New bar takes you from the streets of Nottingham to downtown New York
THEY are the masters of ping pong and pizza, penny arcades and hideaway haunts – now the owners of Nottingham’s newest bar have created a New York-inspired bar and grill.
The Blind Rabbit opens on Friday and is being hailed the new flagship venue for the people behind The Hockley Arts Club, Das Kino, Penny Lane and The Magic Garden.
There’s nothing hidden about this bar.
Prominently located at Weekday Cross in the Lace Market it was until last year Belgo, the Belgian beer and mussels restaurant, which became a casualty of the pandemic, closing down in June 2020.
The Blind Rabbit takes inspiration from the hustle and bustle of downtown New York bars and some of the US’S most iconic dive bars, burger joints and live entertainment venues.
The first major venue to open post lockdown in the city centre, the owner, Fletchergate Industries, is promising “outstanding food and drinks” with unique cocktails and what they boldly claim will be Nottingham’s best burgers, alongside old-school American bar games and live entertainment.
The bar, brimming with original features of 19th century offices and warehouse, has been given an edgy vibe with flashes of neon, bold coloured textures and original Americana.
US bowling and baseball jerseys, Tiffany lamps, a vintage Budweiser snooker lampshade and a bald eagle, the emblem of America, are some of the quirky design touches.
Director Adam Pereira said: “People have missed going out so much we felt when they go out they do want to enjoy themselves – it feels like a celebration.
“We wanted it to feel warm and homely and like it must have been here 20 years and that you’re not in Nottingham any more – which is what we try to do with all our venues.”
Cocktails include Abracadabra – a magical, shimmering cocktail which comes to life when you hold your phone light over it and I Love Candy, complete with candy floss.
Diners will get their hands messy devouring smashed burgers, loaded fries and chicken wings to a soundtrack of iconic American tunes, from classic guitar music to old school hip hop.
Michael Johnson, operations director, said: “We are thrilled to be opening our newest venture in Nottingham’s Lace Market. It is an absolutely beautiful building over three floors and it has a fantastic space outside for people to enjoy the summer weather. “The Blind Rabbit will be a place for everyone and will feature something new in a city that already offers so much. Michael said: “We’re constantly striving to improve everything we do, whether it be bringing bold new design to the city or challenging ourselves with exciting new food and drink offerings. “We want our venues to be an experience for everyone who walks through the door. The Blind Rabbit promises something entirely new for Nottingham – with its bold street art and graffiti walls to deliver an iconic venue that the city can be proud of.” The Blind Rabbit will officially open on Friday.
We wanted it to feel warm and homely and like it must have been here 20 years, and that you’re not in Nottingham any more.
Adam Pereira