Nottingham's uber-trendy Lace Market area may have its pick of bars and restaurants but for a real dining experience Merchants tops the list. Designed by renowned architect David Collins, the name behind many of Marco Pierre White's ventures the interior is truly lush. Reflective ceilings, chainmail light fixtures and red leather seating give a boudoir-ish feel just the right side of decadent. The hearty, British fayre on offer is something of a surprise, but a pleasant one of course. Where you might have expected formulaic poseur French cuisine, Merchants' chef serves up unpretentious but beautiful and somewhat experimental food on an A La Carte or Prix Fixe basis.
