GREEN NOTTINGHAM!
Our home town of Nottingham has a burgeoning vegan dining scene. So we thought it was time to sing it’s praises!
Nottingham already has plenty to boast about. Robin Hood, DH Lawrence, Lord Byron, Sir Peter Mansfield, Boots the Chemist, Torvill and Dean, Raleigh Bikes, The Tindersticks, Trent Bridge, two football clubs and two world renowned universities – all hail from the area. But it’s undoubtedly also a glittering treasure chest for vegans and curious palettes!
It’s not just the tights that are green here! Award winning bio-gas buses and extended tram system make circumnavigating the city easy. Plus its new Charter 28 promise has put Nottingham firmly on the map as one of Europe’s cleanest cities.
We visited the East Midlands gem to see what it had to offer…
The Venues
- Sherwood United Reform Church, 1 Edwards Road, Sherwood, Nottingham, NG5 3AA
- Gedling Street, Sneinton Marketplace, Nottingham NG1 1DS
- Wheelchair accessible
Nottingham’s Vegan Markets are all fairly accessible and becoming a mainstay of living in the city.
Sneinton is not purely vegan, but has a good selection of vegan traders, and is close to the city centre, just South of its historic Lace Market area.
West Bridgford, and Sherwood are both purely vegan, run by and for vegans, and just a short bus ride out of town.
Chomp on a hot baked shepherds pie, Indian snack, warming curry or freshly baked loaf, and load yourself up with every kitchen cupboard essential imaginable!
Once you’ve tired of all that shopping and eating, pop into the many great drinking dens for a quick drink to round off the trip!
2. Vegan Society Fair/Green Festival/
Nottingham Arboretum, Waverley St, Nottingham NG7 4HF and University of Nottingham Conference Centre
- Ticketed Event
- Wheelchair Accessible
Each year Nottingham boasts not one, but two festivals with vegan food firmly on the menu:
The annual Vegan Society Fair hosts 80+ stalls, showcasing animal welfare charities, sustainable clothing and gifts, (cork bags and wallets, T-Shirts and aromatherapy products…), and incredible food.
Nibble on naughty buns from May Bakery and Butterwick Cakes, dive into deep-filled Vork Pies and feast on feta from Poppy Lettuce’s cheese selection. Watch a workshop or lounge in the chill-out spaces.
Running from Fri – Sun, it’s a great place to learn about having a cruelty-free lifestyle, to meet like-minded people, and to fill your face!
The annual Green Festival at Nottingham Arboretum, encourages all aspects of an ecological lifestyle, from food to building our homes.
Listen to live music at the historic bandstand. Sign up to environmental and welfare charities, pick up political groups’ pamphlets. Get ideas for greening up your home, shop for eco-crafts, gifts, clothing and books. And of course tickle your taste-buds! The stalls serve an array of baked goods, street food, vegan ice cream or piping hot coffee and specialist teas.
You can even plan your own herb garden at the plant stall!
Take a seat for a live cookery demonstration, join in a treasure hunt or watch a play. And once you’ve tired of the crowds, stroll through the beautiful park or head for an Indian Head Massage. Sigh…
7 Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LP
- No wheelchair access
The Angel serves the best vegan pub grub in town and has been pulling pints on the same spot for around 400 years. For decades it was a well-known haunt for metal and goth fans and still hosts live music events today.
As well as housing its own microbrewery, the Angel sits above an ancient cave system, which you can visit by booking a special tasting session.
But the Angel’s best vegan credential is its menu. These savvy publicans created a dual menu showing carnivorous meals on one side, with an exact vegan/vegetarian equivalent for every single dish on the other. Genius.
Delicious mains include veggie pie, chili burrito, burger, giant seitan steak with peppercorn sauce, sausage and mash, vegan fish and chips with smashed minted peas, or a whopping Sunday roast. Good luck choosing!
4. Noor Jahan
41 Mansfield Road, Nottingham, NG1 3FB
- No wheelchair access
When Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Noor died, Shah built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum to her. People flock to see the historic site from miles around – not entirely dissimilar to this fantastic restaurant.
Opened in 1971 by Asiq Miah and Zahid Ali, it’s among the oldest Bangladeshi restaurants in Nottingham. Current owner Mr Khan ensures it’s the friendliest eatery in Nottingham too. Almost every Nottingham resident has dined there at some point, usually again and again.
This is probably down to the warm welcome given to all their diners. Nothing is too much trouble: ask for vegan and they bring you vegan, regardless of what the menu says!
Everything is cooked fresh by clever chefs and the staff know the menu inside and out – so you’ll never get caught out. They’re proving so popular with vegan diners, they’re creating a dedicated vegan menu as I write.
If like me, your eyes are bigger than your belly, they’ll pop your leftovers in a doggy bag for you!
Nottingham’s curry houses really are the city’s crowning glory – I’ve never visited a duff one yet. But if you asked me to pick a favourite, Noor Jahan would be it.
14-18 Broad Street, NG1 3AL
- Dementia-friendly screenings.
- Wheelchair access (excl. snack fridge and bar height).
- Hearing loop fitted.
Head to this excellent four-screen cinema and bar for a quiet read of the papers, some respite after a hard day’s shopping, or to hang out with friends.
The menu changes quarterly, and there’s always at least one vegan option and one vegetarian option on the board. The whole menu during January is dedicated to ‘Veganuary.’
Serving excellent coffee (with free refills for members), and crisp guest beers from time to time. Choose from tempting cakes, handmade pizzas, thick sandwiches, soups, burritos, a tonsil scorching ‘mac ‘n’ cheeze’ or my personal favourite, Kimchi Tater Tots.
There’s no ‘best time’ to visit – but you’ll find it at its busiest just before the films start, particularly if the Silver Screeners are in.
However, if you’re lucky enough to bag a seat, it’s a fun hang-out, not just for the food, but also regular film quizzes, live DJ sets, talks and workshops and of course great films.
Vegan sweets and snacks are limited but you can take drinks into the screenings, and top off the whole experience with a mini tub of Booja Booja vegan ice cream.
Eldon Chambers, Wheeler Gate, Nottingham NG1 2NS
- No wheelchair access to toilets
Cosy-up in this 18th-Century mill with historic fireplaces and exposed brickwork from the old bake-house.
Enjoy an impressive breakfast, in the quiet courtyard, a lively lunch in a simple setting, or posh, tapas-style small plates in the evenings. Occasionally you might even get to listen to the backdrop of relaxing live piano music or guest singers while you eat. No. 12 also offers seven course evening tasting events.
With strictly seasonal fayre the No 12 menu guarantees deliciously fresh flavour at every time of year. The Heirloom Tomato Tarte Tatin (pictured) is fresh and light, the Squash Arancini crisp and golden, and their chocolate coffee and ginger mousse dessert has to be tasted to be believed.
Featured in Sainsbury’s Top 10 Veggie Restaurants in the UK, and Time Outs Best 12 in 2019, it’s the place to go for sophisticated vegan dining. We absolutely love this place!
127 Mansfield Rd, Nottingham NG1 3FQ
- Wheelchair access
A fairly recent addition to Nottingham, The Prickly Pear has already attracted a loyal following. It offers a solely vegan menu of tacos, kebabs, burgers, mac ‘n’ cheese, Buddha bowls and grilled sandwiches.
The breakfasts are particularly good with imaginative ingredients and healthy portions. Gluten free options are also available – with blueberry pancakes probably topping the list as best in show.
8. Thompson Brothers Greengrocer and Garden Centre
83B Haydn Road, Nottingham NG5 2LA
- Limited access
Anyone familiar with the town’s cultural ‘zine The Leftlion will know these two brothers well, as they contribute regular features.
The Sherwood grocery is a small but perfectly-formed shop, where the only thing better than the produce is the conversation.
Run by brothers Andrew and Stephen since 1979, the store is a cornucopia of fresh fruit, veg, herbs and household staples.
Choose from whopping Isle of Wight garlic, locally grown peas, beans, greens, cherries and carrots, and a mind-boggling variety of fresh, seasonal produce.
Stick a plant or shrub in your wire basket, pick up a pumpkin for Hallowe’en and in December, take your pick of the best Christmas trees and poinsettias in the city.
Whatever you’re buying from them, the brothers and their excellent team treat all their customers to fun conversation and a genuine interest in how they’re doing. They have opinions on just about everything! As a result they’ve managed to cultivate a really positive sense of community – not to mention an encyclopaedic knowledge of fruit and veg.
153-155 Woodthorpe Drive, Nottingham, NG3 5JL
- Wheelchair access/ Hearing loop
A hop-and-a-skip away from Woodthorpe Park, Sherwood, this lovely wee pub is nestled into an old bakery.
It’s owned by Castle Rock Brewery who took their name from the rock which Nottingham Castle (fabled home of the Sheriff of Nottingham) sits on. Unsurprisingly they own several pubs in and around Nottingham – each one worth a visit. But the Bread and Bitter is easily their friendliest and most chilled out.
The venue comes with tons of original features, including its old bread ovens and paddles, has outdoor seating and a light airy conservatory for group bookings.
You’ll easily find a beer to suit, and the accompanying Sunday roasts are really impressive. Especially good are the mushroom pies served with al dente veg and a dainty gravy boat on the side. Their roast potatoes and home made stuffing are to die for!
It’s a great place to just drink good beer, cheat at the board games, and lose yourself in the day’s papers. But a visit before or after a bracing Sunday walk in Woodthorpe Park is highly recommended, especially if you like your days to include I.P.A. and cuddling dogs.
10. DoughNotts
14 King St, Nottingham NG1 2AS
- No wheelchair access
Uphill from the old Market Square is the sugar-dusted, colourful amazeballs-ness that is DoughNotts.
Almost all of their doughnuts are vegan, they’re all freshly baked – and they are seriously, seriously good!
Order a home delivery box for your pals in the office, or carefully select one (or two) to bury your face in as you emerge into the old market square!
Favourite for me is the Salted Caramel but honestly, I’d give any of them a fair trial!
20 Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NN
No wheelchair access – and too loud for my autistic partner 🙁
In the beating heart of Hockley Lace Market, this place has the definite whiff of a secret LA jazz club about it. If the bouncers didn’t stand by the doorway, you’d easily miss it, as it’s set way back from the street itself.
Teeter up the old fire exit and you’ll be greeted by lush, Parisienne-style décor, spread across three spell-bindingly beautiful floors.
It’s easy to imagine Van Gogh huddled over an Absinthe in any of the three well-stocked bars, (Stockholm, Blue Room and Electric Garden) – or even Marlene Dietrich stepping out in tux and hot pants and breaking into a deep, husky warble.
It gets LOUD in here, for the sole reason that it’s popular. But it’s not hard to settle in when you see the cocktail menu. Spoil yourself to Lychee Spritz or Isabella Longwing, or select something from their well-curated wine cellar.
While you sip, graze on a Vegan Platter of fat juicy olives, capers, vegan feta and home-made chutney.
Each Saturday there’s an opportunity to stick out your ‘pinky’ finger and tuck into a Bottomless Afternoon Tea! The vegan option includes samosas, pakoras, vegan sausage rolls, cucumber sandwiches, cupcakes and flapjacks – plus a warmed pot of your favourite brew.
There’s also a dedicated gluten-free vegetarian menu, which I think shows genuine forethought.
It’s definitely worth booking ahead though, especially for a Bottomless Tea or evening table, as disappointment otherwise is fairly inevitable. And somehow, delivering news of no free tables seems to be a point of cruel pleasure with some of the staff.
12. Roots Natural Foods, Sherwood
526 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 2FR
- Limited access
Gorgeous Roots is the place for community spirit-infused pantry essentials, health supplements and complementary medicines – and witty repartee!
The shelves positively groan with crunchy cereals and grains, pickles, jams, cooking sauces, and Nottingham’s finest range of naughty treats. In the fridges are fresh salad, veggies, pies, pastries and pizzas – plus a whopping range of dairy-free ice creams! They also stock a broad selection of home cleaning products and toiletries that are kind to sentient beings and the planet.
The best thing about Roots by far though, is their personality. They’re real sticklers for supporting local food and craft artisans and their commitment to making veganism work is unsurpassed in all of Nottingham. So you’ll often see evidence of like-minded local businesses being given an outlet in the store. No Homers, and Clemmie’s Cakes are regular finds in here – but you’ll also find gifts by local artists too, such as bags, tea towels, aromatherapy oils and candles.
Whilst only tiny, this place has a huge heart. Owner-manager Treena puts her beautiful soul into every inch of the place. It’s impossible not to love it in here!
13. The V-Spot, Sherwood
515 Mansfield Rd, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 2FS
- Limited access
Recently moved due to its popularity, the V-Spot sells delicious vegan ‘cheese’, sweets, puddings and frozen goods. It’s also handy for less obvious purchases such as vegan pet food, household items, make-up, bamboo socks, and vegan footwear. They also have a pretty extensive range of refills available.
V-Spot’s staff are dedicated to the cause – you’ll often find them at green events around the city. And they’ll happily warm up your chilli pepper sausage roll, or box up a slab of carrot cake if you’ve not managed to resist (and let me tell you, you won’t have done!) the home baked goods by the till.
They support the local Hunt Saboteurs and were instrumental in the creation of Sherwood Vegan Market too!
14. WasteNott
69 Haydn Rd, Carrington, Nottingham NG5 2LA6
- Wheelchair accessible
Opened in 2019, WasteNott is a community-run group selling sundries without the packaging.
Bring in your own boxes and bottles and weight them. Then self-serve whatever you need. They sell everything from flour to lentils, sugar to muesli, washing-up liquid to hand cream, and tea to dog biscuits.
WasteNott promotes a completely sustainable lifestyle, safeguarding the environment and creating affordable access to food. All profits they make go towards local food banks and anti-poverty projects.
55A Watnall Rd, Hucknall, Nottingham NG15 7JQ/Buy Online
- Wheelchair Access
Ahhhh…Clemie’s cakes… nothing we said here would quite do them justice! The wedding and special occasion cakes are works of art and her treat boxes are the perfect way to spoil someone you love (and there’s nothing wrong with a bit of self-love, am I right?). Clemie’s cakes are quite honestly the nicest things you’ll ever eat.
We recently tried her Halloween Vegan Rocky Roads (pictured). Now, I’m not a huge fan of marshmallows, and my ‘other half’ hates cakes. But for you guys, we went out on a limb. And we’re so glad we did. Both slices were demolished in under two minutes – and we’ve been dreaming about them ever since.
Even the website looks good enough to eat.
16. 13th Element
101 Castle Blvd, Nottingham NG7 1FE
- Wheelchair access
100% plant-based, 13th Element is a really recent addition to the city. Selling belly-busting burgers its diners can choose from troughing on the long, communal benches or grab something to go. They’re even on Just Eat etc.. if you fancy being a proper couch potato!
Highlights include the Bang Bang Bhaji and the Carri’beyond – both packed full of flavour and a total challenge to eat on a hot date!
14. No Homers Deli
26 King St, Nottingham NG1 2AS
Providing delicious seitan-based pies, sandwich fillings and roasts to many of Nottingham’s vegan food stores for months, it finally became clear that No Homers needed to expand and find its own base.
Opening to rave reviews in 2021 (of course!), the store is now the city’s vegan go-to for something a bit special, be it a super indulgent Coronation-chick’n style sandwich for lunch, or full on vegan paté-wrapped ‘Wellington’ for the festive season.
And why the name? Well, their website claims it’s down to an episode of The Simpsons, where a company slogan stated, “Noli habere bovis, vir!” – Don’t have a cow, man! Apparently it really resonated – and we couldn’t agree more!
Check ’em out!
Nottingham Round-up
It’s safe to say that as a vegan you’ll never go hungry in Nottingham. There are tons of the usual chains with staple vegan whatnots on the menu. But if you really want a top-notch vegan experience, these are definitely the venues to head for.
Nottingham also boasts the UK’s second Vegan Butchers – but this place is SO good, we wrote a blog dedicated to it. Check it out here.
