In recent years, Nottingham has become somewhat of a musical and cultural hub of the Midlands and even the UK as a whole. The emergence of Jake Bugg in 2011 followed by the success of Dog Is Dead, Indiana and Saint Raymond has reignited a once struggling music scene. Our city's venues are amongst the best in the land - and I'm going to take you through them, from the big to the not so big so by the time you arrive in Nottingham, you'll be the first down the front!
Motorpoint Arena
Obviously Motorpoint is the biggest venue in the city, the National Ice Arena (which seems to change its name every ten minutes) is the home to the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team but also regularly hosts big gigs from world renowned artists and also some of the biggest names in comedy. Not the most scenic place in the world and a pint will cost around the same price as an all inclusive holiday but if you get a good sound man you will have a great time - unless you're sitting of course!
Rock City
Without doubt Nottingham's most famous music venue, for over 30 years Rock City has been hosting some of the biggest names in world music. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl has recently called it one of his favourite venues on earth, and that is a justified remark. Big sound, big atmosphere, VERY sticky floors, VERY sweaty. Highly recommended.
Rescue Rooms
Rescue Rooms is a fantastic venue situated next door to Rock City, and is usually the destination of choice for bands on the way up (and quite a few on the way down to be fair). With a capacity of 450, you get the intimacy of a small gig combined with the Soundsystem and set up of a big gig, and with a great bar and restaurant next door, you will have a fantastic time. Rescue also hosts a great pub quiz on a Wednesday night followed by a karaoke night if anything you've seen at a gig inspires you!
The Bodega
With a capacity of just 250, The Bodega is home to a brilliant atmosphere and attracts bands from all over as well as a full range of local bands and club nights. I've been to shows here where the floor is literally bouncing and the huge soundsystem will leave you thinking you've seen something special. Bands who have passed through here in the early stages of their careers include Coldplay, The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys, so if you are into discovering brand new bands who will go on to be huge, head to a show here, and take advantage of the dirty cheap happy hour, a happy hour that for some reason lasts four hours, but no one is complaining.
The Chameleon
The Chameleon is potentially my favourite venue in the city - it's completely independent and completely barmy. Essentially a glorified living room, this venue is the home of the Nottingham DIY scene, with independent promoters putting on gigs here almost daily, for dirt cheap and it can often get wild. Also includes some of the wackiest beers you've ever seen. Recently the toilets were renovated, which for many regular attendees is one of the most important developments ever in the city of Nottingham (trust me if you had seen the previous state of them you would understand why!!)
The Maze
Another of Nottingham's independent venues, The Maze is one of the pillars of the local music scene. Many a local band start their careers here. The Maze is renowned nationally for its reputation amongst acoustic music fans, with a young Ed Sheeran appearing here a few years back in his busking days. Take a trip up Mansfield Road to visit and enjoy some great local beers too.
Steath
For you dance music fans out there. Stealth is a legendary venue amongst the dance community and puts on some of the best club nights in the UK including Dollop and Detonate. Recently refurbished with a new system, you will be able to enjoy the delights of local, national and international DJs on an almost daily basis.
The Jam Cafe
One of the city's quirkiest outlets, The Jam Cafe is simply delightful. If Jazz is your thing then head down here on a Friday night for a brilliant atmosphere. The food here is great and the drink ain't bad either. When in the Jam Cafe you will feel as if you are out of the UK, in something almost Parisian. Recommend this venue greatly.
Rough Trade
Finally in our whistle stop tour of the city's venues, we arrive at Nottingham's newest and coolest venue. The legendary Rough Trade, a record shop with homes only in London, New York and now Notts, has a great little gig venue and cafe located above the shop, a place that hosts gigs, signings, film screenings, fairs, debates - the list goes on. Situated in the heart of Nottingham's Creative Quarter in Hockley, it is already becoming a figurehead of the local scene and you simply MUST check it out.
The Malt Cross
One of Nottingham's only surviving original Victorian Musical Halls, the Malt Cross is brimming with history and atmosphere and the presence of regular music adds to it. Recently refurbished and offering tours of the below caves and the music hall itself, grab yourself a beer and sit on the balcony and party like it's 1899.
So there you are, a brief but useful guide to our city's brilliant and best venues for those who are just here for a week or so as well as those looking to relocate with one of the multinationals like Reuters which are flocking to Nottingham for its low cost of living and great lifestyle. One of the great features about the city is that you can walk from one end to the other in a matter of minutes, meaning often I can go to two or three gigs a night on some occasions.
So enjoy, take it all in, and thank Nook & Cranny later
😉
So enjoy, take it all in, and thank Nook & Cranny later
😉
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