Lip-smacking treats that won't break the bank are just days away. Food lovers are hungry for the deals on offer during Nottingham's first Restaurant Week, with more than 1,000 vouchers already downloaded for everything from snacks to a a three-course meal at a fraction of the usual price.
Eat Nottingham has been inspired by a successful venture in Leeds, which is held twice a year. From May 15 to 21 restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars, and hotels in Nottingham city centre will be running a huge variety of offers, all priced at £5, £10, £15, £20 or £25. More than 40 venues are involved.
Pizza, tapas, curry, fine dining, steak and desserts are some of the treats in store at a price that won't break the bank. Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar and Grill, Hart's Kitchen, Pizzamisu, Roosters Piri Piri, 31K and the Pudding Pantry are amongst those taking part.
Keep up to date with all the latest food and drink news by signing up to our newsletter here
The organisers It’s in Nottingham hope that the week-long event will encourage footfall into the city, help people discover the tempting range of food and drink venues in the city as well as supporting hospitality venues still feeling the effects of the pandemic and rising energy prices.
Chino Latino, in Maid Marian Way, is offering customers two courses for £25. That's quite a saving when a starter of tiger maki sushi usually costs £13.85 and sirloin steak cooked on hot rocks is priced £21.50.
As well as sushi and sashimi, the Pan Asian restaurant serves up starters of gyoza, sesame prawn spring rolls and main courses of Korean pork belly and seared salmon - all from an open kitchen in the stylish dining room which underwent a revamp just before the pandemic.
Since the restaurant is part of the Park Plaza Hotel, managers hope Restaurant Week will make an impression on guests and locals alike. Philip Gallivan, operations manager, said: "Our residents in the hotel will be able to take advantage of it which is a good thing, just more and more positive publicity for Nottingham.
"It's good to get some enthusiasm about Nottingham restaurants. Following the last three years it's great to get some traction. I think Nottingham is one of the most under-rated cities in England. People always come here and are amazed at how good the food is and how friendly we are as a city."
Italian restaurant Gusto, in Upper Parliament Street, has a set menu offering two courses for £15 and three for £20 especially for Restaurant Week. Diners can start with calamari, bruschetta or chicken liver pate before mains of pizza, pan-fried sea bass or rigatoni arrabbiata. Dessert fans can choose from bombolini, warm chocolate brownie or Italian gelato.
Revolucion de Cuba, in Market Street, has a range of deals including a mojito and burrito or a burger and beer for £10; afternoon tea and a cocktail £15 per person; three tapas, chocolate brownie and a cocktail is £20 and for £25 per person, three tapas, two cocktails and churros.
Ross Whitaker, trainee assistant manager, hopes the deals will create a buzz in the city. He said: "We have quite a few offers on. Hopefully it will get people back out into the centre and going to restaurants again. Since coronavirus>Covid we've had quite a change in dining and drinking. Luckily throughout January we did quite well whereas unfortunately other places have started to struggle. Hopefully everyone involved in Restaurant Week will be able to get custom back up."
Other deals include:
- Coco Tang, Byard Lane: £10 bento lunch deal. Choose a beer or soft drink and either BBQ chicken noodle, tofu noodle or Viet vegetable curry.
- Josephine's, Upper Parliament Street: Three courses for £15.
- Oscar & Rosie's, Stoney Street: 14in pizza and two selected beers, wines or soft drinks for £25 (for either one or two people).
- MemSaab, Maid Marian Way: £20 early evening menu and glass of beer or wine.
- Blend at Contemporary, Garner's Hill: £5 toastie.
- 31K, Goose Gate, Hockley: Early bird three courses for £20.
- Cafe Zest, House of Fraser, Victoria Centre: Cream Tea (scone and tea) £5, ten item traditional breakfast and hot drink £10, and fish and chips with hot drink £10.
- BOHNS Burgers, Broad Street, Hockley: Burger, house fries, and a pint of Amstel, small glass of wine, a soft or hot drink for £15.
- Zaap, Bromley Place: Two courses and a drink £15.
Alex Flint, CEO of It’s in Nottingham, said: “From established favourites to the latest newcomers, venues across the city are busy preparing to take part in the week-long event and we are delighted to be joined by so many exciting restaurants and venues for the first-ever Nottingham Restaurant Week.
“We urge people to book their favourites early and use this as the perfect opportunity to try somewhere new.”
To see the full list of restaurants and deals go to eatnottingham.co.uk
READ NEXT:
Nottingham micropub that 'hasn't had a bad week' since relocating opens new beer garden
Neighbours concerned over condition of roads after sinkhole forms
Mum 'would live like travellers' as caravans pitched up at Nottingham park
Nottinghamshire housing association tenants facing 'eye-watering' rent increase