Nottinghamshire &amp; Derbyshire


<p>So Kate swung by for a stomp in the Peak District, and there&#8217;s a cool clutch of new indies opening to get us excited for spring. Dive into the latest local news.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-princess-in-the-peaks">Princess in the Peaks</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg" alt="HRH princess of wales on a hike with a group in the peak district" class="wp-image-16717" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-hike-by-davemacfarlane.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davemacfarlane/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@davemacfarlane</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Did you spot the Princess of Wales pulling on her hiking boots for a Peak District stomp with <a href="https://mindovermountains.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mind Over Mountains</a>? She joined the charity&#8217;s guides and participants on a hike celebrating the power of nature to heal and boost wellbeing. Kate listened to the stories of those who&#8217;ve benefited from the shoulder-to-shoulder support they received on walks, retreats, and shared moments of connection.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg" alt="HRH princess of wales kate" class="wp-image-16773" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/Kate-close-up-by-davemacfarlane.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/davemacfarlane/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@davemacfarlane</a></figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-your-local-michelin-stars">Your local Michelin stars</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-1024x1024.jpg" alt="carrot and brie dish at Piccalilli nottingham" class="wp-image-16718" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/picalilli-carrots-x.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/popular/picalilli-nottingham/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@piccalilli_nottingham</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Another week, another foodie accolade for Nottingham&#8217;s most revered chef Sat Bains. The Michelin Guide announced its 2026 stars on Monday night (9 Feb) and <a href="https://www.restaurantsatbains.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Restaurant Sat Bains</a> held onto its two Michelin stars &#8211; an accolade it has held since 2011. Impressive stuff. Inspectors praised Sat&#8217;s &#8216;unerring commitment to well-sourced produce, both from his own garden and around the British Isles&#8217;. Imaginative, fine dining restaurant <a href="https://www.alchemillarestaurant.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alchemilla</a> also retained its Michelin star.</p>



<p>Great news too for one of the city&#8217;s newest eateries <a href="https://www.piccalillinottingham.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Piccalilli</a>. Just over a year after opening, the small plates specialist has already been recognised with a prestigious Big Gourmand (recognising affordable, high-quality meals). Further north in the High Peak, <a href="https://www.almanacrestaurant.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Almanac</a> in Glossop also received a Bib.</p>



<p>A bit further afield, smart roadside gastropub <a href="https://theboat.restaurant/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Boat</a> in Lichfield was awarded its first Michelin star. Over in Birmingham, immersive dining experience The Wilderness also picked up its first star.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-openings-to-have-on-the-radar">New openings to have on the radar</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/brown-onion-books-1024x683.jpg" alt="Brown onion books shopfront in Ashbourne derbyshire" class="wp-image-16764" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/brown-onion-books-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/brown-onion-books-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/brown-onion-books-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/brown-onion-books.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>One of the things I&#8217;m most excited about this year? The imminent opening of independent book shop <a href="https://brownonionbooks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brown Onion Books </a>in Ashbourne. Shelves are now painted and in situ (a chic olive green) and it&#8217;s coming together nicely ready for opening soon. Alongside books, book groups and author events are on the cards too.</p>



<p>Over in Hockley, Nottingham, there&#8217;s a new &#8216;plub&#8217; (er, that&#8217;s a pub and club combo) just open called <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gooseinbootsnotts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goose in Boots.</a> Named because it&#8217;s in Goose Gate and on the site of the very first Boots shop, it promises to be a relaxed affair with a chilled club open &#8217;til 5am, a &#8216;ruined pub&#8217; vibe and Berlin-inspired street art. Oh, and pies for those with an appetite.</p>



<p>One for the restaurant radar: Wollaton favourite <a href="https://www.zhug.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zhug</a>, is set to open another outpost in 2026 in Nottingham city centre. Serving up mouth-watering Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes, we reckon it&#8217;ll be popular.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gorgeous-glow-up">Gorgeous glow-up</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-1024x1024.jpg" alt="inside elegant touch beauty salon at mercia marina" class="wp-image-16726" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-300x300.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-150x150.jpg 150w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty-1100x1100.jpg 1100w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/elegant-touch-beauty.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image <a href="https://www.instagram.com/elegant_touch_beauty/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@elegant_touch_beauty</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>Ooh, a swanky new expansion and glow-up for Muddy Award winning beauty salon <a href="https://eleganttouchuk.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elegant Touch</a> at Mercia Marina. Newly extended and beautifully light and airy, the salon is now the largest beauty salon in the East Midlands and will host a launch party on Thurs 5 March (with mini treatments, demos and fizz).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-trails-for-kids">New trails for kids</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sherwood-pines-pedal-and-play-1024x683.jpg" alt="pump track at sherwood pines nottinghamshire" class="wp-image-16729" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sherwood-pines-pedal-and-play-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sherwood-pines-pedal-and-play-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sherwood-pines-pedal-and-play-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/nottsderbyshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2026/02/sherwood-pines-pedal-and-play.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sherwood_pines_/?hl=en-gb" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@sherwood_pines_</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>A boon for parents with active kids. The cool new Pedal and Play Trail at Sherwood Pines @sherwood_pines_ is almost ready! Brilliant for budding cyclists, it features three skill-building challenges  to help novice pedallers hone their off-road skills.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-in-the-mood-for-more">IN THE MOOD FOR MORE?</h2>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/for-kids/muddy-guide-to-february-half-term-in-notts-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Feb half term guide: 20+ things to keep the kids happy</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/restaurants/top-100-restaurants-nottingham-sat-bains/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Top 100 restaurants revealed (and the local ones that made it)</a></p>



<p><a href="https://nottsderbyshire.muddystilettos.co.uk/eat-out/pubs-inns/local-gastropubs-in-uk-top-100-derbyshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Great local gastropubs worth a visit</a></p>


Superflash! New openings, foodie awards & a princess in the Peaks

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