Nottingham
It’s difficult to talk about Nottingham without mentioning its most famous (and most questionable) son, Robin Hood. Now despite what Hollywood would have you believe, Robin Hood, or Robin of Locksley as he is also known, was not born in Lynwood, California and neither did he affect an accent to represent such a mistruth. In fact, there is no factual evidence that he was born at all; his is a story of myth and legend that has been dismissed and defended with equal ferocity. And if proof were to surface that he did exist there would be debate over the exact whereabouts of his origins, with some authors claiming that he actually came from Yorkshire, which would be bad news for Nottingham. However, the legend has been around for far too long for such debate to have a material impact on a city and county that has already profited well from the exploits of the supposed tight-wearing Samaritan (again, his use of tights is questionable). There is no myth, however, surrounding Nottingham itself, and many businesses across many sectors are queuing up to locate their regional and national HQs in the area.
As it was for many towns and cities in the North of England, the Industrial Revolution was a key period in Nottingham’s past, but unlike other manufacturing cities such as Sheffield and its Steel, and Stoke with its pottery, Nottingham made its prosperity in the textile industry, and in particular the manufacture of lace. The city became an internationally renowned centre for its lace production, and during its heyday was able to construct imposing industrial buildings in its lace market district which exist to this day, and make up an important component of the city’s heritage. That industrial heritage sits in tandem with an evident national desire to evolve, to accommodate new and old in a fusion of eras, the like of which can be seen up and down the country.
In essence, Nottingham is one of clutch of UK cities that offer viable sanctuary for businesses to prosper outside of London, and the other so called second cities of Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds. Far from following the example shown by others, Nottingham is very much a modern city with its own identity that caters for nearly everything you’d want from the moderate sprawl of a burgeoning metropolis.
The Casinos
Dusk Till Dawn
Redfield Way, Boulevard Retail Park, Lenton, NG7 2UW
The guys over at Dusk Till Dawn made headlines late last year when they managed to win a court case against three of its potential rivals, Gala, Stanley and London Clubs International (which eventually retracted its opposition), who objected to DTD’s application for a licence on the grounds of insufficient demand.
DTD is a card room only, and doesn’t host any casino options–a requisite of the Court granting the licence. However, looking around at this magnificent space you feel that there is arguably no better place to sit down to a game of poker in the country. It boasts 45 tables plus 1 exclusive high roller table in the VIP section, which features a blackout facility for ultimate privacy. The main room also has 24 plasma screen TVs for use as tournament clocks whilst also showing Sky Sports programmes. Online poker is also available at the many Internet stations throughout the building, and laptop computers are available free of charge from behind the cashier desk.
If it’s poker you’re after then look no further. Dress Code No trainers, t-shirts (polo shirts are acceptable), tracksuits or shorts.
Alea Nottingham
108 Upper Parliament Street, NG1 6LF
If it’s an evening of easy going casino action you’re after then London Clubs International’s newly opened Alea Casino should be high on your agenda. As mentioned earlier in the magazine by Alea’s Marketing Director Madeline Hall, the casino strives to provide a relaxed atmosphere to your gaming experience, no matter what walk of life you’re from. From high roller to curious casino beginner, the mix of leisure options inside this impressive complex is sure to cater to your needs. Set over two floors in 55,000 sq ft of the Axis building, a city centre landmark building formerly the largest retail site in the city (the Co-Operative), the space includes 2 bars, a 65 seater (Peter?) Pan Mediterranean grill restaurant, a dedicated live entertainment venue for showcasing live music, staging shows and for private hire, plus a private gaming/lounge facility. The ambience of the venue is very much in line with LCI’s flagship Casino at the Empire in London’s Leicester Square; a trait that is expected to continue throughout the extension of the Alea brand in Glasgow and Leeds. Don’t expect too much poker here, but your casino experience will be a good one.
Dress Code None.
Gala Casinos
4 Maid Marian Way, NG1 6HS & 9 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR
What? An address in Nottingham featuring a potentially fictitious figure from Robin Hood legend? Yes, and it’s something you’d better get used to. Gala was one of the opposing parties in the DTD case, and looking around its Marie Celeste of a poker room it’s easy to see why. However, it’s not for a game of poker that this casino should attract your attention. Apart from the fact that Gala is a reputable UK gaming brand, its facilities are fair-to-good and offer you more or less all you need from a casino. It also likes to look after its members, offering free buffets for all members every Sunday from midnight, free sandwiches and drinks for slot players every day between noon and 6pm, plus a selection of poker nights, ladies nights and also a New Members Night on the first Saturday of the month. Possibly the more unglamorous of the 3 offerings, but you do know where you are with Gala.
Dress Code Smart casual.
Other Casinos
- Circus Casino The Corner House, Burton Street, NG1 4DB
- V & S Casino Hire 4 Cherry Street, Bingham, NG13 8AJ
- Victoria Club 16-18 Victoria Street, NG9 7AP
- Grosvenor Sporting Club Ltd New Castle House, Castle Boulevard, NG7 1FT
Did you know…
- Nottingham is the UK’s fastest growing city?
- The Screen Room on Broad Street, with 22 seats, is the smallest public cinema in the world?
- Notts County Football Club is the oldest professional club in the world? (You should do because I told you earlier).
- The city has a higher than average number of 10-29 year olds?
- There are 146 traffic signals:
10 are toucans (?)
7 cycle crossings
159 pelicans
1 puffin
1 wigwam (??)
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