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Love at first sight: a look inside Southwell's newest vintage boutique

Fashion editor Addie Kenogbon-Harley catches up with Lottie Baxter, owner of one of Notts’ latest vintage boutiques, Love at First Sight, to find out more about how her teenage dream became a reality in the form of a small but mighty fashion hideaway in Southwell with a cult following.

Interview: Stevie Gray comedian and MC at Comedy in the Caves

There's a new venue for stand-up in the city. And it's a cave. Left Lion chats with award-winning comedian Stevie Gray on his bold gamble to shake up Nottingham's comedy circuit... 

Undercover Artist: Craig Whitemore shares his journey into professional graphic design and illustration

Our January cover artist Craig Whitemore shares more about his journey into professional graphic design and illustration.

From The Kitchen with Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico

We chat to Connor Sullivan, Head Chef at Bar Iberico Nottingham

Interview: Horrible Histories at the Royal Concert Hall

The unstoppable success of the BAFTA Award-winning CBBC TV series is coming live (and dead!) to the Royal Concert Hall this March, in what the promos say is a very special production. We spoke to cast members Richard David-Caine and Verona Rose...

Workshops, jazz, exhibitions and indie: here's what's o n in Notts this week 5 - 11 January 2026

Get creative, explore ancient history, eat Korean or groove to 2000s indie classics this week in Notts...

Step Right Up! Sneinton Market's Circus Hub tell us about their inclusive range of classes

If January, or life in general, has you feeling slothful, running away with the circus can sound like just the right dose of romanticism. But rather than leave your entire life to cavort with clowns, how about heading down to Sneinton Market’s Circus Hub to try some aerial silks, hoop, rope, and trapeze. We spoke to owners Kay Monrose and Ria Ashcroft, to hear about the benefits of their diverse range of classes and why anyone can have a go at circus skills…

Ten Nottingham activities that could improve your mental and physical wellness

It’s a new year and inevitably many of our thoughts turn to lifestyle changes, getting fit, trying new things and increasing our physical and mental wellness. Aside from hitting the gym there are various other things you can try in Nottingham to get the endorphins going and make this January feel a little lighter. Here are a few of our recommendations, but make sure that you check out individual websites for special events and more info…

LeftLion Issue #191 January 2026

Featuring Circus Hub, wellness activities in Notts, Fat Digester, Burns Night themed football columns, the story of Tom Simpson, Embankment Run Club, We Are Repairs, and more... 

“It’s time to restate the case for the nature-first approach to Broad Marsh” - Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust urge local people to have their say on Homes England consultation

As Homes England moves the Broad Marsh development forward, public consultation continues. Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust’s Erin McDaid argues that whilst the UK Government continues to push the false narrative that nature is a blocker of growth, Nottingham’s Green Heart shows that nature can unlock a once in a generation transformation of our city. 

Notts poet Marjie Griffiths on reaching the final of spoken word contest Slamovision

Marjie Griffiths has been enriching Nottingham’s literary scene with her poetry since her debut at Crosswords Open Mic in 2017. Now, she’s a finalist at Slamovision – the international spoken word version of Eurovision, hosted by the UNESCO Cities of Literature. She tells us about her Slamovision journey, her passion for Nottingham’s literary community, and the surprising dinner party conversation that inspired her Slamovision poem.

In photos: Amy MacDonald at the Royal Concert Hall, with better joy

Gig review: Ice Nine Kills at Motorpoint Arena

It may be Christmas time, but for one Wednesday night in mid-December, the Motorpoint Arena took us firmly back to Halloween season. Paying homage to classic horror movies both old and new, American metal outfit Ice Nine Kills brought their latest arena tour to Nottingham and it was simply one of the most over-the-top, theatrical and madcap shows we’ve ever witnessed. Here’s how the carnage unfolded…

Boutique chic: a look inside Flying Horse Walk's high fashion outlet Gigi Bottega

Nestled in the heart of the city centre at Flying Horse Walk, Gigi Bottega has quietly clothed a range of stars and fashion-savvy style lovers for ten years. As thousands of shoppers gear up to hit the city and get their hands on Christmas treasures, we talk to owners Gabriella Trivigno and her mum Debra Trivigno about how this hidden boutique is flying the flag for independent luxury fashion in Notts.

Trentbarton has announced its bus services for Christmas 2025 and over the New Year...

Trentbarton has announced its bus services for Christmas 2025 and over the New Year. Here's everything you need to know about how to get around on their network over the festive period...

We chat to James Yorkston ahead of his solo Bodega show

James Yorkston is a singer-songwriter, author and prolific collaborator. On the heels of a new album featuring Nina Persson (The Cardigans) and Johanna Soderberg (First Aid Kit) and a TV appearance with Jools Holland, and ahead of a solo show at The Bodega on 14th December, we caught up with James to talk obscure songs, collaborations and gig memories...

National Ice Centre Transforms into Winter Wonderland for Christmas 2025

Nottingham's premier ice venue unveils festive lineup featuring Santa's Grotto, K-pop skating, exclusive skating with Nottingham Panthers players and a major Cash4Kids fundraiser...

Alessi Rose shares her secrets ahead of her Rock City show

Ahead of her 'homecoming' Rock City date on the Voyeur Tour, breakout pop singer-songwriter Alessi Rose spared some time to chat to LeftLion about the value of human connections, favourite Nottingham spots, and the road from the Derby to the rest of the world...

Tattoo artist Maiko Only on her micro-realist designs and inspirations

In this month’s Artworks we hear from tattoo artist Maiko Only...

We chat to the people behind the Christmas Covers Party at The Bodega

Whether it’s grabbing a glass of mulled wine from one of the faux ski chalets in the Market Square or catching a screening of misty-eyed festive staple It’s A Wonderful Life at The Broadway, there are certain Yuletide traditions which are paramount in any true Nottinghamian’s December calendar. Another event high up on the to do list has been taking place for the last 22 years. First held at fondly-remembered Junktion 7 on Canning Circus in 2002, the Annual Christmas Covers Party has graced everywhere from Hopkinsons to The Maze over the last two decades and now resides at The Bodega. Ahead of this year’s event on 20th December, LeftLion caught up with three of the organisers and past performers, Alex Hale, Scot Lambert and Joey Chickenskin to garner intel on how it all works…

LeftLion Issue #190 December 2025

We chat to Wheatus about dream collabs, favourite guitars and rumours of a covers album

Wheatus are an American alt-rock powerhouse, the unit behind one of the biggest songs of the early 2000s, Teenage Dirtbag. They never stop, with the band now celebrating the 25th anniversary of the self-titled album. We chatted to frontman Brendan B. Brown about the upcoming tour, the legacy of Teenage Dirtbag, and why he likes Biffy Clyro so much...

Monet and Van Gogh to appear at Nottingham Arena next summer in new immersive experiences

Two immersive experiences which bring the work of iconic artists to life in mesmerising, immersive and moving fashion are set to enchant Nottingham art lovers next summer...

Gig review: Inspiral Carpets at Rock City

Following the hammer blow which was the news of the sudden passing of The Stone Roses’ ebullient and much -loved bassist Mani the day before, it felt strangely apt to spend the next night in the company of some of their Mancunian peers: Inspiral Carpets

Danny Donnelly on the importance of young carers being seen and heard

Across the UK, millions of unpaid carers face invisibility every day. Statistics prove that three in five adults will become a carer at some point, and two-thirds of young carers receive no support at all. Following his own personal experience as a young carer, Notts local Danny Donnelly set up CreatewithCare, a project using creativity to support the wellbeing of carers, raise awareness, and connect people to local support. He tells us about his journey and work…