Creative Boom Nottingham

Your guide to Nottingham's creative scene, hand-picked with our local host, Matt Brooks: where to meet us, the places we rate, and the people doing brilliant work here.

Meet us IRL

Creative Boom IRL is our free, regular social in Nottingham.

No panels, no pressure. Just drinks and good conversation with people who get it.

Most people come on their own, so don't be shy – say hi. Matt will probably say it first.

See dates & RSVP

Meet Matt

Matt Brooks hosts Creative Boom IRL in Nottingham, and he's a children's illustrator by trade.

If the meet-ups feel like being welcomed into someone's local rather than working a networking event, that's Matt's doing.

Every place in the guide below has him to vouch for it.

Find out more

Creative Boom IRL Manchester. Photography by Fiona Finchett

News Sponsored

Creative Boom IRL just got bigger! Here's how to join us

13 August 2026

Interesting places to visit

As recommended by your host Matt. Where to eat, drink, co-work, and be inspired by art in Nottingham.

8 places

CO-WORKING
Arc Space
Western House, Nottingham
Resident architects, winehouse and craft beers, flexi-working, a makers' space. It's got all the buzzwords you'll ever need.
CAFÉ
Dispatch
Goosegate, Nottingham
In Hockley (the home of creatives), you can't miss this place. It's literally the brightest paint job on the street. Homely feels and great coffee.
FOOD & DRINK
Everyday People
Byard Lane, Nottingham,
The city's original and only critically acclaimed ramen shop. A small, laid-back spot serving exceptional bowls loved by critics alike.
SHOP
Handmade Nottingham
Kings Walk, Nottingham
A lovely gift shop that supports and promotes over 100 creatives and makers. This is a treasure trove of design-led products.
GALLERY
Nottingham Contemporary
Weekday Cross, Nottingham
To me, this is the centre of our creative city, and its architecture is incredible. So many great memories. Start here.
CAFÉ
Public
Low Pavement, Nottingham
I love to work in the bustle of a big vibrant café. The rattling of cutlery, the conversations, the high ceilings – Public won't disappoint.
FOOD & DRINK
Small Food Bakery
Seely Road, Nottingham
If you want to taste possibly the best bread of your life, head to this place at Primary art studios. Re-imagining food from the ground up.
GALLERY
The Carousel
Hockley, Nottingham
If you're into drink & draw, collage & cocktails, community arts and riso printing, I recommend this independent community space for creatives.