Nottinghamshire Restaurant Guide

“On the edge of an industrial estate, and under the A52 flyover might not sound the ideal place to take that special someone for dinner, but the experience makes up for it in spades” at Sat Bains’s “wonderful oasis, between the pylons, concrete jungle roadways and nettles!” – one of the UK’s most impressive restaurants (with rooms), on the outer-fringe of the city. “There is no other word than exceptional to describe his cuisine” (choose from a 7-course or 10-course menu) and “the unusual combinations are amazing without being different for the sake of it” (“horseradish ice cream sandwich was one of the nicest things I’ve ever tasted! and the chicken liver muesli was also a highlight!)”. Have they been working on the service too? – “with just the right amount of friendliness and attentiveness” it scored particularly highly this year. ‘Nucleus’ is a further dining option here – a six-seater chef’s table within the development kitchen, which couldn’t be more rapturously rated by reviewers.

This city-centre gem again elicits raves from reporters for its “outstanding” and “imaginative” food; “excellent service and atmosphere” too (owner “Anita gives her all to ensure everyone has a truly special time”). “We’ve been to Benares, Cinnamon Club and many others in and around London and this is easily the finest!”

“Still miles ahead of competitors far and wide” – this “sophisticated” bar in a historic cellar on the Lace Market delivers a formidable package of “amazing tapas”, “great sherry” and Iberian wines. “The quality wouldn’t be out of place in central London”.

Owner Imogen Skirving, who passed away in June 2016, “was most definitely a warm and very talented creator and chatelaine” and is “sadly missed” at the charming old-school country house hotel that she created in her grand family home. Arguably the venue “needs to re-establish itself” somewhat under granddaughter Lila, who has taken the reins here, but fans still find it a “memorable” spot.

A very characterful and slightly offbeat restaurant profiting from the panelled interior of The Nottingham Club, whose building it shares, plus a “very romantic” courtyard garden come summer; its “very, very interesting food” doesn’t always come off, but equally serious quibbles about it are absent.

The location strikes some as “strange” – “near a canal in a small unassuming town between Nottingham and Derby” – but this “first-class” venture pleases (nearly) all reviewers with its “imaginative, tasty British cooking” and “excellent service”: “expensive but good value for money”.

“Coffee is served by real enthusiasts” at this “cool NYC vibe” venue, which has now spawned six spin-offs as far afield as Cardiff and Leeds. “The food is much better than your average coffee shop (an ever changing selection of really good sandwiches, and decent cakes too)”. What’s more, you actually get served at the table, which is lovely, not having to hang around at the counter while the baristas fanny about!

A “new addition receiving well-earned praise”; “from the previous owner of Memsahib” (well-known local restaurateur Nel Aziz), this “beautifully restored” old NatWest branch is now a top destination for some “truly excellent” contemporary Indian food.