Nottingham’s hospitality scene is expanding with conditional planning approval granted for The Island Quarter’s rooftop terrace, bringing panoramic views to the city’s bar scene.

The 85-cover venue at 1 The Island Quarter is located above popular dining spots Binks Yard and Cleaver and Wake. Nottingham City Council has this week given Conygar, the developer behind the 36-acre site, the go ahead to expand this offering utilising the rooftop space to provide relaxed daytime lounging and refined evening celebrations.

The bar will be operated by Rhubarb Hospitality, which is also responsible for the other venues in the building.

Chris Ware, managing director at Conygar, said: “This approval marks an exciting new chapter for 1 The Island Quarter and emphasises our continued commitment to evolving The Island Quarter into a space to live, work and play. This will be the highest rooftop venue in the city and will offer panoramic views across the skyline from day to night.

“Practically, there isn’t a significant amount of construction work to be done so we’re planning to open for the summer season once a stylish fit out has been completed – ready to welcome guests to sip drinks in the sunshine.”

Atmospheric festoon lighting, a sleek pergola and a combination of lounge and stool seating will provide the backdrop for guests, with an operating license of 10am until 10pm. As part of the fit-out, acoustic screening will be installed to ensure noise reduction to neighbouring buildings.

Nottingham’s The Island Quarter has made a significant move in the canalside venue’s future growth by appointing international operator Rhubarb Hospitality Collection (RHC) to lead Cleaver & Wake, Binks Yard and the associated brands.

A thriving and rapidly growing location in Nottingham’s dining and events scene, the appointment of RHC is a positive step that will support ambitious growth plans for the 1 The Island Quarter venues. From the Royal Albert Hall to Sky Garden and Mamma Mia! The Party, RHC is behind the success of some of the country’s most established food and events spaces and will bring the same flair to Nottingham.

The appointment has been made by Conygar, the investment company behind the 36-acre Island Quarter site.

Christopher Ware, managing director at Conygar, said: “Since launching Binks Yard and Cleaver & Wake in 2022, we have been welcomed to the Nottingham hospitality scene with an incredible reception, which has allowed us to continue to grow and develop. We now have a packed events calendar on the Binks Terrace and are a staple for corporate occasions and weddings at Upstairs at Cleaver & Wake.

“It’s a natural progression for us to elevate our offering by appointing an operator and RHC’s experience is unparalleled. I look forward to working with the team to continue to bring our vision for the wider Island Quarter to life and provide a range of experiences for people in Nottinghamshire and beyond.”

1TIQ guests can expect a seamless transition and will start to see the positive changes in the coming months from the RHC team, to increase and refine the offering across the venues. Having previously turned spaces into music, dance and corporate destinations, including internationally in New York, RHC is ideally placed to support 1TIQ’s future success.

P.B Jacobse, chief executive officer, RHC, said: “We are looking forward to evolving and developing the hospitality offering at Island Quarter, reaffirming it as Nottingham’s premier destination for dining, entertainment and events. We’re delighted to be working with Conygar and the existing team and look forward to announcing some new projects for Island Quarter.”

For students choosing Nottingham as their home during university, The Island Quarter is fast becoming one of the most compelling places to live. Positioned just on the edge of the city centre, it offers a unique balance between city convenience, community living, and campus connectivity, appealing to both UK-based students and those arriving from overseas.

Winfield Court, and the wider Island Quarter, is quietly shaping the way students experience university life in Nottingham. While it offers the expected practical necessities – comfortable rooms, places to study, and modern facilities – what truly sets it apart is how it fits into the broader rhythm of student life in a city like Nottingham.

One of the most important aspects of student accommodation is location. Winfield Court benefits from being within easy walking distance of Nottingham Trent University, while the University of Nottingham is accessible via direct tram and bus routes, both of which are available just minutes from the site. With intentions to roll out a regular bus service for students, this level of connectivity is invaluable, especially for international students navigating a new city and educational system. It’s reassuring to students, their friends and family that they can easily get to lectures without long commutes, late-night buses, or unfamiliar detours.

But The Island Quarter isn’t just a place to sleep and study – it’s part of a wider urban regeneration project that is deliberately designed to foster community and culture. Restaurant and events venues Cleaver & Wake and Binks Yard give a vibrant, modern feel. With outdoor seating and live music offerings, Binks is rapidly becoming one of the go-to informal meeting spots for students looking to unwind after a day of studying. This sort of social infrastructure plays a huge role in how students build friendships and settle into university life – especially for those moving to the UK for the first time.

The social element of student living often goes overlooked in discussions about accommodation, but it’s arguably just as important as any academic resource. Living at The Island Quarter gives students easy access to a social scene that feels safe, varied, and inclusive. Whether it’s grabbing coffee in Sneinton Market, catching a performance at the Motorpoint Area, or simply spending time by the canal, the area encourages a balanced lifestyle.

From shared common areas to quiet corners for working, Winfield Court supports the ebb and flow of student routines. Crucially, it manages to cater to different needs: some might want privacy and quiet, others are looking to connect and collaborate. Having that flexibility in one location is particularly attractive to international students who may not yet have a strong social network in place.

Cultural diversity is another subtle yet significant strength of the area. Nottingham itself is a multicultural city, and The Island Quarter is a place to celebrate. As a space where local and global experiences intersect – whether in food, music, or student communities – it offers a friendly welcome for those who are looking for an enriching and comfortable student environment.

Students today are looking for more than just a roof over their heads – they’re seeking spaces where they can grow, connect, and thrive. The Island Quarter, with Winfield Court as a key part of its future evolution, recognises this shift and responds to it with both practical amenities and a genuine sense of place. In terms of location, atmosphere, and access to both study and social opportunities, it offers exactly what modern students want and need.

For those starting their university journey in Nottingham, The Island Quarter represents more than just a place to stay, it’s becoming a community, and for many, a home.

Our finer dining destination Cleaver & Wake has welcomed a string of new hires within the chef team to drive forward our ambitious approach to modern, elevated dining.  

Michelin-trained chef Lewis Dobson is one of the leading lights to join the ranks as sous chef at Cleaver & Wake, where he’ll be working with our senior sous chef Cameron Spollin and executive chef Lewis Thornhill to support the wider Cleaver & Wake chef team, developing their skills and upholding the restaurant’s high standards. 

Bringing eight years’ experience to the role, Lewis sports impressive credentials, having worked at esteemed Michelin-star restaurants including John’s House in Mountsorrel and Nottingham’s Sat Bains.  

After spending his career honing his skills through regular chef’s table dining experiences, and championing seasonal ingredients, Lewis will be a regular face in our open pass kitchen. He looks forward to working alongside Cameron to give diners an insight into every dish, including how it’s cooked, where it’s sourced and the intricacies of each ingredient. 

Lewis said: “I love all aspects of working with food, including speaking to guests and interacting with customers. Seeing the smile on people’s face as they enjoy their meal is one of the best feelings you can have as a chef. 

“By inviting diners to learn more about their meal, it helps to share the passion that goes into each dish – showcasing a team that doesn’t just cook the food, but really cares about creating something special, and I’m looking forward to helping Cleaver & Wake lean even more into that. In doing so, it helps to add to the overall experience that diners get when they visit, making every meal memorable. 

“I’m joining at an exciting time for the restaurant, and it’s fantastic to be part of such a reputable team that shares the same values that my own experience and food journey has been built on – using the finest ingredients and delighting each guest with every bite.” 

Further new hires within our team include Stacey Hucknall, who joins as chef de partie and Arianna Barbaccia, working as commis chef. 

Cameron Spollin, senior sous chef at Cleaver & Wake, said: “A key part of the Cleaver & Wake experience lies in our incredibly talented team of chefs, who all share a passion for championing great quality produce, creative pairings and exceptional diner experiences.  

“After starting the year off strong with new menu additions, I’m looking forward to working with Lewis and the rest of our team to bring some incredible ideas to life, putting Cleaver & Wake’s own brand of fine dining on the map. 

“Our menu is constantly changing to present the unique ingredients we’re able to source, thanks to our fantastic relationships with British suppliers, so it’s important that we have a close-knit team to foster the creativity that’s required to push this approach forward. With his experience both in the experiential element of dining, as well as working with seasonal ingredients, Lewis brings a lot to the table and will be a brilliant asset to tap into.” 

This year, at Cleaver & Wake we’re continuing with our mission to use the very best seasonal ingredients across our menus. Instead of a complete menu overhaul every few months, we now add select dishes using premium ingredients as they peak, helping to ensure each plate delivers a taste of the season when at its most vibrant. So far this has seen the menu adopt the use of standout ingredients such as Yorkshire’s finest ‘forced rhubarb’, which is nurtured in complete darkness and harvested by candlelight, giving it a uniquely tender texture and a beautifully vivid pink hue. 

Lewis Thornhill executive chef at 1 The Island Quarter, said: “Like every industry, we must respond to changes and trends – our way of doing that at Cleaver & Wake is by ensuring our menu is always moving, led by the very best in British, seasonal ingredients, served when they are in their prime. 

“One thing that will always remain the same, however, is our commitment to quality and the unique experience guests will receive with every visit. Our team of chefs is stronger than ever, and this year we’ll see them shine as we continue to make the most of our open pass kitchen, which perfectly showcases the passion, creativity and quality that’s always guaranteed at Cleaver & Wake.”

Businesses in Nottingham can take advantage of a collection of tailored offers from venues located at The Island Quarter, including Cleaver & Wake and Binks Yard, through a new exclusive membership programme.  

Available through the Island Club app, the Corporate Club initiative allows businesses to make the most of our canalside eateries – located in between Nottingham Station and the bustle of the city centre – at a discounted rate, while earning points that can be spent on future visits.  

 Liam Morgan, business development manager at 1 The Island Quarter, said: “We’re in a prime spot within the city, meaning we’re perfectly placed for local businesses as well as any guests that they may bring to Nottingham. 

 “Since launching in late 2022, we’ve established a great relationship with a wide variety of local businesses. Our corporate event offering includes breakfast meetings, conferences, gala dinners, summer parties and exclusive hire options for up to 2,000 people. The launch of our Corporate Club app rewards local business employees with exclusive offers and discounts throughout the year.”  

 Offers you can expect to see include lunch deals, discounts on large bookings and multi visit promotions. 

 To take full advantage of the offers available through the Corporate Club, companies can request an exclusive code from our sales team at 1, The Island Quarter. This then allows employees to sign up to the Island Club app and unlock the exclusive offers.

 Liam added: “Nottingham has a thriving business community and we’re proud to be doing our bit to support them. This marks a very important step for us as it allows us to give back to the many businesses that make Nottingham such a fantastic place to work, visit or live in.” 

 The Island Club app can be downloaded from the App Store for iPhone users and the Google Play store for Android users. 

 To find out more about The Island Quarter’s Corporate Club, visit https://www.theislandquarter.com/the-island-club or email info@binksyard.com with enquiries. 

Film lovers of all ages can now enjoy an exciting new cinematic experience as we’ve launched our very own film club at Binks Yard, offering a selection of outdoor screenings throughout the year.

Designed to bring people together over some of the world’s favourite flicks, the Binks Yard film club launched on Wednesday 7th May, with a showing of Grease on the 7 x 3.35 metre outdoor screen – the largest in the East Midlands. The new club will see the venue host regular ticketed events across the season, with screenings of blockbusters such as Top Gun, La La Land and The Greatest Showman scheduled over the coming months.   

Arpita Anstey, marketing director at Binks Yard, said: “We’re really passionate about creating exciting experiences for our customers, and our film club is a natural extension of this. Whether you’re looking for an evening out with friends or family, or something a bit different to do for date night, our Film Club offers something for all movie lovers.” 

Film fans looking to make it a full evening event, can also choose to dine inside at Binks Yard or enjoy a range of alfresco options. 

A selection of food stalls will be available at every screening with a variety of fresh flavours and flame-cooked dishes to try, alongside the bar serving hot drinks, soft drinks and alcoholic refreshments. 

Arpita added: “Whether you’re after a casual bite or a full dining experience, we have plenty of options to suit all tastes, which can be enjoyed before or during the screening.” 

“Last summer we hosted an outdoor screening of Mamma Mia over on our terrace, which was a huge success. This year we’re looking forward to building on that success, with a jam-packed schedule of blockbusters and lots of opportunities for the people of Nottingham to enjoy the magic of film, Binks Yard style.” 

Each Binks Yard Film Club screening is ticketed, with entry starting at just £5. Walk-ins will also be welcome, subject to availability. 

To find out more about the Binks Yard Film Club, as well as upcoming screenings, visit https://binksyard.com/film-club/ 

Outdoor Gallery @ The Island Quarter is an exciting initiative to showcase the creativity and talent of local artists and organisations that contribute to Nottingham’s unique identity. We wanted to give a platform to artists at every stage of their career, from established names in the industry to Nottingham-based talent just starting to explore their style.

Nottingham artist, Reiss Mallet was appointed to curate and launch the initiative, which has seen him bring the new ‘city within a city’ to life through creative projects. Reiss has overseen the delivery and installation of an outside display below the The Island Quarter plinth on London Road.

The installation consists of a frame in which sit eight large format 4ft x 8ft panels, each painted by one of eight local artists who were selected from a high number of applications. Very much modern-art and abstract orientated, all the pieces displayed are colourful, vibrant and characteristically very different. The overall effect lifts completely what was a drab wall into a point of interest on the site.

The Artists:

Alex Rubes – https://www.instagram.com/alex.rubes/?hl=en

Alex Rubes is a Nottingham based artist who mostly works with spray paint in public spaces, His painting styles are often bold, pattern based with themes of the natural world.

In Nottingham he has been involved in several large-scale murals, most notably on Fletcher Gate on the edge of the Lace Market in the city and on Church Drive in Arnold.

With this recent project with The Island Quarter he wanted to work on a nature theme that reflected the city and a peregrine falcon was perfect, a contrast of urban and nature which is actually a common occurrence in his paintings.

Becca – https://www.instagram.com/sliceofthewilddesigns/

Becca is a self-taught illustrator and loves all things abstract, surreal and make believe; nature is her biggest inspiration and is important to her work.

Becca’s panel for The Island Quarter shows a bunch of unlikely animal friends sitting down for breakfast, a looming city in the background, polluting the air. Becca’s hope with this piece is to provoke change with the way we impact the environment.

Colette Rogers – https://www.instagram.com/colette.rogers.artiste/

Colette Rogers is a Nottingham-based artist and a contemporary abstract painter.

Using charcoal and gesso on canvas as her materials, Colette’s work takes on structural forms.

Given the location of the painting site, Colette felt as though the mark making should be really smooth, reflecting the fluidity of the water. Circular gestures and blue hues are a stark contrast of the surrounding buildings but bring out the brightness and ripples of the water. She wanted for there to be an ebb and flow between painting and the water, a connection to the surrounding environment.

Kynobi & Zena Kay – https://www.instagram.com/kynobio/?hl=en

Kynobi and Zena are a couple living and working in Nottingham, and both have their own freelance art practices. They illustrate, paint murals and make artwork separately, but when the opportunity to work on projects together comes they love it.

The couple used bright colours and bold shapes on this panel so people could enjoy it from the other side of the canal as well as being a splash of colour when walking close to it. The whole process was pretty organic, taking it in turns to add shapes which ended up feeling quite loose and winding, a little like the canal itself. They wanted to avoid over-complicating it or for it to represent anything in particular, just something to hopefully be enjoyed and add a little colour to people’s days.

Laura Decorum – https://www.instagram.com/lauradecorum/

Laura is a multi-disciplinary painter who lives and paints in Nottingham and surrounding areas. She has led creative activities and facilitated workshops for Nottingham City Council, New Arts Exchange, Goldhill Adventure Playground, Bullwell Toy Library, Mencap and Equation to name but a few.

Laura has created a dominant, strong and feminine woman with embellished fine details in true contradictory form the embodiment of vintage antiquity with a futuristic form.

Nicholas Wright – https://www.instagram.com/differingstructures/?hl=en-gb

Nicholas Wright has been a professional artist for over twenty years including representing England internationally in fine art shows all over Europe.

This large-scale drawing is part of a series based on the Latin phrase “Memento Mori” in English this translates to “Remember you must die”. Nicholas wanted to modernise it for today’s audience so within his “Memento Mori” Nicholas has included more modern symbols of decay, destruction, death and sometimes elements of modern technology. Hinting at our modern attitude to nature, as it is all framed in flowers and leaves.

Reggie Pugh & Gina Harries Pugh

Reggie Puge creates art for high street on windows, walls and interiors and enjoys working in a variety of styles, collage, inks and watercolour.

Gina Harries Pugh has a career in teaching, and since retiring, she has been developing a new body of work, exploring the nature of lost and found layers within a painting.

Reggie and Gina worked together to create a piece of art that responded to the natural foliage of the canal bank but in a graphic way that was bold and very visible from across the water. The simplified shapes also connect the art to the cells within the plants.

Ruby – https://www.instagram.com/rubyden.art/

Ruby is a Nottingham born artist whose work explores connection with environment, often through organic sculptural works and the use of found materials. Language has a central role in Ruby’s practice, she often plays with the idea of language expressed as a physicality through mapping and webbing in her works.

The inspiration for Ruby’s panel delves into the archives of Nottingham’s history.  The piece is an ode to the rich textiles legacy of the city, which was the hub of the British lace industry in the 19th century. The text is a direct translation from lyrics sung by immigrant workers of the time.

This panel has now sold.

This project aimed to celebrate Nottingham’s creative talent and give an opportunity to those at different points of their artistic careers. We’re grateful to the range of artists that gave their time and skills to the Outdoor Gallery and look forward to welcoming more of Nottingham’s creatives in the future.

To purchase a panel, please email theislandquarter@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk

In celebration of International Women’s Day, The Island Quarter has announced an all-female line up of local musicians for an event collaborating to raise money for Nottingham domestic abuse charity JUNO Women’s Aid.

Taking place inside canalside destination Binks Yard on Saturday 8 March, the free-to-attend event will feature an evening filled with inspiring music to celebrate the talent, resilience, and creativity of women in the Nottingham community. The event will be headlined by local rising star singer-songwriter Georgie, who will be performing from 4pm to 5:30pm, followed by Jessica Clarke-Wheatley, an established Nottingham singer, from 6pm to 7:30pm.

Liam Morgan, business development manager at 1 The Island Quarter, said: “Having supported JUNO for several years as a cause close to our hearts, International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to raise further awareness and funds for the charity, which offers incredible support and safety, empowering women across Nottingham.

“The Island Quarter is committed to fostering inclusivity and supporting meaningful initiatives across Nottingham, and we’re excited to welcome everyone to Binks Yard for an amazing evening with JUNO to mark this momentous day for women.”

As part of the celebration, The Island Quarter will be donating ten per cent of the net revenue generated in the evening across the bar and restaurant to JUNO, supporting its critical work helping women and children experiencing domestic abuse.

Tasarla Larner, fundraising and communications manager at JUNO, said: “We are incredibly excited to be part of this inspiring event and grateful to The Island Quarter and Binks Yard for their continued support. Events like this highlight the strength, creativity, and resilience of women in our community, including the courageous survivors we work with every day. Together, we can create a future where women and children can live safely and thrive.”

PHASE one of The Island Quarter has won a prestigious Royal Institute of Architects (RIBA) Regional Award in the East Midlands for the thoughtful design delivered by Jestico + Whiles.

The ceremony on Thursday 23 May commended the unlocking of the post-industrial brownfield site, 1 The Island Quarter (1TIQ), which has now formed a gateway to a new cultural hub in Nottingham City Centre, boasting two restaurants, an events venue and outdoor live music and entertainment space.

Christopher Ware, property director at Conygar, said: “As the first phase of our 36-acre development, 1TIQ had to represent what we wanted to achieve across the wider masterplan – a space that celebrates the site’s vast history while bringing it into economic use for the future. Alongside Jestico + Whiles, we have achieved this by not compromising quality and user experience at any stage of the design.

“Winning the RIBA award is a fantastic achievement, that solidifies our commitment to regenerating the site and establishing a sense of place for the area that celebrates its extensive industrial history.”

Some of the carefully considered design features that caught the attention of judges include the use of red brick from the Nottingham Patent Brick Company and the repeated motif of the arches across the facade to reflect the links to the old railway building on site.

James Dilley, director at Jestico + Whiles, said: “Every aspect of the design for 1TIQ is the result of research and collaboration, to ensure we delivered a space that began a true transformation of the site, which has been derelict for 30 years. Working alongside Conygar and the masterplanning team we have created something to be proud of and it’s rewarding to have that recognised with this RIBA Award.”

RIBA’s ambition is to support British architects and the awards recognise those leading the way for the region in design excellence.

For more information on The Island Quarter masterplan, visit theislandquarter.com/masterplan

ENDS

For more information, please contact  Peter Mumford or Lucy Torr at Cartwright Communications on 0115 853 2110 or email theislandquarter@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk

About The Island Quarter

The Island Quarter is an exciting mixed-use development and unique, not just for Nottingham but for the Midlands and the UK. The 36-acre site will be totally transformed to bring new homes, grade A office space, creative spaces, a lifestyle hotel, PRS apartments and co-working space, retail units, a ‘linear’ park and vibrant community and event space as well as student accommodation to the city.

The development is a vital part of the regeneration of Nottingham’s Southside and the developers are working closely with Nottingham City Council to align with its vision for the city.

About The Conygar Investment Company PLC

The Conygar Investment Company PLC is an AIM quoted property investment and development group dealing primarily in UK property. The group aims to invest in property assets where it can add significant value using our property management, development and transaction structuring skills.

Conygar purchased The Island Quarter site in 2016.

The Island Quarter is proud to support T-BAC and JUNO.