Nottingham's food and drink scene has changed dramatically over the decades. Forman Street is one such area, as restaurant chains have come and gone and independent eateries have opened their doors.
But one venue that has been a constant is Foremans Bar, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Punters describe Foremans as a bar where women feel safe and there is never any trouble.
It is known as one of Nottingham's smallest and cheapest bars with rock bands performing for thousands of spectators over the years.
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With people from ‘many walks of life coming in’, bar staff at Foremans could be serving an 18-year-old or an 80-year-old.
Jason Whittle, who owns the bar that holds about 55 people, has spoken about how the past 25 years have been. He said: “I’ve been here since '98, there’s been some characters that have come in and the diversity of the customers has changed over the years.”
One of the biggest changes Jason has seen since working there is the Live Music Act (2012) which deregulates amplified live music so long as the activity meets the following criteria: it is between 8am and 11pm. Foremans have seen the likes of Glen Matlock of the Sex Pistols, Ferocious Dogs, Rick Buckler and so many more who have gone on to sign one of the walls where there are many signatures.
Jason continued: “It’s so small, a lot of people who are experienced musicians have felt intimidated because it’s like people are standing on each other's toes but it's great, we’ve had bands standing on the bar, it’s good fun.”
The size of Foremans is what makes it unique. Jason continued: “I've had people ask ‘why don’t you buy next door or upstairs but then it’s not Foremans.”
Foremans is across from the old Nottingham Evening Post building. The whole street is named after Thomas Foreman, who printed the first edition of the newspaper.
Jason added: “Quite a lot of journalists used to drink here, when I bought this place, the building [Nottingham Evening Post’s offices] was being emptied out so I had a lot of the builders coming in.”
Jason met his wife at Foremans back in 2001. He continued: “In the summer, the sun hits this side of the street and it's a nice atmosphere. One thing I'll always be proud of here is that we get women coming here by themelves because they feel safe."
Punter Steve Brumley lives in The Meadows. For the past 15 years, he’s been drinking in Foremans.
Steve, 64 said: “I used to come to Foremans pre-show when going to Rock City or the Rescue Rooms, it’s a great atmosphere, there’s great Guiness and for a city centre bar, people in here are really friendly as are the staff.”
Charlie Blomeley is Foremans manager. She said: “There’s a small pool of staff both male and female, we have the most amazing couple that comes in and we call them grandma and grandad, they don’t come in till 10pm, have a pint of John Smiths and then stay till 11pm then toddle off."
Charlie continued: “We get people on stags and at night coming in to have a pint and everyone will do a shot of jager then they’re on their way, it’s great here. I was drinking here 20 years before I worked here.”
Sarah Orme has been drinking in Foremans since she was 24. Now 41, Sarah said: “I love the vibe here, the music, the people, it's small here but it doesn’t feel like it. Whether there are new people in or just the regulars, there’s never any trouble and it's super welcoming.”
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