Things to do > Heritage & history > The Lace Market

Nottingham’s Lace Market district is renowned for its opulence, breath-taking architecture and hotels, and restaurants and bars of outstanding quality.

The name of this elegant and trendy area originates from the 18th century. Local entrepreneurs and industrialists transformed the Lace Market from a popular residential area to a commercial capital.

The thriving local industry was dependent on two key inventions. In 1589 William Lee, a local inventor, developed a framework knitting machine which enabled high volumes of lace to be manufactured. By 1808 entrepreneur John Heathcoate further developed this into a hand operated machine and the machine lace industry was born. With the introduction of steam power in the 1800s the production of Chantilly and other luxury weaves brought an economic boom to the district. Over 130 factories were based in the Lace Market along with a population of 50,000.

Lace was a symbol of high fashion, good living and well-dressed homes. The demand for Nottingham’s luxury product grew. 

Fashion trends changed in the early 1900s and the demand for easy care synthetic fibres increased. This started a downward spiral for the lace industry and after the Second World War it struggled to recover.

The area remained predominantly commercial and continued to play an important part in Nottingham’s economic development. More recently the district has become a popular location for up-and-coming businesses. It is also a much sought after residential area with stylish apartments offering a luxurious and city chic lifestyle.  

Today the Lace Market remains true to its heritage as a busy and popular centre of style with some of the city’s best bars and restaurants hidden along cobbled streets. Must go restaurants include city newcomer Geisha and opulent dining at Merchants.

In keeping with the Lace Market’s unique feel, the Pitcher and Piano pub - a converted church – is to be found alongside contemporary bars and eateries including the leather clad Living Room and quirky Brass Monkey. 

The cutting edge of style still beats at the heart of Nottingham in and around the Lace Market area. Home of internationally-renowned designer Paul Smith and with streets packed with boutique and original stores, Nottingham is still capital for fashion long after the lace knitting machines shut down.

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