Nottingham has seen many changes over the decades - it's hard not to get nostalgic when you look back though pictures from around 20 years ago. We've looked through our archives to find some of the things we loved and miss most about the 2000s.
There was no shortage of popular bars and restaurants to spend your time in, and the city boasted so many shops. There's also been several changes to the landscape and layout of the city. And we've certainly lost some popular businesses and venues.
Here we take a look back. But let us know if we've missed any of the things that you miss the most about Nottingham in the 00s but either adding your suggestions in the comments, or by sending an email to newsdesk@nottinghampost.com.
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Rummage around TK Maxx in the Broadmarsh
TK Maxx held a prime location at the heart of the Broadmarsh for a few years in the 00s. It was one of the fist large stores you would come to if you arrived in to the city centre from the train station. Previously Allders, the store was a treasure trove of bargains and bright colours. It was open for a few years but it too closed in 2010, moving to Milton Street.
Get the bus to ISIS nightclub
It's fair to say the former ISIS nightclub was a little off the beaten track, but many locals will have fond memories of catching the bus from the city centre over to the Lenton industrial estate after a few drinks in town first The large club on Redfield Way, which was first known as Black Orchid, and later ISIS, closed its doors in 2009 after a number of violent incidents were reported.
Go for a drink at Yates
Now the Slug and Lettuce, the Long Row venue in Nottingham city centre was a popular destination for many as Yates. The 19th century venue closed as Yates and reopened in 2019 after a £450,000 makeover to transform it into a new-style Slug and Lettuce. The transformation saw the venue gutted, with the old-fashioned brownness of Yates's replaced with bird cage booths, neon signs and flower decorations.
The venue had undergone a £1million facelift in 1999. At the time, Yates' owners assured pub-goers that the heritage and feel of the building would not be lost. The company bought the building in 1929, with the historic pub dating back to 1874. Edward Barker Cox was given the money to buy the property by his father, who co-owned steel company Cox and Oldknow. In 1876, Cox opened the Talbot, a much smaller pub filled with old paintings, statues, mirrors, cut glass and the latest gas lights. During its hey day, Yates was one of the most popular bars in the city.
Go to Brown Betty's for a Sloppy Joes
A Nottingham institution, Brown Betty's was well-known and much-loved by its loyal fan base. Many will have fond memories if its home cooked and authentic tasting food. A true Nottingham staple of the local food scene for many years. It was a sad day for many when the venue closed after 32 years in 2017. Nottinghamshire Live reported at the time that the decision was made after neighbours Riley's Sports Bar made them an offer for the building in a bid to expand – and the time was right. News of the closure was met with disappointment from fans of the venue at the time.
Go the the Virgin Megastore in Wheeler Gate
Back in the days before we streamed music, our city centres usually had a good few record stores. The two-storey Virgin Megastore in Wheeler Gate was one of the shops our city had to offer. It had a jazz and classical department, a media section and a whole floor full of DVDs. The store opened in 1986 with tycoon Richard Branson getting himself in a real tangle when he tried to cut through a ribbon to open the new shop. In 2007 Virgin turned into a Zavvi store before closing in 2010. The store often welcomed artists to meet fans at the venue. Back in 2006, pop punk band Son of Dork caused hysteria as they attended a fully-packed question and answer session with their fans at the Virgin Megastore.
Spend a penny underground
Back in the 00s, if you needed to spend a penny you had the options of the public loos in Old Market Square. The toilets closed in 2005 as part of the square's multi-million pound revamp, leaving just the loos in Greyhound Street. They are now buried beneath a few tonnes of concrete and the present-day fountain - the dingy Slab Square bogs are no loss. The old toilets in the Victoria Centre were also on the underground floor. Situated near the Emmett clock, you accessed them down the stairs near Boots.
It was all change at the shopping centre a few years ago when the old toilets closed and were relocated towards the back of the centre, on the upper floor. The new facility proving a much more modern and light location to spend a penny.
Walk through a subway in Nottingham city centre
Nottingham city centre had several subways, with those in Maid Marian Way, Theatre Square, and Broadmarsh having kiosks where you could stop off to buy essentials on your way into work. But as the decade got underway, they started to become a thing of the past with a programme of road improvements that saw them filled in. The subway at the junction of Maid Marian Way and Friar Lane was filled in during 2001
Eat at Punchinellos
Now Cafe Nero in Forman Street, the venue was a popular choice for many back in the day. Punchinellos had a long history in the city. The building itself was originally three workers' cottages. It was turned into an eatery in 1890. It became Punchinello's in 1965 and remained so until its closure in 2008.
Look at the fish tank in the Victoria Centre
Jerry's fish tank used to sit on the upper level of the shopping centre, brightening up the place and putting a smile on the passing children. The original fish were all rescues, according to the centre's manager in 1998.
But at the end of 2009 the fish were leaving as the tank had come to the end of its life. Thousands of people joined the Bring Back Jerry's Fish Tank campaign on Facebook. But it wasn't to be and the Victoria Centre's fish went to their new home in Bristol Zoo.
Hit the dancefloor at Market Bar
It was a well-known Nottingham nightspot before it closed its doors in 2018 after 30 years . The Market Bar, in Goose Gate, was a popular haunt for many in its hey day. It was well-known by many as the place to go after visiting some of the city's bars.
Rent a movie at Blockbuster
It was a simpler time when we had a lot less choice than we do now. Back then we have to make the trip out to Blockbuster or another video store if we wanted to watch the latest movies at home. It was a far cry from today when we have so much choice at the touch of a button.
Go to Woolworths for pick and mix
It's a retail chain that is close to the hearts of so many. Indeed, Woolworths recently topped a chain of stores that people in Britain most want to return to the high street. The much-loved Woolworths store in Nottingham’s Victoria Centre shut up shop after the firm went into administration in 2008. Our city had enjoyed a long-lasting love affair with Woolies, with the area getting its first branch in Lister Gate – complete with grand art deco frontage - way back in 1914. Woolworths was the place to get the majority of things you needed. If you were after a bag of pick ’n’ mix, a wardrobe of children’s clothes and a new CD… Woolworths really was the place.
Shop at the Disney Store
Before the Disney Store moved into Victoria Centre, it was situated in Clumber Street, in a building previously occupied by the Old Corner Pin pub. The popular store was a big hit with shoppers and in the late 90s it moved to new premises in the Victoria Centre extension.
Check out the latest toy trends at Toys R Us
Before the days of online shopping, we would all rush to stores such as Toys R Us to get hold of the latest must-have items. And if there was enough demand, stores would open at midnight to cope. The Post reported in 1999 that the Toys R Us in Queens Drive opened at midnight on Thursday to launch the new Star Wars toys. And in 1997, youngsters were all rushing to Toys R Us to get their hands on craze - Tamagotchi electronic pets.
Watch Top of the Pops
Ok, this one isn't exactly specific to Nottingham but the popular show was a must for any music enthusiast for decades. Back in the days when you eagerly awaited news of what tune had reached number one that week, Top of the Pops was an opportunity to see some of the latest chart-toppers and favourite acts perform their latest hits live - or in some cases, lip-syncing along to them.
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