Six of Nottingham's Finest Hidden Gems

Words: Gemma Cockrell
Photos: Nathan Langman
Monday 19 September 2022
reading time: min, words

It’s not all about Robin Hood and Nottingham Forest around here, you know. In fact, there are loads of great places that keep things low key but are well worth a visit. Here are six of the best…

da30cd24-0bf1-48e1-afce-bb81a5c3bb19.jpg

The Promenade

The Promenade is home to Nottingham's historic multi-coloured homes, which were originally built in the 1850s and were officially classed as listed buildings in the eighties. Honestly, it looks like something straight out of Balamory - except for the fact it’s located on the edge of a city centre, rather than by the sea.

eec6d035-5fa1-4b67-9d42-8ea552207022.jpg

Cobden Chambers

Home to some of Nottingham’s best independent creatives and businesses, Cobden Chambers can be found in one of the city’s secret alleyways. It can be easy to miss the entrance to the Chambers, but you will find it along Pelham Street if you look closely enough. Businesses that call Cobden their home include everyone from Studio Chocolate to jewellery designer Keishi.

793ced29-4025-494f-912d-715efc3989fe.jpg

Bromley House Library

The Bromley House Library was first established in 1816, before moving to its current location in Angel Row six years later. The independent lending library has hosted plenty of talks, Q&As and exhibitions over the years, and it is one of only few remaining subscription libraries still in existence in the UK today. If you’re a bookworm, this is definitely one to check out.

6cacc9ad-057c-4b44-9427-a28f5ee805bd.jpg

Sneinton Avenues

Situated behind the Motorpoint Arena, the Sneinton Avenues can be difficult to find unless you know where they are, but they’re definitely worth a visit. The square nearby hosts a regular weekend market, and the permanent units house an array of local businesses selling gifts and items that you can’t find elsewhere in the city. If you’re a fan of supporting indies, drop the Avenues a visit.

4f4d9723-688a-4d0d-b6c3-b70d36641066.jpg

Lost Property

Lost Property is a bar which is well worth checking out… if you can find it! Even once you’ve spotted the entrance (hint - it’s on Carlton Street), they still don’t make it obvious how to get inside. Want another clue? "Go for the black one between the two reds," the door staff will say. What does that mean? You’ll have to find out for yourself.

50683847-7c04-42fc-91ae-7cc782d77c5a.jpg

Five Leaves Bookshop

Another one for bookworms is Five Leaves Bookshop, a quaint little store that can be found in an alleyway opposite the Nottingham Tourist Centre. It specialises in independent publishers, and you are sure to find an array of interesting reads that are truly one-of-a-kind, as well as your more recognisable releases.

We have a favour to ask

LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?

Support LeftLion

Sign in using

Or using your

Forgot password?

Register an account

Password must be at least 8 characters long, have 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number and 1 special character.

Forgotten your password?

Reset your password?

Password must be at least 8 characters long, have 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number and 1 special character.