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Here is the Nottinghamian from Wednesday, December 28:
Hello,
I hope you all had a nice break for Christmas. Today's edition of the Nottinghamian takes a look at how well served the Robin Hood story is across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. Are we tapping into it enough?
We will also take a look at a new business set to open in the new year as well as a round up of the very best restaurants Nottingham has to offer.
'Forgotten' legend
With the competition to attract tourists so strong, Robin Hood is acknowledged by Nottinghamshire's political and business leaders to be a major asset. But the recent collapse of Nottingham Castle has raised numerous questions about the city's tourism offer, chief among them being the way in which it promotes Robin Hood.
It would be hard to argue that Nottingham makes as much of Robin Hood as Stratford-upon-Avon makes of William Shakespeare, or as Liverpool makes of The Beatles. Many are now calling for Nottingham to make more of Robin Hood within the city, and to do much more promotion of the attractions across Nottinghamshire that people can visit.
Ben Bradley, the Conservative leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: "It's a source of great frustration for me. This is a globally known story and I've never understood why we don't make more of it. I would love to see us theme our packages and attractions around it."
Alex Norris, the Labour and Co-op MP for Nottingham North, added: "I have lived in Nottingham for 20 years and people have always said that the city doesn't make enough of Robin Hood in some form. We do use it quite a lot, but it is our global brand and whenever I talk to somebody from a different country and they ask where I'm from, Robin Hood comes up and it is a brilliant global brand." Read more here.
'Make or break'
A Cotgrave man is launching a 'make or break' business venture at the former Nottingham Strong gym in Meadow Lane, The Meadows. Nottingham Strong, which has moved to Lenton, will be replaced by dog training business 'Build a Bond' dog grooming and training.
Adrian Rybicki, 32, set up the venture in 2012 while working for the Dogs Trust as a training and behaviour advisor, but on January 8 he will open up a bricks-and-mortar training ground. He said the business was financially a 'gamble', but he is working hard getting the building ready.
"I'm pouring my heart and soul into it. Financially it is a massive risk so it is make or break, it is a bit of a gamble on my passion," Mr Rybicki said. Read more here.
Weather and trivia
Weather: Largely dry with sunny spells on Thursday, but some showers at times. Windy, especially in the north, this easing somewhat during the evening. Maximum temperature 7 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: New speed limit on key city centre road where pedestrians 'take a chance'
Trivia question: Former Nottingham Forest Player Peter Shilton was the first football player to do what?
The answer to today's trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts says
With today's story of leaders across the city and council calling for Nottingham to make more use of Robin Hood, we asked: "What should Nottingham do to appeal to more tourists?"
Connor Birkley, 27, from West Bridgford, said: "I think we really need to offer more free activities. When you go to other cities such as London, there are so many free museums and attractions. Here, we don't really have that. I know money is tight but it would make more people go if things where cheaper or free."
Sue Jensen, 71, from Hucknall, added: "We need to celebrate our history. We have so many lovely buildings and historical sites and lace factories. People can just walk past them and not realise the significance. There should be plaques or tours showing off these buildings."
Marc Daniels, 52, from Carlton, said: "The castle needs to re-open. It is such a shame it's shut and I am sure that isn't good for tourists. We need more Robin Hood things like a museum or archery at the castle, we just need something more than we have. When people not from Nottingham come to visit me, they always want to know about Robin Hood but there just isn't much here about it."
Best in town
Nottingham has an incredible array of places to eat. From the finest Michelin-starred restaurants to a humble chippy, offering an inordinate variety of fish, there is something to please all tastes and budgets. That's why our food and drink writer Lynette Pinchess has round up some of the best spots in town.
To start, no one has put the city on the foodie map more than chef Sat Bains and his dedicated team. The restaurant offers a unique experience where imaginative flavours, textures and temperatures take the diner by surprise. Nottingham's newest fine dining restaurant Cleaver and Wake takes a spot on the list, alongside Alex Bond's Michelin star Alchemilla.
Kushi-ya has had a phenomenal year. The Japanese inspired restaurant was hailed critic Jay Raynor's 'restaurant of the year' and received a Michelin recommendation just a few days later. Bar Gigi Italian restaurant takes a spot as well as Mesa in Hockley and Asian street food diner Everyday People. Take a look at the other restaurants which make the cut here.
That's all for today
Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.
The answer to today's trivia question, Former Nottingham Forest Player Peter Shilton was the first football player to do what, is make 1,000 League appearances.
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