Why buzzy Beeston in Nottingham is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK

Sir Paul Smith might be Beeston’s most famous export, but these days the town just outside Nottingham is making a name for itself all on its own. It’s just been named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK, coming in at number eight on Time Out’s 2026 list.

Time Out asked its regional contributors, who know their cities inside out, to pick the coolest places in Britain right now, from neighbourhoods with booming food scenes and thriving indie businesses to those with a real sense of community. Glasgow’s Govanhill topped the list, followed by Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and London’s Newington Green, with Beeston landing just behind Heaton in Newcastle.

So why Beeston? It’s best known as the birthplace of fashion designer Sir Paul Smith, but these days it’s the new openings that are getting people talking.

Food is a big part of that. Breakfast is sorted at The Pudding Pantry, with loaded pancakes or a full fry-up, followed by a caffeine hit at Greenhood Coffee. For lunch, Doughter does focaccia piled high with veg. Essen General Store is great for deli bites and pantry goods, and Tiramisu and Co has you covered for something sweet. Later on, head to Marcello’s Fresh Pasta Kitchen for homemade fresh egg pasta, from creamy rigatoni alla vodka to spicy nduja-laced mafaldine, served until 1am. Even better, you order it through a phone box that’s been turned into a ‘pasta booth’.

Come evening, Glass and Co serves modern British food and a very good glass of wine, Bistro 66 does souvlaki and sourdough pizzas, and The Beeston Social is the place to order an I Heart Beeston cocktail. The Garage Chilwell is a weekend hotspot, and you can finish the night with a film at Arc Cinema.

For those in an arty mood, Lakeside Arts has hosted Andy Warhol’s work and Architects of Air’s giant walk-through Luminarium sculptures, and is well worth checking for what’s on.

‘Beeston is a small town with a big city mentality’, said one proud local. ‘It's got everything you need within an arms length, plus a truly one of a kind pizza.’ That pizza belongs to Poppa Pizza, which has been in the area since 1985. 

If you’re planning a trip, Beeston really comes alive in spring and summer. The Beeston Film Festival usually takes place in April, and while you’re there, take a boat out on the lake at Highfields Park, next to the University of Nottingham.

🏘️ Read the full list of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK 2026.

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Plus: Why this ‘under-the-radar’ Sheffield suburb is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the UK for 2026. 

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