New district making waves across Nottingham

Author: John Tarr

Author: John Tarr

While some parts of Nottingham have a rich history, the Canal Quarter is by contrast one of the newest, hottest hangouts in the city. Pumped with a 200 million investment, this sophisticated urban environment is crammed with coffee bars, restaurants, pubs and nightspots, luring the crowds away from Market Square, the Lace Market and Chapel Bar. The Canal Quarter may nestle among some of Nottinghams most antiquated sites, such as Ye Old Salutation Inn near the Castle, but this previously redundant stretch of water adorned with old canalside buildings is now making a bid to be noticed. A major redevelopment, and one of the most imposing sights on the landscape, is Castle Wharf. Here, youll find former warehouses transformed into contemporary bars, restaurants with inviting waterside terraces and traditional pubs brewing their own beer. If you fancy a casual beverage before the evening gets going, try the cheap-and-cheerful Company Inn. For something a little better-dressed, the Waterfront is a stylish venue popular for pre-club drinks amongst a younger crowd. One of the most remarkable establishments is the aptly-named Canalhouse bar. Situated in the former Canal Museum, the canal still runs through it complete with bobbing barge! Enter via a little footbridge to enjoy a relaxed evening in surprisingly unpretentious settings. Then set off for a swift half in Via Fossa, a boldly decorated bar with modern gothic accents and a decent drinks list, or sample the home-made bitter at Fellows, Morton and Clayton, a lively establishment in the oldest brew house in Nottingham, founded in 1891. For a change of scene away from the lap of the canal, cross over to The Loggerheads one of Nottinghams oldest pubs and the last premises standing from the now-defunct Narrow Marsh area. Nottinghams self-proclaimed best kept secret, was once a hideaway for highwayman Dick Turpin. Make sure you look out the back for a glimpse of the cliff-backed beer garden. Or try the Vat and Fiddle pub the tap for the Castle Rock Brewery with a simple taste in dcor and a sophisticated taste in malt whiskey. The Navigation Inn has the familiar canal backdrop, but this is where similarities to Castle Wharf end. Dating back to the 1800s and formerly an inn for people travelling the canals with stables for horses pulling the boats, its been sympathetically modernised to retain its original charm and features. For an even starker contrast, stroll back towards the castle to find a pair of ancient hostelries. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem has a history stretching back to 1189 and an ambience that smacks of museum as much as pub. Take a pew among the alcoves and caves to digest a slice of 800-year-old history. The quaint Old Salutation Inn dates back to 1240 and was originally a tanners workshop. Whether youre looking for canalside luxury, a taste of the past or a stroll along the towpath, this rediscovered corner of Nottingham covers all bases so successfully its unlikely to be forgotten again.About the Author:

John Tarr is a copywriter for Stag Weekends. Learn more about Nottingham at http://www.stagweekends.co.uk.

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