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.”