This man is the Dave Grohl of menswear; by which we mean hugely talented and extremely nice but with better shirts. David Keyte's Universal Works has long been a Hambledon Basement favourite and we are delighted that he is our inaugural Insider, giving us a 48 hour tour of his home city of Nottingham. More Insider tours coming up.
Kicking off the weekend with a coffee at Beam; grab a good book or magazine and nibble on something delicious from the adjacent Small Food Bakery. They have some of the best coffee, bread and treats ever and it's always a delight to chat to the team.
From there, we’d take a stroll towards the city centre. Pop in for a chat (or a cuppa) with our friendly team at our new Universal Works Nottingham store on Derby Road. It's a lot bigger than our previous space and a great environment for browsing more of the collection.
From there, we’d take a stroll towards the city centre. Pop in for a chat (or a cuppa) with our friendly team at our new Universal Works Nottingham store on Derby Road. It's a lot bigger than our previous space and a great environment for browsing more of the collection.
Whilst on Derby Road, our store neighbours Little Brickhouse serve a killer brunch, so we’d recommend heading there next for good vibes and delicious grub. You may also want to save some room for lunch (or dinner) with our friends at Kushiya, a Japanese restaurant specialising in kushiyaki where they serve tasty small plates and skewers (pre-booking is required of course!).
After that, head to Sneinton Market Avenues and pick up some vinyl at Running Circle Records. While there, check out some of the other great independents. You can always guarantee a good natter with our UW Re-Works partner, Gay, at Soul and Flare (vintage and alterations), Montana Shop (for spray paints) and Neon Raptor Brewery (grab a beer-to-go).
Next stop, get your art fix at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery or head to the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green neighbourhood; a gallery which is dedicated to showcasing work from black, asian, and minority ethnic artists and communities.
Next stop, get your art fix at the Nottingham Contemporary Art Gallery or head to the New Art Exchange in Hyson Green neighbourhood; a gallery which is dedicated to showcasing work from black, asian, and minority ethnic artists and communities.
For cocktail lovers, we suggest Yokocho Bar. Blink and you’d miss it, this hidden gem can be found in the unassuming Hurt’s Yard, just off the North Western corner of Nottingham’s market square. At Yokocho they take Sake pretty seriously, with a menu to suit everyone from seasoned drinkers to entry-level cocktail sippers.
If beer is more your thing, we suggest a visit to The Kean's Head or Jam Cafe in the Lace Market for delicious beers on tap and live music/DJ sets on the weekend. If you're getting slightly peckish by now we’d recommend finishing the day by tucking into a pizza at the recently opened Slice and Brew. (Top Tip: The “Detroit Style Red Stripe” is extra delicious).
For cocktail lovers, we suggest Yokocho Bar. Blink and you’d miss it, this hidden gem can be found in the unassuming Hurt’s Yard, just off the North Western corner of Nottingham’s market square. At Yokocho they take Sake pretty seriously, with a menu to suit everyone from seasoned drinkers to entry-level cocktail sippers.
If beer is more your thing, we suggest a visit to The Kean's Head or Jam Cafe in the Lace Market for delicious beers on tap and live music/DJ sets on the weekend. If you're getting slightly peckish by now we’d recommend finishing the day by tucking into a pizza at the recently opened Slice and Brew. (Top Tip: The “Detroit Style Red Stripe” is extra delicious).
Photograph from David's Instagram of co-founder Stephanie at Wollaton Park
Start your Sunday off right and go for an inner city run/hike at Wollaton Park, home to the gothic mansion famously featured in Batman movie The Dark Knight Rises. Alternatively, head to West Bridgford, grab a coffee from Okende and take a stroll along the River Trent. You’ll spot Nottingham Forest Stadium on your travels (You Reds!).
Hop on the tram to Beeston and treat yourself to some delicious wine and cheese from Essen General Store, and visit The Little Plant Guys, both great places to hang out, get a coffee and pick up some shopping or gifts. It wouldn't be a Sunday without a good roast, so head over to Herbert Kilpin for Yorkshire puds that would make Grandma proud.
Hop on the tram to Beeston and treat yourself to some delicious wine and cheese from Essen General Store, and visit The Little Plant Guys, both great places to hang out, get a coffee and pick up some shopping or gifts.
It wouldn't be a Sunday without a good roast, so head over to Herbert Kilpin for Yorkshire puds that would make Grandma proud.
Now to relax, sit back and finish the weekend with a good movie from one of our favourite independent cinemas in the world, The Broadway cinema in Hockley.
