers a Tapas Style Indian dining experience designed to elevate your senses and tantalize your taste buds. Every bite tells a story and each dish celebrates India's vibrant street food culture. Dining here is about creating unforgettable memories with loved ones, all while enjoying an explosion of flavors and aromas.

Sexy Mamma Love Spaghetti is a cosy venue with sidewalk dining, specialising in Italian food. You can expect the likes of tagliatelle, ravioli & tiramisu. Quirky and characterful, you are sure to have a fantastic meal.

Kayal is the pioneer of authentic Kerala seafood in Britain, and stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, passionately bringing the flavors of Kerala to the heart of the UK. A cherished family-run restaurant, Kayal has garnered widespread acclaim, earning distinctions that set it apart from the ordinary.

Hey!Chili is one of the freshest additions to Hockley’s vibrant dining scene, serving up an exciting selection of Southeast Asian dishes with a contemporary twist. With its bold neon signage and a sleek, minimalist interior, this spot is all about letting the flavours take centre stage.

Fat Hippo is a group of independent burger restaurants, based in locations over the UK including Hockley in Nottingham. Looking for the best burgers and dirty fries? Look no further! They are known for their quality ingredients and quirky flavours as well as our welcoming atmosphere.

Dolce is a small, family run Italian restaurant business opposite Broadway Cinema. The serve fine Italian Cuisine with specialities that include Funghi Stroganoff, Pollo Ripieno and Pollo Alla Creama. They also have a generous menu of chef specials including Melanzane Al Forno, Spaghetti con Polpette and pizzas.

Fashion

Let's talk fashion. Men's urban streetwear can be found in Mimm, home to original printed tees and hoodies. 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.

At Void Clothing, they pride ourselves on supplying the best alternative clothing, jewellery, accessories, make-up and band merch around. The 'Red Shop on the Corner' has become a bit of a local landmark in Nottingham over the last 30 years, and we couldn't be prouder of what we have become. Their little shop is stocked to the brim with alternative goodies, so pop by and explore their ever expanding Aladdin’s Cave of wonder! 

Solitaire Jewellers are an independent family business selling a range of antique and modern jewellery for everyone. With over 30 years' experience, they also offer a rnage of services including repairs, alterations, polishing and custom jewellery.

&BLANC are an independent store specialising in men's style. Their ethos is to provide our customers with exclusive online experience they will never forget through our unique combination mixed of brands. 

Robert Nottingham is the finest destination for all your shopping needs. With a wide variety of international fashion collections at unmatched prices, you will find yourself exploring casual and formal outfits that are easy-going and effortlessly stylish. 

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.

Crazy golf with an adult twist, Glory Holes brings is one of the more unique and fun experiences in Hockley! From swinging shafts to sinking putts, it is an adult-only crazy golf establishment with 18 holes, each more unique than the last.

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.

More Shops

Founded in 1997 Bodycraft Tattoo has one mission: to make tattoo and piercing accessible to all. Bringing creativity and a unique artistic flair to the tattoo and body piercing scene, their body of staff is comprised of passionate professionals ready to help you bring your vision to reality. 

The Luna Collective is a small cosy tattoo & piercing studio in the heart of Nottingham city centre. It was built on the idea of wanting to provide a more relaxed, friendly and personal experience for all clients. They put a lot of love and care into the shop, and they vow to put the same love and care into each and every one of their clients! 

Rough Trade is an independent record label and music store that champions new music. Browse their Nottingham store in Hockley and discover new music, shop merch or enjoy one of their events.

Charities

My Sight Nottinghamshire has existed since 1843 and is the sight loss charity for people across Nottingham City and Nottinghamshire. Based in Hockley, they offer activities including social groups, coffee mornings, sports and physical activity sessions, art sessions in partnership with Nottingham Trent University and a choir.

---

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.