Nottingham is home to an incredible independent food scene, so naturally, when tasked with writing an article about it, I was spoilt for choice as to where to start or what angle to take. When my Mum came to visit me at university last weekend, we quickly realised that her visit strongly revolved around food. With so many cafés, pubs, restaurants, and bakeries to choose from, the task of choosing where to eat felt almost impossible. So, to give you some inspiration for when friends and family come to visit, I’ll take you through 3 amazing independent food spots that will guarantee your guest a truly non-disappointing visit - and one that is entirely unique to Nottingham.

1. The Bagel Project 

Each time my Mum comes to visit me, our day starts off at a Nottingham staple: The Bagel Project on Carrington street. Having picked my mum up from the station, and needing a quick bite before our Nottingham caves visit, we walked down to get bagels for Saturday lunch. We chose from a new menu: I indulged in the BBQ Pulled Pork Bagel, where slow roasted pulled pork is paired with BBQ sauce, jalapeno relish (which I swapped out for garlic aioli - 10/10), smoked cheddar, and lettuce. Mum picked the classic All-Day Breakfast, with homemade spicy ketchup, a Lincolnshire sausage patty, and all the traditional breakfast trimmings. The Bagel Project is a place that I keep going back to and it delivers every time; their new menu additions certainly didn't disappoint, and I'm already dreaming about my next bagel-fix.

The Bagel Project also caters to vegan and vegetarian diets 

For more, check out some menus and irresistible bagel pics on their Instagram: @thebagelprojecthq

2. Molli’s Soft Serve and “F**king Good Chicken” 

Molli’s ‘F**king Good Chicken’ was our dinner choice for Saturday evening. Situated at the top of Derby Road, the restaurant puts a spin on regular burgers with their menu of chicken burgers, inspired by iconic international flavours: from Mexican, to the New York Reuben sandwich, to Japanese katsu and Italian caprese, which only scratch the surface of their incredible flavour choices. But whilst their burgers are incredible, Molli’s actually makes this list for their soft-serve ice cream. I have never had soft-serve like it (and I live in a coastal seaside town, with Mr Whippy vans around every corner). With chocolate and custard flavours, Molli’s have paired these with unique toppings that take their desserts to the next level. All homemade in-house, their toppings - which include blueberry compote, oreo inspired biscuits, hibiscus syrup, and white chocolate custard - are inventively coupled to create the most genius, inventive flavours that are simply unmatched. Molli’s create new flavour combos often, inventing specials such as the matcha or coconut soft-serve (which are only available for a limited time, making them highly sought after). If you try any of the dishes on this list, especially as a student, head to the top of Derby Road for a Molli’s soft-serve and thank me later. ;)

 Molli’s have the option of a vegetarian burger, and most of their sides, and all of their soft-serve, is vegetarian. 

Check Molli’s Instagram for drool-inducing food pics: @mollis.fried.chicken

3. Passan’s Indian Fusion Flavours 

To conclude my Mum's whistlestop weekend visit, we went to Passan’s for their Sunday lunch. Traditional English roast flavours are blended with Indian spices to create a completely unique dish, and it was absolutely delicious. We both chose the Tandoori Chicken option, but there are plenty of other meat options, as well as a Vegan choice. All are served with Bombay potatoes, roasted seasonal vegetables, coin paratha, and masala gravy. For dessert we shared the dark chocolate and cardamom mousse, and the chocolate and pistachio spiced brownie, both of which were phenomenal… and they even decorated one dish with a sparkler for mum's birthday. The blend of flavours were so warm and unique, and the staff friendly and attentive. We had the loveliest evening at Passan’s - it was definitely a standout ‘English Sunday Dinner’.

Passan’s also re-imagines a traditional afternoon tea menu, and has an Indian fusion brunch menu, as well as their al-a-carte dinner menu. The restaurant also caters to Vegan and vegetarian diets.

Take a peek at Passan’s Instagram: @passans_

The Nottingham food scene is practically infinite and caters to just about everyone with its vibrant independent restaurants, exciting new flavours, showing a real blend of culinary skill and diversity. My recommendations may only scratch the surface of the city’s options, but I am grateful for having so many incredible spots to explore in a city I am lucky enough to call home.