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Alchemilla and Mollis founder Alex Bond talks about bringing Michelin star food to Nottingham

What do fried chicken and fine dining have in common? More than you might think if you know where to look. From the Michelin-star menus of Alchemilla to a Mollis takeover of the kitchens at Saltbox bar, Alex Bond is on a mission to elevate the Nottingham dining scene. We took a trip down to Derby Road for a chat with the star chef. 

We speak to University of Law Nottingham students about their experience of offering free legal advice to the community

Nottingham’s blessed with world-renowned universities, but there’s one you might not know about - The University of Law (ULaw). Opening their Nottingham city campus in 2019, they offer law-specific courses for those looking to get into the profession. ULaw does plenty for the wider Notts community too, by offering pro bono (without charge) services, where students can get hands-on experience whilst being supported by practising lawyers. We paid a visit to find out more from some of the law students hoping to make a difference in the world…

We speak to poet Luke Wright before his appearance at Nottingham Poetry Festival

You’re invited to Luke Wright’s Silver Jubilee! He’s throwing the ballad bunting up and stacking the plates full of poems for a visit to Nottingham Poetry Festival tomorrow, commencing his five date UK tour celebrating his 25 year long career.

We speak to Craig Chettle, CEO of Nottingham’s Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies which turns thirty this year

Nottingham’s Confetti Institute of Creative Technologies turns thirty this year. Over that time it has grown from a college course with ten students to an institution with 3000 students and 400 staff, currently spreading its wings into London. We put some questions to their CEO and founder Craig Chettle about his journey over the last three decades…

Gig review: Pet Shop Boys at Motorpoint Arena

Longtime and new fans of the iconic English synth-pop duo were recently treated to a two-hour concert at Nottingham's Motorpoint Arena. LeftLion's Rachel Imms immersed herself in the experience...

We speak to Benjamin Wigley, director of Paa Joe & the Lion ahead of Nottingham Poetry Festival

Next year, Nottingham Poetry Festival will be celebrating its tenth anniversary. The longevity and success of the festival, which began as a project by Confetti and is now its own company, is an ode to Nottingham’s burgeoning poetry scene. This year, part of a jam-packed programme, is a screening of three films featuring poetry by the late, great, Benjamin Zephaniah. We spoke to the film's director and friend of Zephaniah, Benjamin Wigley, along with the festival’s creative director, Alma Solarte-Tobón.

A Decade on Screen: 10 great moments from Notts TV

With local journalism becoming an endangered species in recent years, Nottingham is very lucky to have Notts TV. Along with training our students to become broadcasters and journalists, the company has made their mark over the years in both modest and mighty ways. Here’s some of their best moments, according to Channel Manager Chris Breese…

Five Leaves Opens Submissions for Diverse Debut Poets

Throughout June, Five Leaves Publications is accepting submissions for debut poetry pamphlets, particularly from under-represented or marginalised communities...could it be you?

Gig review: Thirty Seconds to Mars at Motorpoint Arena

Bringing that misty-eyed quality of Hollywood to the Motorpoint Arena, LeftLion witnessed Thirty Seconds To Mars reaching for the stars...

LeftLion's Guide to Summer Festivals 2024

The sun is out, summer is here, which can only mean one thing – it’s officially festival season! And while not everyone is lucky enough to win the Worthy Farm lottery by getting tickets to Glastonbury, the good news is there are plenty of incredible events happening right on our doorstep. To give you the lowdown, here’s our ultimate guide to the best local festivals taking place in Nottingham and the surrounding areas over the next few months…

Bearing Fruit: We hear from Fruit Market, who are providing low-energy homes and community-first architecture in Sneinton Market

A once crumbling Sneinton Market has become a thriving new neighbourhood of independent businesses. Providing low-energy homes with considerate, community-first architecture, Fruit Market is the next chapter in a story of local organic regeneration

Festival review: Bearded Theory 2024

Despite the unpredictable British weather, Bearded Theory 2024 proved to be a fantastic weekend of music and merriment. With an excellent line up, which included several of Notts' own talented bands, revellers were not deterred by a bit of mud during the four-day extravaganza...

We speak to dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson ahead of Nottingham Poetry Festival

Pioneer of dub poetry, NME journalist, trailblazing activist, father and grandfather, the first black poet published by Penguin Modern Classics - Linton Kwesi Johnson has worn all these hats and more. Wondering which hat he’ll wear at the Nottingham Poetry Festival on June 14, we gave him a call…

Spoken word, album launches, restaurant week and the Castle Rock Yard Party: Here’s what’s on in Nottingham this week: 3 – 9 June 2024

We chat to Home Counties on the sidelines of Dot To Dot Festival

As Dot To Dot Festival raged around us, LeftLion caught up with Will Harrison and Bill Griffin of Home Counties, to talk about the band's debut album, their sound transformation, and vodka shots...

We talk to Fast Forward, a creative learning outlet that teaches music as an alternative to traditional education

Fast Forward Direction Thru Music is helping transform the lives of students through the power of music. We spoke to founders Stevie Lee and his fellow musicians/co-founders, along with several students, to hear about their important work and the crowdfunder that hopes to help them train more students in music production skills.

Nottingham's most opinionated greengrocers on Lord Byron, fanzines, and JT Soar

Gig review: Kofi Stone & more at Mimm Studios

Kofi Stone, along with a host of different artists from all over the country, represented Big Nature Collective to put on a very special intimate event at Mimm Studios. LeftLion checked out this emerging talent... 

In photos: Take That at The City Ground

This weekend, Take That chose Nottingham Forest's City Ground stadium to host two nights of their This is Life tour. Our photographer Laura Patterson dropped in to get some shots...

Ice skating, Ruby Wax, Gary Numan, Green Hustle and 30 Seconds to Mars: Here's what's on this week in Nottingham: 27 May - 2 June

Lots to be getting on with this week in Nottingham! Check out comedy from Ruby Wax, gigs from the legendary Gary Numan and 30 Seconds to Mars, the wonderful Green Hustle, and a range of ice-skating sessions to get down to.

How local football team Fanzines United FC was created from a conversation in Selectadisc record shop

In 1990 a conversation in Selectadisc record shop led to a group of Notts County and Nottingham Forest fanzine creators putting their rivalries aside to form a football team together. Fanzines United FC was formed and is still going strong to this day. Andy Lowe, founder of the Tricky Tree fanzine explains how it happened…

Pick Six: Matt Gill

This month for our Pick Six we turn to Matt Gill, zine enthusiast and Senior Lecturer in Fashion Communication and Promotion at NTU.

An evening with Thurston Moore at Rough Trade

Earlier this month, Ria Serena dropped in to Rough Trade for a special event with a man who is described by some as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. Best known as a founding member of Sonic Youth, Thurston Moore captivated the audience with his tales of the avant-garde music scene...

Food review: Saltbox X Mollis Takeover

This summer Nottingham's favourite fried chicken masters Mollis are bringing their banging burgers, wings, and tenders to gig-goers and hockey fans with a takeover of the kitchens at live music and sports bar Saltbox in Bolero Square. 

In Photos: Lucy Spraggan at Rock City