Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-velvet-sofa-at-wildhive-callow-hal-l-ashbourne">On the velvet sofa at <a href="https://www.wildhive.uk/">Wildhive Callow Hal</a><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/wildhive-callow-hall-ashbourne-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">l</a>, Ashbourne</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook.jpg" alt="green sofa and cup of tea at wildhive callow hall ashbourne lounge" class="wp-image-7749" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/wildhive-lounge-cosy-book-nook-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Ahh, cosy, country house comfort at its finest. Snuggle up on a squishy, velvet sofa, warmed by the open fire and lose yourself with a good book in a cocoon of calm. The décor is elegant, nature-inspired, with a dash of whimsy. And the staff here are fabulous at friendly, relaxed, unobstrusive service so you can stay topped up with tea and scones without losing your place.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-by-the-fire-at-hobbs-cafe-monsal-head">By the fire at <a href="https://www.hobbscafemonsalhead.co.uk/">Hobbs Café</a>, Monsal Head</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook.jpg" alt="tea and cake at hobbs cafe monsal head derbyshire" class="wp-image-7750" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/hobbs-monsal-cafe-book-nook-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Once you can tear yourself away from that view (it&#8217;s a stunner overlooking the Monsal trail, the viaduct and beyond), the rich, warm fireside interiors are all-enveloping. Nab the fireside corner table and hunker down for an hour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-armchair-at-scarthin-books-cromford">In the armchair at <a href="http://www.scarthinbooks.com/">Scarthin Books</a>, Cromford</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook.jpg" alt="cat lying by armchair scarthin books cromford derbyshire" class="wp-image-7752" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/scarthin-books-cosy-book-nook-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>You can’t beat a bookshop with a sunny spot to curl up in and they don’t come much more charming than this place. Crammed full of second-hand books and curiosities, it&#8217;s even got its own café for bibliophiles craving a few hours to themselves.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-by-the-big-wheel-at-the-book-cafe-derby">By the big wheel at the <a href="https://www.thebookcafe.co.uk/">Book Café</a>, Derby</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook.jpg" alt="seats and big wheel at book cafe derby" class="wp-image-7751" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/book-cafe-cosy-book-nook-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Caught short without a book? Pop into the Book Café and borrow one of theirs. Alongside their card and board games (and generous hot chocolates), you&#8217;ll find a selection of books for adults and kids. The sunny window spot is the seat to bag &#8211; especially if you&#8217;re looking for a spot of people-watching distraction too.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-cafe-at-high-peak-bookstore-buxton">In the café at <a href="https://www.highpeakbookstore.co.uk/">High Peak Bookstore</a>, Buxton</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook.jpg" alt="little girl reading book at high peak cafe and bookstore buxton" class="wp-image-7753" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/high-peak-bookstore-book-nook-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>What a bookshop this beauty is. A locals&#8217; favourite and previous Muddy Award winner, it&#8217;s home to a great children&#8217;s section complete with squishy cushions for kids&#8217; to curl up in as they browse the bookshelves. That leaves you free to duck in the café for a chapter or two on your own.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-on-the-yellow-sofa-at-dispatch-nottingham">On the yellow sofa at <a href="https://www.dispatchcoffees.co.uk/">Dispatch</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/dispatch-notts.jpg" alt="dispatch cafe bright interiors nottingham" class="wp-image-7785" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/dispatch-notts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/dispatch-notts-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/dispatch-notts-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/dispatch-notts-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Impossible not to get a mood boost walking into this cute, cool café, it&#8217;s a gorgeous spot for a date with a book. With cosy, plush sofas and bright interiors (pink walls with pops of green and yellow), there are plenty of cosy spots to enjoy. Our favourite is kicking back on the yellow sofa though &#8211; in a private spot of its own with great lighting for reading from the window and the lamp.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pull-up-a-chair-at-dormouse-books-belper">Pull up a chair at <a href="https://www.dormousebooks.com/">Dormouse Books</a>, Belper</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="853" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/Dormouse-Books-853x1024.jpg" alt="armchairs and books at Dormouse Books in Belper Derbyshire" class="wp-image-8256" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/Dormouse-Books-853x1024.jpg 853w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/Dormouse-Books-250x300.jpg 250w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/Dormouse-Books-768x922.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/02/Dormouse-Books.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 853px) 100vw, 853px" /></figure>



<p>Cosy up in this bright, welcoming book nook at Dormouse and you&#8217;ll be served up free coffee and encouraged to talk all things books with the literary-loving staff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-nottingham"><a href="https://200degs.com/pages/nottingham-shop-flying-horse-walk">200 Degrees</a>, Flying Horse Walk, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk.jpg" alt="200 degrees coffee flying horse walk nottingham" class="wp-image-7780" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/200-degrees-flying-horse-walk-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>All the the coffee shops from local chain 200 Degrees contain lovely spots to read a book but Muddy&#8217;s fave is the flagship on Flying Horse Walk. Housed in a wood-panelled 17th century coaching inn, it&#8217;s a little corner of calm amid the city buzz.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-a-cubby-at-nottingham-central-library">In a cubby at <a href="https://www.nottinghamcitylibraries.co.uk/library/nottingham-central-library/">Nottingham Central Library</a></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/notts-library-book-nook.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7754" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/notts-library-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/notts-library-book-nook-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/notts-library-book-nook-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/notts-library-book-nook-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Checked out the shiny new central library yet? There are so many nooks and crannies to curl up in (or WFH in), you might find it hard to pick a favourite. For undisturbed peace and quiet, my money&#8217;s on the cool cubbies, complete with table to pen your thoughts at.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-top-floor-cafe-at-waterstones-nottingham">Top floor café at <a href="https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/nottingham-bridlesmi">Waterstones</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts.jpg" alt="window seat at waterstones cafe nottingham" class="wp-image-7786" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/waterstones-notts-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A window seat with a view this good is hard to come by and we love this spot in the top floor café for taking a moment with a good book. A stone&#8217;s throw from the shops and theatres, it&#8217;s the perfect place for a quick time out.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-a-booth-at-blend-at-east-west-nottingham">In a booth at <a href="https://www.blendnottingham.co.uk/eastwest">Blend at East West</a>, Nottingham</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/blend-east-west-book-nook.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-7755" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/blend-east-west-book-nook.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/blend-east-west-book-nook-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/blend-east-west-book-nook-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/01/blend-east-west-book-nook-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>No wonder this place is popular with students and weekday workers looking to get out of the house. There are plenty of private spots to enjoy a coffee and cake in while getting stuff done uninterrupted. And, yes, that includes tearing through a few chapters of an all-engrossing novel. Bag a booth and turn those pages.</p>



<p><strong>Need a new read to curl up with? </strong>From up-all-night thrillers to pacey page-turners, here are the <a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/world-book-day-books-to-lose-yourself-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">books to lose yourself in</a>.</p>


Book nooks: Cosy local spots to curl up with a book

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