East Midlands City Guide

Cheap flights from East Midlands take you to Greece, Corfu, The Canary Islands and Turkey but there are plenty of places to discover in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Lincolnshire.

The wealth of quality restaurants that pepper the East Midlands will leave you spoilt for choice. Nottingham city centre is renowned for having the most restaurants per square mile in the UK and Leicester is home to the Golden Mile of Indian restaurants. Here is a snapshot guide to some of the restaurants you should be keeping an eye out for; it is no surprise that Nottingham dominates.

Budget: There are a plenty of bars to cater for a budget meal but three of the most enjoyable ones that offer terrific flavoured meals at great prices are Limes Bar and Restaurant in Derby, Larwood and Voce in the West Bridgford area of Nottingham and Fashion in Nottingham's city centre. Limes Restaurant combines good quality, convenient meals set in a modern decor. Larwood and Voce, nestled into the Trent Bridge cricket ground, offers an array of rustic and traditional dishes and light bites that appeal to a burgeoning professional clientele. Conveniently located in the centre with al fresco dining, perfect in the summer months, Fashion is, well, rather fashionable. For generous prices you will be presented with a palate satisfying meal, rich in flavour. When you have polished it off you can enjoy a cocktail or two amongst the cosmopolitan crowd.
Mid-range: If your budget allows, and you are in the mood to try something new then these four restaurants should meet that criteria. Perkins in Nottingham is a little out of the way but worth the visit because of the Michelin starred cuisine on offer. Sumptuously rich dishes infused with rustic flavours dominate an eclectic menu. To sample the finest in Indian cuisine the award winning Memsaab franchise is a must. With a restaurant in Nottingham as well as Leicester you can expect to find meats and vegetarian dishes delicately cooked in a variety of spices for full flavour meals. Hidden in the Nottinghamshire countryside, Lakeside, boasts generous portions of fine cuisine. In an atmosphere of fine dining and set amongst salubrious surroundings you are sure to enjoy a relaxing evening with breaking the bank. Finally, some of the best steaks in the East Midlands can be found at Emily's Steak House in Derby. Not only great in taste but also great in price!
High-range: For the creme-de-la-creme of fine dining, Nottingham is the place to be with Sat Bains' very own restaurant and the award-winning Hart's. Sat Bains is a celebrated chef of much repute and his tables are rarely unoccupied as couples and families enjoy a one-off dining experience of culinary brilliance. The same could be said of Harts. Located in the centre of the city the haute cuisine is delightful but it is possible to enjoy a moderately priced lunch bite that doesn't let standards slip. Not to be outdone Leicester has Watson's Restaurant with seasonal menus that focus on flavour as much as presentation. Finally, East Lodge in the Matlock area of Derbyshire is a journey out but worth it to celebrate an occasion. The food matches the service and decor - rich and elegant. You can even enjoy dining in a room all to yourself in this converted manor house.

Nightlife and Entertainment

All of the major cities in the East Midlands have lively nightlife with Nottingham's taking top billing. Like Nottingham, Derby has a strong bar culture that sees many groups congregate and natter over a beverage or two with a soundtrack of the latest tracks. Nottingham's Rock City enjoys world renown and, as well as attracting a veritable bunch of bands, has many club nights. For the more dance orientated crowd there is gatecrasher with its neon colours and non-stop hedonistic tunes.

Shopping

Cheap flights from the East Midlands are an ideal way to discover a thriving shopping culture. Nottingham has developed a glowing reputation as an emerging shopping centre with two major complexes to complement the many designer shops and boutiques. Despite not boasting the sizeable shopping centres of neighbours, Leicester and Derby it is the numerous streets adorned with designer boutiques, technology stores and sports shops that draws in the large crowds.

The blend of city hotels and superb restaurants compliments the shopping culture offering visitors plentiful opportunities for a full day out.

Derby isn't to be left behind after the opening of the Westfield Centre which draws a stampede of Saturday shoppers trawling through the numerous branded shops. The large shopping centre is home to a plethora of modern names and cafes, perfect for a full day exercising the credit card.

Highcross in Leicester has transformed the face of shopping in the East Midlands' largest city. Crammed into the re-developed shopping centre is a paradise of clothes stores, cafes, restaurants and even space for a 12-screen cinema.

Away from the major city centres there is a veritable clutch of shopping towns and villages like Bakewell and Matlock that encapsulate a true essence of East Midlands trade. It is no surprise that such dainty towns attract a modest bunch of tourists traversing the East Midlands landscape. It is possible to find shops selling home-made jam, rural clothing and local trinkets.

Things To Do and See

With so many places to visit when you stay in the East Midlands waiting for your cheap flights there is bound to be plenty to discover.

Space Centre Leicester - With interactive displays and numerous exhibitions decorated with genuine old satellites and rockets this is a superb place to engage all the family. Short 3D films are also popular, particularly with older children and adults. Allow a good four hours to enjoy it all.
Highcross Shopping Centre - As shopping becomes a sport in itself, the Highcross Shopping Centre offers everything for the modern shopaholic. All types of shops line the corridors and there are sufficient eateries and watering holes to re-fill before another session retail therapy. When optimum shopping levels have been reached it is time to sit back and enjoy a film on one of the 12 screens that are housed there.
Trent FM Arena Nottingham - Attracting major musicians and bands from across the globe and renowned shows, The Trent FM Arena is the East Midlands hub of evening entertainment. It is also home to the Nottingham Panthers Ice Hockey team so don't be surprised to find yourself cheering on the home side during the day before returning for a blockbuster gig in the evening!
Wollaton Park Nottingham - The vast grounds that surround the manor house are perfect for a day out in the summer with friends or family. Groups congregate on the expansive lawns for sun-bathing, Frisbee, cricket or a family picnic. For nature lovers there are many beautiful gardens to explore.
Nottingham Castle - Guarded by the fabled character of Robin Hood the castle is a beacon for tourism in Nottingham. Guided tours are available or you can meander at your own pace. The gardens are often transformed to accommodate events.
Chatsworth House Derbyshire - A jewel in Derbyshire's crown, Chatsworth House implores visitors not to fall in love with the beauty of the building and many surrounding gardens. It exudes a typical rural spirit and is the backdrop for many period dramas. The grounds are large and there is plenty of space to enjoy a picnic in the summer months.
Heights Of Abraham Derbyshire - The most scenic mode of transport in Derbyshire. Climb into a cable car and enjoy the ride above the tree tops with picturesque views all around. From here you can visit caverns and the verdant countryside.
Lincoln Cathedral - An eminent example of spectacular medieval architecture. The Cathedral looms over the city, proudly reminding visitors of the area's rich historical culture. Crane your neck and stand in wonderment at the magnitude of this feat of human brilliance or take a guided roof tour and catch your breath at the amazing views.
Lincoln Castle - Standing proudly opposite the Cathedral, the castle is another reminder of the architectural brilliance of antiquity. Built by the Normans in 1086 the castle remains in brilliant condition and is alive with tourists in the summer months and the German market in the winter.

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