Santa’s Grotto to icy cocktails at Winter Wonderland – your weekend plans just got a serious upgrade!

Happy Friday, Nottingham! 🎉 The weekend’s finally here, and we’ve stuffed it full of the good stuff!

In today’s Local Scoop:

• Tinsel, Treats, and a Trip to Santa’s Grotto! 🎅

• Step into Nottingham’s Coolest Spot – The Ice Bar at Winter Wonderland! ❄️🍸

• Our scrumptious scoops for the week 🍽️

Let’s get to it.

— Local Scoop Nottingham

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN NOTTINGHAM THIS WEEKEND?

Tinsel, Treats, and a Trip to Santa’s Grotto! 🎅

Get ready for a festive day out this Sunday, at the Forever Stars Christmas Fair! Hosted at the Village Hotel in Chilwell from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this event promises a mix of holiday cheer and gift shopping!

Expect over 30 stalls, a cosy Santa's Grotto (£4 entry with a chocolate gift from Santa), and an incredible Christmas raffle featuring prizes like signed Nottingham Forest and Notts County shirts, and even an Xbox! Plus, two choirs will be filling the air with all your favourite carols, guaranteed to warm your heart.

With free entry, free parking, Starbucks, and a bar on-site, it’s the perfect place to kick off your holiday season in style.

📅 Date: Sunday 17th November

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: Village Hotel, Brailsford Way, Chilwell, NG9 6DL

SCRUMPTIOUS SCOOPS

Bombay Deli: A Taste of India Right in West Bridgford! 🍛

Craving something authentically Indian but can’t quite make it to Mumbai? Bombay Deli is here to spice up your day! This family-run gem has been serving up vibrant Indian flavours since 1995, offering everything from street food classics to hearty curries – all with that homely touch.

Must-Try Dish: Their Aloo Paratha – because nothing says Sunday morning like a warm, buttery paratha stuffed with spiced potato goodness. Served with tangy pickle and creamy yoghurt, it's the ultimate comfort food!

Whether you’re in for a quick snack or a full-on feast, Bombay Deli’s menu has got you covered, with samosas, bhajis, kebabs, and curries that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

⏰ Opening Times:
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📍 Location & Map Directions: 18 Gordon Road, West Bridgford, NG2 5LN

The Butchers Bar & Steakhouse: Steaks So Good, You’ll Want to Moo About It 🥩🍷

Set in a grand Victorian Mill in Long Eaton, The Butchers Bar & Steakhouse brings a hefty slice of carnivore heaven to Nottinghamshire. With juicy, dry-aged steaks, mouth-watering sides, and a warm, industrial-chic vibe, this is where meat lovers gather for a serious feed. Think exposed brick, retro lights, and plates big enough to satisfy even the hungriest steak aficionado.

From their signature, Chateaubriand (perfect for sharing if you’re feeling generous) to the 8oz Flat Iron and the mighty 12oz Rump Picanha, every steak is a showstopper. Each cut is served with charred vine tomatoes, field mushrooms, and your choice of skin-on fries or mac and cheese. Want to jazz it up? Add a peppercorn or Stilton sauce, or go for their truffle and thyme butter for an extra treat.

Not in the mood for steak? No worries – they’ve got everything from the crispy Pork Belly starter with maple glaze to the Vegan Mongolian Stew for those plant-based diners. Finish it with their Black Forest dessert – dark chocolate mousse and cherries soaked in kirsch, anyone?

📅 Opening Times:
Wednesday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: Westgate, Long Eaton, NG10 1EF

BIZ BITE OF THE WEEK

Little Plant Guys: Your New Planty Paradise on Derby Road 🌱☕

Looking for a green escape without leaving the city? Head down to Little Plant Guys on Derby Road, where you’ll find Phill, Larry the shop dog, and a jungle of hand-picked houseplants! Starting as a man, his dog, and a van full of plants, they’ve blossomed into a thriving spot for all things leafy, quirky, and calming.

Stressed about your fiddle leaf or need advice on keeping a cactus alive? Phill’s got you covered. Pop in for a natter, grab a cuppa, and lose yourself among the plants – it’s more laid-back than a Sunday roast. They’ve got everything from leafy statement pieces to stylish pots and homewares, sourced from small, local businesses to keep things feeling personal.

No rush, no fuss – Little Plant Guys is all about finding the right plant for the right spot and the right vibe. And if you can't carry your new plant babies home, they even offer local delivery to select areas in Nottinghamshire.

📅 Opening Times:
Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: 124-126 Derby Rd, NG1 5FB

ACTIVITY ALLEY

Sunday Special at West Bridgford Market! 🎉

No need to wait for another month – West Bridgford Market is back this Sunday, bringing all the festive vibes to Central Avenue from 10 AM to 3 PM. It’s a Sunday treat packed with local foodies and makers ready to help you jump-start your holiday shopping.

With fresh dates added to the market calendar, this is your chance to support locals, snag some unique finds, and indulge in delicious street food.

📅 Date: Sunday 17th November

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: Central Avenue, West Bridgford

Step into Nottingham’s Coolest Spot – The Ice Bar at Winter Wonderland! ❄️🍸

Brace yourselves, the Ice Bar is ready to freeze your bits off (but in the most stylish way, of course!). Winter Wonderland has returned, bringing its frosty favourite to Old Market Square. From now until 31st December, you can sip icy drinks surrounded by sculptures that’ll make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a Swiss après-ski bar – minus the flights and hefty price tag.

What to Expect:

• Sip your drinks from real ice glasses! 🥂

• Enjoy the frosty decor, where everything from the bar to the seats is crafted from ice.

• Cosy up with complimentary coats and gloves – because you’ll need them!

Only 50 people are allowed in at a time, so grab your tickets and get ready to chill out in style!

📅 Date: Friday 15th November - Tuesday 31st December

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets:
Standard Adult (18+): £19.50 (Includes 2 drinks)
Premium Adult (18+): £22.50 (Includes 2 drinks + glass of Prosecco)
Child (5+): £11 (Includes 2 soft drinks)

📍Location & Map Directions: Old Market Square

FRESH EXPERIENCES

Foraging Through Winter: Indoor Edition! 🍄🍸

Join Lucy, aka The Nottingham Forager, for a cosy afternoon of foraging fun without stepping foot outside! Hosted at Mojo on Thurland Street, this event promises an interactive journey through the world of wild food, perfect for November and December.

What to Expect:

• Forager’s Show and Tell: Discover what you can forage locally during the winter months.

• Wild Food Pub Quiz: Test your wild food knowledge and win some quirky prizes.

• Drinks Galore: Sip on foraging-inspired cocktails, herbal teas, and even mushroom coffee – all crafted for the adventurous taste buds.

• Bites by Baked By Buckles: Delicious foraged-themed catering to fuel your foraging curiosity.

No need to book – just rock up! It’s a family-friendly, dog-friendly event (but bring ID if you look a bit too fresh-faced for the cocktails). Unfortunately, Mojo’s lovely old building isn’t wheelchair accessible due to a short flight of steps.

📅 Date: Saturday 16th November

⏰ Time:
Doors open at 2:30 PM
Event from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

📍Location & Map Directions: 10 Thurland St, NG1 3DR

The Art of Writing Loudly: Self-Promotion for Writers 📚💥

Calling all scribblers and aspiring novelists! Writing may be a solitary affair, but promoting yourself certainly isn’t. If you’re more comfortable scribbling in the shadows than shining in the spotlight, this event is here to help.

Join seasoned experts Pete Mosley and Stephen Aryan at Waterstones for a masterclass on how to confidently step into the digital world and make some noise. Learn the tricks of self-promotion in a fun, supportive environment – because let’s face it, even the quietest writer could use a little PR magic!

📅 Date: Saturday 16th November

⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

🎟️ Tickets: £5-10

📍Location & Map Directions: Waterstones, 1/5 Bridlesmith Gate

LIVE MUSIC

Get ready to fill your weekend with great tunes and lively vibes. Here’s your guide to the best live music happening from Friday to Sunday:

Friday

• The SMYTHS - Rescue Rooms - 6:30 PM

• Mike Viola - The Bodega - 7:00 PM

• Noasis, Oasis Tribute Band - Southbank Bar - 7:00 PM

• The Memphis Cruisers - Billy Bootleggers - 8:00 PM

Saturday

• The John Street Revival Live - Billy Bootleggers - 2:00 PM

• Peggy’s Skylight presents ISQ - 7:00 PM

• Black Doldrums + Virgins + Sam Shaw & The Real Eyes - Saltbox Bar - 7:00 PM

• Black Water County - The Bodega - 7:00 PM

• Bradley Simpson - Rescue Rooms - 7:00 PM

• Requiem Clubnight - Rough Trade Nottingham - 8:00 PM

• The SKAs Live - The Gedling Inn - 9:00 PM

• Live at The Ram Inn - Redhill/Arnold - 9:00 PM

• Panic at The Emo Club - Billy Bootleggers - 10:30 PM

Sunday

• Shan Tilley - The Stag Inn Kimberley - 4:00 PM

• Arthur Hill Live - Rescue Rooms - 6:30 PM

WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

11°C 🌡️ 8°C | 🌫️ Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning | <5% | 💨 SSW 6 mph (5 knots)

Saturday

11°C 🌡️ 4°C | 🌫️ Overcast changing to sunny intervals by lunchtime. | <5% | 💨 W 5 mph (4 knots)

Sunday

8°C 🌡️ 3°C | 🌫️ Partly cloudy changing to sunny intervals by late morning | <10% | 💨 S 4 mph (3 knots)
Temperature readings taken from the Met Office the night before publication

THANKS!

Thanks for reading Local Scoop Nottingham today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Nottingham as much as you do.

The Local Scoop Nottingham

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