Themes for a fun away day in city!
QUIRKY APARTMENTS ARE SOMETHING NEW
A FORMER Nottingham school has been transformed into luxury themed accommodation with fun and quirky features.
Even though it’s in the heart of the Lace Market, the Old School House & Rooms are tucked away out of sight from the street, behind the Pitcher & Piano in High Pavement.
The building now houses four apartments with ensuite rooms as an alternative to the city’s hotels.
They have been overhauled by Nigel Rhodes, a former ice hockey player with Nottingham Panthers in the 80s and 90s.
Today Nottingham born-andbred Nigel runs building contractors and developers, DL Rhodes & Son.
His love of sport inspired one of the apartments – the Memorabilia Suite, decked out with signed football shirts, boots and boxing gloves from big names such as Anthony Joshua, Steven Gerrard, Barry Mcguigan, Peter Shilton, Alan Shearer and Gordon Banks.
Sleeping two, it comes with a mix of practical appliances, home comforts and luxury touches incudes a freestanding bath, walk-in shower, 50in television, a clothes steamer, a Nespresso coffee machine and teamaking facilities.
Another eye-catching room boasts nostalgic arcade games. The Retro Suite, sleeping six, allows guests to unleash their inner gamer, with colourful murals. Guests can play Mortal Kombat in the living room, while a twin room has Pacman.
The London Suite brings the capital to Nottingham with Union Flag doors, throws, headboards, sofas and armchairs.
Big Ben cushions decorate the beds and famous London scenes grace the rooms, which again sleep six.
The lounge, decked out with a wall-sized image of the London Underground, even comes with a replica red telephone box that’s actually a fridge.
The Old School Room is the final apartment, a duplex suited to a longer stay, complete with a fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine, microwave and hob. Upstairs, which retains the original high beam ceilings, has a bedroom and ensuite bathroom with a shower and bathtub. Jeff Wong, who manages the rooms of behalf of Nigel, said: “They’ve done a lot with the space. “All the rooms have air con. The London Suite is more mature but I love the Retro Suite as you’d just have such a good time, playing Mortal Kombat.
“We don’t think anyone else in Nottingham has done themed rooms like this.
“People on the reviews say it’s like a hidden gem and it is although you are in the centre of town. It’s ideal if you’re staying with your family or having a night out in Nottingham at somewhere like the Motorpoint Arena. It’s a great base to start before a night out.”
Prices start from £300 per suite. Guests can also enjoy discounts from local bars and restaurants.
There’s 20 percent off food and drink at the Pitcher & Piano and 25 percent off at Indian restaurant Lagan opposite.
During his ice hockey career Nigel played for Great Britain in the World Championships in the late 80s and 90s and was one of the top scorers in UK ice hockey, winning play-offs and cups. When he retired from the sport, he followed a new direction in construction and went on to take over his father’s business, having worked alongside him from a young age learning the trade.
Nigel grew and incorporated the company in 2001 with the majority of employees still part of the team
today. The company was also behind the Quayside Cafe on Colwick Industrial Estate, a former winner of Nottinghamshire Live’s best cafe poll.
He said: “Property development and redevelopment projects have always been a passion and are satisfying projects to complete. The Old School House & Rooms was certainly something different and quirkier, taking the design aspect to the next level to give it the wow factor as well as something new for Nottingham. Quayside Cafe was also one of those projects that has the wow factor, being situated on an industrial estate.”