Love Your Locals: How to Support Your Independents in Their Time of Need

Words: The LeftLion Team
Tuesday 28 April 2020
reading time: min, words

We’re a city with a long and proud history of independence, and currently boast one of the most diverse, active and eclectic independent business communities in the country. Unfortunately, the ongoing health crisis has resulted in many of them being among the hardest hit, and the majority of Nottingham’s independents have had to either close their doors or find creative ways to stay afloat until things return to normal. While these are obviously times of financial uncertainty for many of us, there are still ways that you can support your local independent businesses without leaving the house…

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Food

Little Brickhouse
The Little Brickhouse are offering a brand new delivery option for some of their menu items, which currently changes daily. Fresh Turkish Delight, cinnamon rolls and more have all been on offer, but it's worth checking their social media pages regularly to see what tasty stuff you can get your mitts on.

Tough Mary’s Bakehouse
Tough Mary's can deliver all the sweet comfort food you're currently craving to north, south, east, and nearish city-centre Notts areas. They've got certain times for certain areas, so check their socials for when you can nab some of the goodness.

No. Twelve
No. Twelve are offering fresh produce boxes for home delivery in the Nottingham area, which have proved to be pretty popular so far. The boxes are available in a range of sizes and prices, and you can also include a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks, chocolate and plant-based milks.  

Studio Chocolate
Chocolatey goodness at its finest. You can still order chocolates, brownies, cakes and all their other amazing stuff. They even have chocolate-scented candles, for those looking for a little relaxation. And, they're offering free delivery in the Nottingham area too.

The Thompsons
The fruit and veg legends are providing a home delivery service to make sure that everyone in Notts is still getting their five a day. Demand has been huge so far, so you might have to be a bit patient.

Kerry’s Fresh
The family-run fresh produce experts are currently still open, and are also offering a home delivery service on a reduced line of their products. High demand means that delivery may be between 7-10 days at the moment.

The Fruit Basket
The West Bridgford fruit and vegetable establishment is also still open and offering a delivery service, with a huge range of fresh produce, including bread, milk and eggs. 

Although they’ve had to close their doors for now, there are plenty of independent food establishments in Nottingham, like Doughnotts, Annie’s Burger Shack, Kushi-Ya, Alchemilla and plenty more that you can support by purchasing gift vouchers to use when they eventually re-open.

 

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Vegan

The Filthy Vegan Takeout
Notts’ vegan fast food kings are targeting different postcodes in Nottingham, allowing you to pre-order prime meat-free grub on set dates. They’re also available on Deliveroo and Uber Eats, so their kebabs, burgers and hot dogs are only a few clicks away. 

Prickly Pear
The Mansfield Road eatery is still going, offering some of the best vegan food in the city via Deliveroo, or by calling them directly on 0115 958 1339. You can also help them out by picking up a £5, £10 or £20 gift card from their online store.

Clemie’s Vegan Cakes
Although their shop has closed, a limited selection of Clemie’s delicious vegan sweet treats will be available for as long as the postal system stays running. Go on, treat yourself. 

The V Spot
The Mansfield Road haven for all things vegan is still open for collection, and have an improved home delivery service on a range of products including pizzas, pies, tofu and plenty more. 

Out of This World
If you’re struggling to get hold of your meat-free essentials, you can head to the Beeston-based store to stock up. As well as offering no restrictions on pasta, lentils and rice, Out of the World provide a home delivery service/           

 

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Drink

200 Degrees
Fancy a strong brew? We all need one of them at the minute. You can now subscribe to 200 Degrees' coffee bean subscription service and claim 50% off with the code TWOHUNDREDFF, valid until Wednesday 30 April.

Outpost Coffee
The team at Outpost Coffee is also offering a discount for online orders – using the code MYCORONA2020 will get you 15% off all coffee orders posted online. Get your caffeine fix, pronto.

Casa Agave
Seeing as 400 Rabbits is closed for the foreseeable, owner Jen is keeping Notts sufficiently lubricated with tequila, mezcal and a range of other spirits through Casa Agave’s online store. Help them out by ordering a bottle or two, it’d be rude not to.

Trent Navigation Inn (Navigation Brewery)
Treat yourself to 18 or 36 take-home pints of any of Navigation Brewery’s ales – fresh from the brewery of course – and as a token of their appreciation, you’ll be invited for a complimentary brewery tour when restrictions are lifted. If you live locally, they’re also offering to deliver for a limited time only.

Brew Cavern
Take advantage of Brew Cavern’s mail order service and stock up on your favourite bottles. They’re also offering 10% off orders over £30 with the code LOYALTY, and free shipping on orders of £50 or more. You lot were so pleased with this offer you almost broke their website – so keep up the good work. 

Castle Rock Brewery
Castle Rock pubs are hopeful you lot will be kind enough to purchase gift cards to use in their establishments once this all blows over. Alternatively, check their web shop for merch.

Magpie Brewery
The brewery behind Crafty Crow, Doctor’s Orders and The Barrel Drop have opened an online shop so you’re still able to get your fix. Bottles, cans, polypins and mini kegs are all available for click and collect at the brewery in NG2, and there’s free delivery for orders of £20 or more.

Neon Raptor
You can get 10% off Neon Raptor's online shop, which includes gift cards, snapbacks, beanies, bags and tons more, by using code SUPPORTLOCAL.

Nottingham Brewery
For anyone in self-isolation craving their favourite tipple, you can purchase Rock Bitter, Rock Mild, Legend, EPA, Cock & Hoop, Bullion, Sooty Stout or Supreme in 18-pint or 35-pint boxes for home delivery. 

Blue Monkey Brewery
Blue Monkey are busy pumping out 5lt mini casks of all the beers they currently have at their brewery, pubs – both the Organ Grinder Nottingham and Arnold – and even some remote sites (the staff's gaff's). They're happy to deliver to anyone who gives the brewery a call and books a slot.

 

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Cultural

Nottingham Contemporary
Nottingham Contemporary might have closed its doors, but it's still offering virtual visits and a range of family activity resources through their website. As a registered artistic and educational charity, you can chuck them a few quid by way of saying thanks and showing your support during this difficult time. 

New Art Exchange
NAE have a huge range of exciting films, talks, events and artist profiles available to watch on their YouTube channel, and their archive has details of all of their past exhibits. There’s an option to donate too, so if you’re able to spare some cash, they’d appreciate it. 

Creswell Crags
One of Nottingham’s most important historical sites was already facing financial uncertainty before the coronavirus took hold, and now faces the threat of permanent closure due to having to close its doors to the public. You can help secure the future of the 60,000 year old landmark by donating to their JustGiving page.

National Justice Museum
The ever-popular National Justice Museum has always provided an eclectic, interesting array of events, talks and exhibitions, and now’s the time to say thank you. You can either make a donation via their website, or spend £20 on becoming a National Justice Museum Friend.

National Holocaust Centre
From welcoming schools to their engaging, interactive centre, to providing a platform for Holocaust survivors like Arek Hersh to share their memories, the National Holocaust Centre constantly boast one of the most harrowing, important cultural sites in the country. Their website offers you the opportunity to make a single donation or sign up for a monthly payment to become a member. 

 

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Fashion

Mimm
We might all be self-isolating, but there’s no need for your sense of style to do the same. Treat yourself to some new threads from Broad Street’s best by visiting Mimm’s online store.

Stick and Ribbon
As another shop affected by COVID-19, Stick and Ribbon are still offering the best of their ladies clothing boutique through their online shop. Priding themselves as offering something unique compared to other high street retailers, check them out and treat yourself to something new.

 

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Gifts

Handmade Nottingham
Dedicated to showcasing the best of Nottingham’s local creative talent, Handmade Nottingham have got something for everyone in their online store. Got a birthday or anniversary coming up and can’t get out to get a present? Handmade have got you sorted.

Dukki
It doesn’t really get more Notts than Dukki, does it? From prints and calendars, to cards and hoodies, they’ve got your back when it comes to celebrating Nottingham. Head over to their website to see for yourself.

 

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Cinema

Broadway Cinema
It’s not an easy time to be an independent cinema, so if you’re a fan of the Broad Street mainstay you can head over to their site and help them out in their time of need. You can make a one-off donation, sign up for an annual membership or dedicate a seat to a friend, loved-one or family member for £250. 

Savoy Cinema
Another independent cinema that has closed its doors as a result of the health crisis, Savoy are feeling the loss of income as hard as anyone else. You can show your support by buying a £5, £10 or £50 gift voucher from their website. 

 

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Theatre

Nottingham Playhouse
As a registered charity, Nottingham Playhouse rely on ticket sales for over 70% of their income. They’d hugely appreciate your help in a number of ways, including allowing them to retain some or all of the ticket price for cancelled shows as a donation or in exchange for a future show. 

Theatre Royal
The Theatre Royal are also offering a number of ways in which patrons can support them during this difficult time. As well as booking tickets to a future show, you can make a donation, pay to name a seat or join their membership scheme which will help them to safeguard two of Nottingham’s most beautiful, historical cultural landmarks.

 

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Music

Rock City
We’ve all relied on Rock City to bring some of the best nights of our lives, so why not return the favour by helping them out while their doors are closed. You can buy a piece of their famous dancefloor, pick up a gift certificate or grab a DVD copy of Frank Turner’s 2000th live show all via the merchandise section of their website.

Peggy’s Skylight
While Peggy’s are offering refunds for all events that have been cancelled due to coronavirus, they’d greatly appreciate any patrons who are in the position to waive the refund and treat the purchase as a donation to keeping the establishment open. 

The Bodega
You might not be able to enjoy a live performance and a pint any time soon, but you can help the Bodega out by buying a 20th anniversary t-shirt (£11) or tote bag (£4.50). 

 

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Literature

Five Leaves
Their physical bookshop is closed, but Five Leaves are still accepting online orders after their suppliers reorganized their entire warehouse to ensure safe working practice. Let’s be honest, now is the perfect time to catch up on all those books you said you already read…

Page 45
If you’re most into graphic novels, then head over to Page 45’s website and get your comic fix with an online delivery. If now isn’t the time for a bit of escapism, we don’t know when is. 

 

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Animals

Stonebridge City Farm
It’s not just people who are going without during lockdown, but without the regular flow of visitors to their community farm, the animals at Stonebridge are in need of your help too. Spend an hour browsing their beautiful animal galleries online and chuck them a few quid via the donation page for the pleasure. 

White Post Farm
Offering three levels of annual sponsorship packages, White Post Farm gives you the opportunity to support their animals during a time when they need it the most. Options include love birds, piranhas, pygmy goats, reindeer, meerkats and loads more. 

All information is believed accurate at time of printing, but we appreciate that things are changing on a daily basis. If any of the above information is incorrect, please let us know at [email protected]

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