A number of new businesses have helped breathe new life into Carlton Hill’s high street.
Recently the area has welcomed many new shops and the community spirit continues to grow.
As well as new stores opening, many places have closed which has left residents disappointed.
The news of Lloyds bank branch closure in July has received angry comments from locals that are devastated to see it go.
The closure of other establishments has similarly evoked strong reactions, with Albie’s café/bar still being seen as a huge loss by many after shutting its doors in July, 2022.
However, people are also delighted to welcome new stores into their town and support local businesses.
A spokesperson for Carlton Hill Action Group Committee said: “We have had a couple of businesses come and go that were really good but we seem to fill shops quickly.”
Over the past few months Carlton Hill has seen the addition of new fruit and veg outlet Juicey’s, fast food outlet Nottingham Kitchen and Project Pies.
These new outlets seem to be local hotspots, with many leaving great reviews for the newcomers.
Carlton Hill is also set to welcome other new businesses in the near future.
The Bakery & Kitchen in Sneinton is due to relocate to the area in the next few weeks, taking over the premises that used to be Straight Six café.
The store will be open for breakfast and lunch, offering their current menu with new additions over the coming months.
Carlton Hill has a great community spirit helped by businesses such as Wheldon’s Garage, Top Spot club and Piginns café that have been open for many years.
Wheldon’s Garage has been operating since 1947 and is still run by the same family, who are currently expanding the business for the move towards electronic vehicles.
Top Spot club is celebrating its 35th birthday this year and is also loved by many locals.
Piginns café has been open for 15 years, having moved to larger premises to serve their homemade dishes and famous all-day breakfast.
Owner, Marie Jackson said: “I never intended it to be a community café but it has become like a second home for a lot of our customers.
“We have seen children grow up which has been great.
“But on the sadder side we have lost a lot of customers too.”
She added that all the businesses on the hill are very friendly and help one another, and it is great to see new businesses come, create new trade and bring excitement.
Marie is selling Piginns later this year as she is now 65 and feels exhausted working over 60 hours a week.
She said: “I would like to sell to someone who is on the same wavelength as me who will keep it community based.”
This atmosphere on the hill has been noticed by many of the businesses.
Sara Rudzik, general manager of Portobello Italian Restaurant said: “We love our customers, they bring to the restaurant a nice vibe and a warm atmosphere.”
The area has not always been this way.
Local resident, Mandy Kiernan, was born in Carlton and said: “I personally love that Carlton Hill went from being quite run down in the noughties to being a wonderful place to socialise and shop.
“I’ve seen so many changes over the years.”
Great to see, use it or lose it !
Had breakfast for the first time at Piggins- excellent cooked to order and hot
Really first class