Latest reviews in Nottingham, United Kingdom

Broadway Cinema - Fantastic by Watto

Watto — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:26:20 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 952 6600

Website: http://www.broadway.org.uk

Having visited the Broadway to view a series of short films a friend had worked on, I left incredibly impressed by the facilities. The seats were comfortable, the screening rooms were clean, and the small size helps give an wonderful feeling of intimacy which you don't get with larger cinema chains.
The food was quite expensive, but the cafÃ©/bar was good enough for us to return occasionally to the cinema, just for something to eat. I can't really comment on the ticket prices (mine was free), but a quick look at the box office reveals ticket prices slightly above those of a chain, which is to be expected at an independent cinema such as the Broadway.Having visited the Broadway to view a series of short films a friend had worked on, I left incredibly impressed by the facilities. The seats were comfortable, the screening rooms were clean, and the small size helps give an wonderful feeling of intimacy which you don't get with larger cinema chains.
The food was quite expensive, but the cafÃ©/bar was good enough for us to return occasionally to the cinema, just for something to eat. I can't really comment on the ticket prices (mine was free), but a quick look at the box office reveals ticket prices slightly above those of a chain, which is to be expected at an independent cinema such as the Broadway.

McDonald's Restaurant - You know what to expect... by Watto

Watto — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:19:25 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0115 950 2926

Website: http://www.mcdonalds.co.uk

Tags: seating area, childrens parties, vegetarian dishes

This is a McDonalds, so you know what to expect foodwise: cheap burgers, salty salads, etc. Whether you like that kind of thing is up to personal taste, but if you want something to eat fast, McDonalds might just be what you're looking for.
As for the restaurant itself, its usually kept clean, and its usually quite busy. During busy times your order will be taken at the door by a staff member with a PDF. This, combined with the large number of tills means that even when the restaurant is packed, your waiting time is kept to a minimum.This is a McDonalds, so you know what to expect foodwise: cheap burgers, salty salads, etc. Whether you like that kind of thing is up to personal taste, but if you want something to eat fast, McDonalds might just be what you're looking for.
As for the restaurant itself, its usually kept clean, and its usually quite busy. During busy times your order will be taken at the door by a staff member with a PDF. This, combined with the large number of tills means that even when the restaurant is packed, your waiting time is kept to a minimum.

Zavvi - Fantastic! by Watto

Watto — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:30:17 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 4.00Spread over two levels, Zavvi's Nottingham branch is one of the largest shops of its type in the Nottingham area. There is a massive selection of stock, including DVDs, games and CDs, with a large number of bargains and good offers.
The upper level is dedicated to DVDs and Games, with a massive selection of films, allowing you to find bargains on some obscure releases.
The lower level is entirely music. There used to be a massive selection of Vinyl and singles, but this seems to have been replaced with T-Shirts. Apart from that, the selection is fantastic, and there are always items available on offer, allowing you to pick up a few bargains.
A word of warning, however: the railings on the stairs easily collect a static charge. I manage to shock myself at least once per visit!Spread over two levels, Zavvi's Nottingham branch is one of the largest shops of its type in the Nottingham area. There is a massive selection of stock, including DVDs, games and CDs, with a large number of bargains and good offers.
The upper level is dedicated to DVDs and Games, with a massive selection of films, allowing you to find bargains on some obscure releases.
The lower level is entirely music. There used to be a massive selection of Vinyl and singles, but this seems to have been replaced with T-Shirts. Apart from that, the selection is fantastic, and there are always items available on offer, allowing you to pick up a few bargains.
A word of warning, however: the railings on the stairs easily collect a static charge. I manage to shock myself at least once per visit!

HMV - Good stuff by Watto

Watto — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:50:33 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 4.00Nottingham's largest HMV store is a very good shop, with a great selection of DVDs, CDs, and games, and a small selection of books and magazines. While some of this can tend to be quite expensive (especially the new releases) a lot of the older releases can be relatively cheap for a bricks-and-mortar shop.
Unfortunately there is no longer a good selection of singles in this store. However, a short walk will take you to Nottingham's second HMV shop, which does stock singles. Apart from that, however, this shop is very, very good, and is one of my favourites.Nottingham's largest HMV store is a very good shop, with a great selection of DVDs, CDs, and games, and a small selection of books and magazines. While some of this can tend to be quite expensive (especially the new releases) a lot of the older releases can be relatively cheap for a bricks-and-mortar shop.
Unfortunately there is no longer a good selection of singles in this store. However, a short walk will take you to Nottingham's second HMV shop, which does stock singles. Apart from that, however, this shop is very, very good, and is one of my favourites.

HMV - HMV by Watto

Watto — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:36:14 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 4.00The smaller of Nottingham's two HMV stores is by no means worse. The selection of music is just as comprehensive, and still includes a (limited) selection of singles and vinyl. The two story shop also has a floor devoted to DVDs and games.
Just like the larger HMV store in the Victoria Centre, there are a good selection of bargains, with two for Â£10 deals on CDs, and similar offers for DVDs. The store also seems to suffer from its small size, with it often feeling cramped and crowded. However, despite this, the shop is very good, and is one of the few shops I browse in every time I'm in Nottingham.The smaller of Nottingham's two HMV stores is by no means worse. The selection of music is just as comprehensive, and still includes a (limited) selection of singles and vinyl. The two story shop also has a floor devoted to DVDs and games.
Just like the larger HMV store in the Victoria Centre, there are a good selection of bargains, with two for Â£10 deals on CDs, and similar offers for DVDs. The store also seems to suffer from its small size, with it often feeling cramped and crowded. However, despite this, the shop is very good, and is one of the few shops I browse in every time I'm in Nottingham.

Selectadisc - Selectadisc by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:01:52 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Website: selectadisc.co.uk

With the exception of Fopp perhaps, this is probably the best place to go in Nottingham for music. The store stocks both CDs and Vinyl, and has an incredible range for such a small store. The decor is not very nice, and you often really have to rummage for stuff, but providing you know what you are looking for, this place is great. Prices vary dramatically depending on the item, but sometimes you can get a real bargain. The best thing about Selectadisc is that if there is a rare item you are looking for, this is the place that it will turn up.With the exception of Fopp perhaps, this is probably the best place to go in Nottingham for music. The store stocks both CDs and Vinyl, and has an incredible range for such a small store. The decor is not very nice, and you often really have to rummage for stuff, but providing you know what you are looking for, this place is great. Prices vary dramatically depending on the item, but sometimes you can get a real bargain. The best thing about Selectadisc is that if there is a rare item you are looking for, this is the place that it will turn up.

Wild / Wilder - Wild Clothing by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:55:48 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Tags: second hand, vintage clothing, exclusive boutique

This is a great pair of stores to go to to get an 'indie' outfit. They sell a mix of new and second-hand clothes and accessories including shoes and belts. Price-wise it is a bit random. New items (from the likes of Paul Frank and David & Goliath) tend to be on the pricey side, but the second-hand sections, if you're prepared to have a rummage, can turn up some great vintage bargains. I bought a fantastic vintage tea dress from here, and the great thing about Wilder is that you're unlikely to bump into anyone else wearing the same thing as you aroubd town.This is a great pair of stores to go to to get an 'indie' outfit. They sell a mix of new and second-hand clothes and accessories including shoes and belts. Price-wise it is a bit random. New items (from the likes of Paul Frank and David & Goliath) tend to be on the pricey side, but the second-hand sections, if you're prepared to have a rummage, can turn up some great vintage bargains. I bought a fantastic vintage tea dress from here, and the great thing about Wilder is that you're unlikely to bump into anyone else wearing the same thing as you aroubd town.

The Big Wok - Big Wok by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:44:17 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 3.00

Tags: chinese, crowded, good value

Big Wok is the place to go for a cheap Chinese meal in Nottingham. It works as a huge all you can eat buffet. There is a wide range of savoury dishes not confined to just Chinese options - there is also British favourites like chips. There is also a wide-range of sweet dishes, including a chocolate fountain. I didn't like the atmosphere at Big Wok, it is a cross between a fast-food joint and vultures circling for food. It can get very busy and feels a little rushed. Great for cheap food, but I wouldn't recommend for a particularly enjoyable dining experience.Big Wok is the place to go for a cheap Chinese meal in Nottingham. It works as a huge all you can eat buffet. There is a wide range of savoury dishes not confined to just Chinese options - there is also British favourites like chips. There is also a wide-range of sweet dishes, including a chocolate fountain. I didn't like the atmosphere at Big Wok, it is a cross between a fast-food joint and vultures circling for food. It can get very busy and feels a little rushed. Great for cheap food, but I wouldn't recommend for a particularly enjoyable dining experience.

BZR - BZR by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:18:40 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Tags: students, relaxed, trendy

BZR is a great bar to start the night in. With various drinks offers including 3-4-1, it is an absolute bargain. The place is always lively and buzzing, with a mix of students and yuppies, and even the odd celebrity sighting. Although the staff are friendly, it can take forever to get served, especially when it gets really busy. Another problem with this place is the toilets - they are near on impossible to find. The decor in BZR is pretty generic, relatively modern but nothing special. The only problem with BZR is that it is a little out of the way from the centr of town, which can be a problem when you're on a night out wearing killer heels.BZR is a great bar to start the night in. With various drinks offers including 3-4-1, it is an absolute bargain. The place is always lively and buzzing, with a mix of students and yuppies, and even the odd celebrity sighting. Although the staff are friendly, it can take forever to get served, especially when it gets really busy. Another problem with this place is the toilets - they are near on impossible to find. The decor in BZR is pretty generic, relatively modern but nothing special. The only problem with BZR is that it is a little out of the way from the centr of town, which can be a problem when you're on a night out wearing killer heels.

Savoy Cinemas - The Savoy Cinema by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:14:01 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 947 5812

Website: http://www.savoycinemas.co.uk

Tags: cinema, independent

This is a great little cinema situated in Lenton - the student town of Nottingham. It only has 4 screens, and one is small enough to practically be a tv, but the place has oodles of charm. The staff are always friendly and the old-fashioned decor just adds to the experience. The great thing about the Savoy is that it is independently run, but they still charge a lot less than the chain cinemas. The downside to The Savoy is the lack of sweets and snacks that they have on offer, a bag of Revels or popcorn is about all you will get, unlike in larger cinemas where you are spoilt for choice. The Savoy shows all the latest releases but also has special nights where it shows classics like 'Rocky' and 'Top Gun'.This is a great little cinema situated in Lenton - the student town of Nottingham. It only has 4 screens, and one is small enough to practically be a tv, but the place has oodles of charm. The staff are always friendly and the old-fashioned decor just adds to the experience. The great thing about the Savoy is that it is independently run, but they still charge a lot less than the chain cinemas. The downside to The Savoy is the lack of sweets and snacks that they have on offer, a bag of Revels or popcorn is about all you will get, unlike in larger cinemas where you are spoilt for choice. The Savoy shows all the latest releases but also has special nights where it shows classics like 'Rocky' and 'Top Gun'.

Sinatra's Restaurant - Sinatra's by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:08:04 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 9411050

Tags: romantic, pretentious, expensive

Sinatra's is a stylish restaurant and bar situated in Nottingham's restaurant quarter. It is the perfect place to go for an up-market eating experience. The restaurant offers a variety of interesting dishes, many are innovative takes on popular meals, such as fish and chips becomes beer-battered cod and potato wedges. It is a little on the expensive side, but I think it's worth it. The decor is contemporary and stylish, with the exception of the celebrity autographs which cover the walls, and are a bit odd to be perfectly frank. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of drinks. Parking is a nightmare as Sinatra's is in the pedestrianised zone.Sinatra's is a stylish restaurant and bar situated in Nottingham's restaurant quarter. It is the perfect place to go for an up-market eating experience. The restaurant offers a variety of interesting dishes, many are innovative takes on popular meals, such as fish and chips becomes beer-battered cod and potato wedges. It is a little on the expensive side, but I think it's worth it. The decor is contemporary and stylish, with the exception of the celebrity autographs which cover the walls, and are a bit odd to be perfectly frank. The restaurant also offers a wide variety of drinks. Parking is a nightmare as Sinatra's is in the pedestrianised zone.

Siam Thani - Siam Thani by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:02:04 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0115 958 2222

Website: http://www.siamthani.co.uk

Tags: thai, lively, romantic

Siam Thani is by far the best Thai restaurant in Nottingham. The food is outstanding - my favourite is the Sweet and Sour Tofu mix, but there are hundreds of dishes to choose from and a wide variety of vegetarian options, which makes a nice change. The staff are always extremely helpful and friendly, and came to check everything was ok with our meal at several points. The atmosphere is always really fresh, and I love the modern and stylish setting. It is close by to a number of bars so it is in a fantastic location if you were wanting to go somewhere afterwards.Siam Thani is by far the best Thai restaurant in Nottingham. The food is outstanding - my favourite is the Sweet and Sour Tofu mix, but there are hundreds of dishes to choose from and a wide variety of vegetarian options, which makes a nice change. The staff are always extremely helpful and friendly, and came to check everything was ok with our meal at several points. The atmosphere is always really fresh, and I love the modern and stylish setting. It is close by to a number of bars so it is in a fantastic location if you were wanting to go somewhere afterwards.

The Pit & Pendulum - The Pit & Pendulum by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:56:39 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 950 6383

Website: http://www.scottish-newcastle.com

Tags: students, live music, relaxed

The Pit & Pendulum is a great place to go for an alternative night out. The drinks are great - the Seven Sins cocktails are a personal fave (especially 'Greed'), and they often have a 3 for 2 offers on these. The crowd is normally a strange mix of students, emo kids and the occassional old drunk, but somehow it works. I would say this is definitely not the place to go all dressed up - it's more of a jeans and converse kind of place, but it's still really fun. There is plenty of seating even when it gets busy which is great. The only thing to watch is the talking toilets disguised behind a wall of books (no joke), which can be really confusing when drunk!The Pit & Pendulum is a great place to go for an alternative night out. The drinks are great - the Seven Sins cocktails are a personal fave (especially 'Greed'), and they often have a 3 for 2 offers on these. The crowd is normally a strange mix of students, emo kids and the occassional old drunk, but somehow it works. I would say this is definitely not the place to go all dressed up - it's more of a jeans and converse kind of place, but it's still really fun. There is plenty of seating even when it gets busy which is great. The only thing to watch is the talking toilets disguised behind a wall of books (no joke), which can be really confusing when drunk!

Fopp - Fantastic! by Watto

Watto — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:29:27 +0000

Review by Watto

Rating: 5.00Fopp recently went into administration, which wouldâ¬"ve been a shame, had HMV not bought the brand. A small number of flagship stores have been reopened, including this shop in Nottinghamâ¬"s city centre.
The shop is a reasonable size, and has a very good selection of stock, including CDs, DVDs and books.
An area of the store is dedicated to organising CDs by price, which makes it very easy to find bargains, and can help if you have a budget to stick to!
The atmosphere is fantastic, and there are regular live performances and signing sessions from artists.
This is one of my favourite music stores in the Nottingham area, and one I always visit when Iâ¬"m in town.
Fopp recently went into administration, which wouldâ¬"ve been a shame, had HMV not bought the brand. A small number of flagship stores have been reopened, including this shop in Nottinghamâ¬"s city centre.
The shop is a reasonable size, and has a very good selection of stock, including CDs, DVDs and books.
An area of the store is dedicated to organising CDs by price, which makes it very easy to find bargains, and can help if you have a budget to stick to!
The atmosphere is fantastic, and there are regular live performances and signing sessions from artists.
This is one of my favourite music stores in the Nottingham area, and one I always visit when Iâ¬"m in town.

Tantra - Tantra...a good night had by all! by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:02:43 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 5.00

Phone: 0115 985 9955

Website: www.tantrabar.co.uk

Tags: friendly, students, live

The great thing about Tantra is the vibe of the place. It is always packed full of people but still manages to have a really chilled out atmosphere. There is often live music and Tantra also runs themed nights and student nights. The cocktails are absolutely gorgeous, especially the Chockwork Orange which is by far the best cocktail around, although they are really expensive (from Â£7), so I would recommend going on a tuesday which is a student night and all cocktails are half price. The one downside to Tantra is its own popularity, it can be a bit of a nightmare trying to find a seat if you don't get in early enough, and there is ALWAYS a queue for the Ladies room. It also can be a bit grubby - my shoes always stick to the floor! Having said that, some of my best nights out in Nottingham began at Tantra.The great thing about Tantra is the vibe of the place. It is always packed full of people but still manages to have a really chilled out atmosphere. There is often live music and Tantra also runs themed nights and student nights. The cocktails are absolutely gorgeous, especially the Chockwork Orange which is by far the best cocktail around, although they are really expensive (from Â£7), so I would recommend going on a tuesday which is a student night and all cocktails are half price. The one downside to Tantra is its own popularity, it can be a bit of a nightmare trying to find a seat if you don't get in early enough, and there is ALWAYS a queue for the Ladies room. It also can be a bit grubby - my shoes always stick to the floor! Having said that, some of my best nights out in Nottingham began at Tantra.

Cafe Rouge - Cafe Rouge makes a great lunch by abyznw

abyznw — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:56:31 +0000

Review by abyznw

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 958 2230

Website: http://www.caferouge.co.uk

Tags: french, bar, expensive

Despite being part of a chain of restaurants, Cafe Rouge is one of my favourite places to go in Nottingham for lunch. The waiters are always friendly and accommodating and it has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. The great thing about Cafe Rouge is that it always has interesting menu choices, although it is quite expensive. The desserts are always delicious though not very forgiving on the waistline! One disadvantage is its lack of vegetarian choices, there is only one option on the lunchtime menu which can pose a problem if you are not a fan of pastry tart! They are very accommodating for families, so despite appearances it is actually quite a nice place to take the family. The building itself is beautiful and full of character, and the central location of Cafe Rouge makes it the perfect place to go for a bite to eat after an afternoon of hard shopping.Despite being part of a chain of restaurants, Cafe Rouge is one of my favourite places to go in Nottingham for lunch. The waiters are always friendly and accommodating and it has a quiet, laid-back atmosphere. The great thing about Cafe Rouge is that it always has interesting menu choices, although it is quite expensive. The desserts are always delicious though not very forgiving on the waistline! One disadvantage is its lack of vegetarian choices, there is only one option on the lunchtime menu which can pose a problem if you are not a fan of pastry tart! They are very accommodating for families, so despite appearances it is actually quite a nice place to take the family. The building itself is beautiful and full of character, and the central location of Cafe Rouge makes it the perfect place to go for a bite to eat after an afternoon of hard shopping.

Isis - Sweaty by glamgoldchic

glamgoldchic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:42:05 +0000

Review by glamgoldchic

Rating: 4.00

Tags: dance, students, cheesy

Usually a strip club, Isis opens its doors on a Wednesday night to the masses of UON sports students (mainly rugby people). Has been nicknamed crisis because so many fights break out. Music is ok, the usual stuff. They do horrible cheap vodka red bulls (but they are cheap).

A sweatpit.Usually a strip club, Isis opens its doors on a Wednesday night to the masses of UON sports students (mainly rugby people). Has been nicknamed crisis because so many fights break out. Music is ok, the usual stuff. They do horrible cheap vodka red bulls (but they are cheap).

A sweatpit.

City Information Centre - Has all you need to know by glamgoldchic

glamgoldchic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:40:09 +0000

Review by glamgoldchic

Rating: 4.00

Phone: 0115 915 5330

Website: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/visitors/cic.asp

Good tourist information centre selling the usual Robin Hood themed stuff etc. Does not have any info about nightlife though - trustedplaces is probably better!Good tourist information centre selling the usual Robin Hood themed stuff etc. Does not have any info about nightlife though - trustedplaces is probably better!

Euro Car Parks - Disgusting by glamgoldchic

glamgoldchic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:38:49 +0000

Review by glamgoldchic

Rating: 1.00

Phone: 0115 950 4317

Website: http://www.eurocarparks.net

Normally has human excrement on the stairwell. Do not feel safe in it walking alone. Badly designed and hard to drive longer cars up the ramps.Normally has human excrement on the stairwell. Do not feel safe in it walking alone. Badly designed and hard to drive longer cars up the ramps.

Oceana - Stinks by glamgoldchic

glamgoldchic — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:11:59 +0000

Review by glamgoldchic

Rating: 2.00

Phone: 0115 950 1075

Website: http://www.oceanaclubs.com

Tags: students, reasonably priced, dance

This is the official Nottingham uni club night on a Monday. I don't think the music is anything different to anywhere else. At the beginning of a night it is really cold because of the aircon and lack of people and at the end it is so sweaty it's untrue.

The cheese room downstairs has a cool floor but I can't stomach the music to be honest.

They don't let you out once you've gone in unless you want to pay again. There is a cloakroom which is good I guess.

Basically you will probably like it if you like cheese, RnB and chart music but anyone looking for something more don't bother.This is the official Nottingham uni club night on a Monday. I don't think the music is anything different to anywhere else. At the beginning of a night it is really cold because of the aircon and lack of people and at the end it is so sweaty it's untrue.

The cheese room downstairs has a cool floor but I can't stomach the music to be honest.

They don't let you out once you've gone in unless you want to pay again. There is a cloakroom which is good I guess.

Basically you will probably like it if you like cheese, RnB and chart music but anyone looking for something more don't bother.