If you want to check out the unique creativity in
Nottingham, look no further than Hockley! This central district is also the city's creative quarter, complete with local indie boutiques, vintage stores, record shops, tattoo parlors, and homegrown bookstores. Paired with old-school pubs and cool cafes, the energy here is electric! This is the type of place where locals and tourists alike hang out and have fun. There are many spots to eat out, go shopping, and get completely immersed in what Nottingham has to offer beyond its historic appeal and the English countryside.
Where is Hockley in Nottingham?
Hockley is in the middle of
Nottingham's central neighborhoods. Located east of the City Centre, it's a bustling neighborhood that's fairly easy to access via public transport and is surrounded by the city's other main districts. Hockley is also famously adjacent to The Lace Market, another popular area in Nottingham. The two neighborhoods are so close to each other that they're widely regarded as one big district. The lace industry has even become one of the most integral parts of Hockley, while its creative energy has also spilled over to The Lace Market.
Is it Safe in Hockley, Nottingham?
Since it's near the City Centre, crime might be up in Hockley, Nottingham. Fortunately, this is far from the truth. Hockley is one of the safest parts of the city, despite how lively it usually is. For one thing, it helps that
Nottingham's crime rates aren't that high, even with the current general crime rate is 58.92%, which is only moderate. So while Hockley, a central district, may get rowdy at times, it's not a crime-riddled area. Moreover, its central location is another huge benefit. The place is well-lit and has ample security to keep it safe overall.
What's The Vibe in Hockley, Nottingham?
As the creative quarter of Nottingham, Hockley's vibe is nothing short of electric. This is where artists and the youth fill the air with new ideas, produce amazing artworks, and start new trends. The place is often so lively and crowded that you'd sooner forget that you're technically near the
English countryside. As one of the most urban parts of Nottingham, Hockley is one of the best places to live a cosmopolitan lifestyle in the city. Here, residents can eat, shop, socialize, and more to their hearts' content. For a clearer picture, Hockley has a very similar vibe to SoHo in London.
Is it Expensive in Hockley, Nottingham?
It's more accurate to say that Hockley is one of the pricier parts of Nottingham. For starters, it's worth noting that the
living costs in Nottingham are fairly high, possibly among the highest in all of the UK. With this, it makes sense that any of its central neighborhoods are bound to be pricey. Be it rent, groceries, or utilities, the costs in Hockley are still considerably higher compared to other parts of the city, especially the suburbs. For example, eating out here will cost you about £20.00 to £50.00 per meal in either inexpensive or mid-range restaurants. That's already a lot compared to the less than £10.00 meals you can get in the suburbs.
What to See in Hockley, Nottingham
Hockley's location in central Nottingham makes it a popular tourist attraction in its own right. Famous landmarks like the neoclassical City Hall or the historic Lace Market are only a hop and a skip away, for instance. Any sightseers planning to visit these sites can easily take a break in the many hotspots in Hockley. The Grand Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall is also located in the area, further proving how historic and artistic the neighborhood truly is. Check this place out for its many amazing shows and its eye-catching classic architecture, among many things.
What to Do in Hockley, Nottingham
Since Hockley is more or less comparable to SoHo in London, this should already tell you what to do here. This neighborhood is arguably the best place to shop, eat out, and just have a ball in Nottingham. It's even safe to say that it's the liveliest part of the city beyond the ever-crowded City Centre. The local boutiques sell fascinating pieces, while many restaurants offer some of the finest British and foreign cuisines in the city. For the cinephiles who’ve
moved to Nottingham, there's also the fabulous Broadway Cinema on Broad Street, which usually screens indie films.
The Best Restaurants in Hockley, Nottingham
Hockley proves that even cities like Nottingham, which are close to the countryside, have the potential to be foodie havens. The city may not be a food capital in the vein of London, but it's not a boring place to eat out! Hockley, in particular, even boasts a fairly exciting culinary scene. It's a diverse range of some of the
best restaurants in Nottingham, including local pubs, upscale bistros, and even foreign cuisines. Compa Nottingham on Heathcoat Street, for example, is one of the best Italian spots in the city. Mesa on Goose Gate, on the other hand, pairs craft beers with a whole host of delicacies from around the world.
Check out more of Hockley’s finest places to eat below:
- The Hockley Arts Club on Warser Gate
- Cosy Club on Victoria Street
- Yamas Meze & Tapas on Thurland Street
- Saracens Cafe on Lower Parliament Street
- Taquero on Heathcoat Street
- Compa Nottingham on Heathcoat Street
- Bar Iberico on Carlton Street
- Mesa on Goose Gate
- Kayal on Broad Street
- Fat Hippo Nottingham on Broad Street
What to Know About Renting in Hockley, Nottingham
If you need further proof that Hockley is one of the pricier neighborhoods in Nottingham, look no further than the rent in the area. Many might argue that it's expensive to live just about anywhere in Nottingham since it's one of the biggest cities in the UK. This isn't exactly false, but there's also no denying that rent in the central districts is much higher compared to the rest of the city. The average rent in Hockley ranges from £929.00 to £2,000.00 per month, and that's just for the smaller
luxury apartments in Nottingham. If you want a bigger place, expect to pay a lot more.
With its indie boutiques and local bookstores, Hockley truly embodies the unique creativity in Nottingham. This is the city's bohemian quarter, complete with cool hotspots and one-of-a-kind gems that you won't find anywhere else in the city.
