Sherwood ‘needs more varied shops’
THERE’S a real buzz in Sherwood – residents think a bit more variety could help the area get even better.
People are never far from a coffee shop or somewhere to eat but there are also some gaps they’d like to see filled.
When the Post visited Sherwood, many people said they were keen to support the area’s independent shops.
Lisa Smithson, 40, said she enjoyed putting her money into the local businesses in Sherwood but would welcome some bigger stores too.
She said: “I go to the Thompson Twins on Haydn Road and I like sitting outside the Crimson Tree or the Bakehouse.
“What I’d love to see in Sherwood is a bigger food shop.”
Lisa, a receptionist, continued: “I know that we have Co-op but it’s not a big store. I remember when The Gym went from being Kwik Save and then Somerfield
– that was really handy.”
Having lived in Sherwood all her life, Lisa said: “I think the good thing about Sherwood is that it’s perfect for eating out. We have nearly everything we need but in terms of shops where you can actually shop and browse around apart from the charity shops, Boots and Wilko that’s about it.”
Sales assistant Tammy Jones, 38, has recently moved to Sherwood and thinks that many of the shops in the area are repetitive.
She said: “Sherwood’s great. I’ve pretty much tried everything around here, I like Cornerstone Pizza and I go into the Wetherspoons.
“I do think that Sherwood has too many charity shops and that there’s not enough variety.
“As much as I like sitting in coffee shops, we do have a lot here.”
Tammy thinks that one or two coffee shops would be ideal. Usually, she visits Cafe Chino on Mansfield Road.
“Other areas are worse. The thing I like most about Sherwood is that people use the independent businesses, micropubs, stationery shops – nothing here is ever empty.”
Retired Paul Armstrong, 56, would like to see more in Sherwood.
“I’d like to see a more central, bigger food shop. My problem is why do we need two nail salons and then a load of hairdressers?
“I get that people have to make a living but it just restricts other things coming to the area.
“I like all the restaurants, they’re all different. I don’t mind the coffee shops but there’s Cafe Chino, the Orchid Cafe, Divine, The Bakehouse and possibly more.
“I’ve lived in Sherwood for years and it’s definitely better than a lot of places in Nottingham. It’s good for socialising but I’d like to see more brought to the area.”
Sherwood Cobblers is the oldest independent cobblers in Nottingham.
Cobbler Dave Fryer does his shopping in Sherwood and Arnold and told the Post: “Sherwood’s sound as a pound. I’ve been here for 10 years.
“There’s not a lot of diversity – there’s a lot of nail shops and barbers.
“The Sainsbury’s on Perry Road isn’t a big store, the one in Arnold’s bigger and the Wilko in Arnold is bigger than the one in Sherwood so more people are likely to go there.”
AJ Matsiko, Labour councillor representing the Sherwood Ward, said: “Sherwood and Carrington is a thriving shopping hotspot in Nottingham.
“From retail to food and drink, there’s lots to discover. During the limited ability to leave one’s home during lockdowns, independent pop-up food stalls in particular were resilient and innovative in providing a variety of unique cuisines with an ability to order via Instagram.
“The regular Sherwood Vegan Market, Carrington Farmer’s Market, markets organised by the Robin Hood community pub and arts stalls are all a great reflection of the variety and uniqueness of shopping in the area. “We look forward to the Spirit of Sherwood and Carrington Awards results towards the end of this month organised by SCAMP (Sherwood, Carrington and Mapperley Park Neighbourhood Watch) and sponsored by Sherwood based business Epos Ready.”
There’s not a lot of diversity – there’s a lot of nail shops and barbers
Dave Fryer