Cleaver & Wake: Sophisticated Fine Dining in Nottingham’s Island Quarter
Elegant fine dining with British flair in Nottingham’s scenic Island Quarter, blending heritage, modern cuisine, and exceptional service.
Cleaver & Wake is a stylish fine dining restaurant located in Nottingham’s vibrant Island Quarter. Named after Victorian lace dressers, it offers refined British cuisine with seasonal menus crafted by Head Chef Hira Thakur. The venue features an elegant art deco-inspired interior, an open kitchen, and a scenic canal-side setting, making it ideal for special occasions and sophisticated dining experiences.
A brief summary to Cleaver & Wake
- 1a The Great Northern Cl, Nottingham, NG2 3JL, GB
- +441156601151
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 5 pm-9 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-9 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-3 pm
- Friday 12 pm-3 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-3 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-4 pm
Local tips
- Book in advance, especially for weekend dinners and special events, as the restaurant is popular for celebrations.
- Try the fixed evening menu for a more accessible fine dining experience with expertly crafted seasonal dishes.
- Enjoy the open kitchen view to watch the chefs in action, adding a theatrical element to your meal.
- Consider visiting during lunchtime midweek for a slightly quieter atmosphere and a refined yet relaxed experience.
- Explore the terrace area for a scenic waterside setting, perfect for drinks or a pre-dinner aperitif.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Cleaver & Wake location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Cleaver & Wake
A Culinary Tribute to Nottingham’s Heritage
Cleaver & Wake takes its name from two Victorian lace dressers who once worked on the very site it now occupies, linking the restaurant deeply to Nottingham’s rich industrial past. This connection to local history is reflected in the restaurant’s ethos of using the finest British ingredients, sourced from producers across the British Isles. Since opening in 2022, it has become a beacon of elevated dining in the city, blending tradition with modern culinary artistry.Atmosphere and Interior Elegance
The restaurant’s interior is a sophisticated blend of art deco influences and modern design, featuring royal blue velvet furnishings and symmetrical detailing that exude understated luxury. Large windows flood the space with natural light during the day and provide atmospheric views of the night sky in the evening. The open kitchen is a focal point, offering guests a theatrical glimpse into the culinary craft as chefs prepare each dish with precision and flair.Innovative Menus and Culinary Excellence
Under the guidance of Head Chef Hira Thakur, Cleaver & Wake offers menus that skillfully balance refined modern dishes with elevated British classics. The fixed evening menu provides a more accessible fine dining experience, with options such as slow-cooked Cornish lamb shoulder, dry-aged British beef fillet medallions, and inventive desserts like white chocolate cannoli crema and dark chocolate delice. The kitchen’s attention to detail ensures that even the simplest dishes are executed perfectly, often accompanied by complementary snacks like dijon gougères and miso & gochujang butter.Exceptional Service and Special Occasion Venue
Service at Cleaver & Wake is noted for being warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience. The venue is also a popular choice for weddings and private events, praised for its accommodating staff and elegant spaces, including a terrace overlooking the canal. This makes it not only a restaurant but a stylish urban venue that delivers on both culinary and celebratory fronts.Location and Surroundings
Situated at 1a The Great Northern Close in Nottingham’s Island Quarter, Cleaver & Wake enjoys a scenic canal-side location that enhances its appeal. The area is undergoing regeneration, adding vibrancy and modernity to the surroundings. Despite being somewhat separated by a ring road, the restaurant’s waterside views and proximity to Nottingham’s city center make it an accessible and attractive destination for locals and visitors alike.Recognition and Dining Experience
Cleaver & Wake holds 2 AA Rosettes, reflecting its culinary quality and commitment to excellence. While the pricing is on the higher end, the restaurant justifies this with well-executed dishes, a refined ambiance, and a memorable dining experience. It caters to those seeking a special meal, whether for celebrations, business dining, or an indulgent night out in Nottingham.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
16 Stoney Street
0.6 km
Discover 16 Stoney Street, a preserved Victorian lace warehouse in Nottingham’s historic Lace Market, echoing the city’s rich industrial heritage.
Weekday Cross Monument
0.6 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s medieval market life, commemorating centuries of trade and community gatherings in the Lace Market district.
Bunkers Hill
0.6 km
Discover Bunkers Hill, Nottingham's lively pub and restaurant, offering local flavors and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Citylife UK
0.6 km
Explore Nottingham with Citylife UK, your trusted travel agency for personalized experiences and local insights.
The Hockley Arts Club
0.7 km
Discover Nottingham's vibrant cocktail culture at The Hockley Arts Club, where artistry meets exceptional mixology in a stylish bar setting.
The Tokenhouse
0.7 km
Explore The Tokenhouse in Nottingham for unique gifts and heartfelt treasures that capture the essence of the city.
St Peter's Church, Nottingham
0.7 km
A medieval sanctuary and historic gem in Nottingham’s city centre, blending centuries of architecture and community spirit.
Watson Fothergill's Office
0.8 km
Explore the vibrant Gothic Revival office of Watson Fothergill, Nottingham’s iconic Victorian architect, showcasing intricate brickwork and historic homage.
St Nic's Church
0.8 km
Medieval survivor rebuilt from Civil War ashes, standing as Nottingham's testament to faith and resilience.
Right Lion
0.8 km
Discover Nottingham’s iconic Right Lion, a historic stone sculpture and beloved meeting point near the Council House in Old Market Square.
The Left Lion
0.9 km
Meet Nottingham’s iconic Left Lion, a historic stone sentinel and beloved city landmark at the heart of Old Market Square.
Speakers' Corner
0.9 km
Nottingham’s vibrant Speakers' Corner offers a historic platform for free speech, lively debates, and community connection in the heart of the city.
Statue of Captain Albert Ball
1.0 km
A striking bronze tribute in Nottingham Castle Gardens honoring WWI flying ace Captain Albert Ball’s valor and legacy.
King's Walk sign
1.0 km
A pedestrianised passage where Georgian elegance meets contemporary commerce in Nottingham's historic heart.
King Charles I Standard Hill Monument
1.1 km
Historic site where King Charles I raised his standard in 1642, igniting the English Civil War and shaping Nottingham’s rich heritage.
Unmissable attractions to see
Nottingham City Council
0.3 km
Central Nottingham’s modern civic heart, housing the City Council and vital public services in a contemporary landmark opposite the railway station.
St Mary’s Church Nottingham
0.4 km
Explore Nottingham’s grand medieval parish church, rich in Gothic architecture, historic tombs, and stained glass celebrating centuries of faith and community.
National Justice Museum
0.4 km
Explore five centuries of crime, punishment, and justice in Nottingham's authentic Georgian gaol and Victorian courtroom.
The Lacehouse
0.4 km
Experience the vibrant heart of Nottingham at The Lacehouse, where cocktails, brunch, and live music come together in a unique setting.
Public Art - The Sneinton Dragon
0.4 km
A gleaming stainless steel dragon born from community spirit, guarding Sneinton with myth, history, and striking craftsmanship.
Hopkinson
0.4 km
A quirky blend of antiques, vintage treasures, and artisan café culture near Nottingham train station.
Lace Market
0.5 km
Explore Nottingham’s oldest district, the Lace Market, where industrial heritage meets vibrant creativity in a historic lace-making hub.
City of Caves
0.5 km
Explore Nottingham’s hidden underground world: medieval tanneries, wartime shelters and centuries of history carved into sandstone beneath the city streets.
Nottingham Contemporary
0.5 km
Explore cutting-edge contemporary art in Nottingham’s iconic sandstone gallery with free exhibitions, lively events, and a vibrant café.
Lace Market Square
0.6 km
Historic heart of Nottingham’s lace industry, blending Victorian charm with vibrant cultural life and creative energy.
Sneinton Market
0.6 km
Nottingham's indie creative haven: artisan stalls, vegan feasts, craft brews, and pop-up events in vibrant Sneinton Marketplace.
Sneinton Market Avenues
0.6 km
A compact, creative market quarter in Sneinton where artisan stalls, cafés and regular festivals collide in a colourful, community-driven setting.
Place
0.6 km
Empowering Nottingham communities through education, wellbeing, and creative engagement at the heart of Sneinton Market.
Unit 41 Sneinton Market
0.7 km
Discover Nottingham’s vibrant artistic heart at Unit 41 Sneinton Market, where creativity and community come alive in a unique industrial setting.
Sneinton Market
0.7 km
Discover Nottingham’s vibrant Sneinton Market, a lively hub of independent shops, artisan food, and cultural events in a unique open-air setting.
Essential places to dine
Cleaver & Wake
0.0 km
Experience refined modern British cuisine in a stylish art deco setting beside Nottingham’s scenic canal.
Binks Yard
0.0 km
Lively restaurant and social hub in Nottingham’s Island Quarter, serving creative wood-fired dishes in a vibrant urban regeneration setting.
ViDa by Lorentes
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas in a cozy Lace Market basement with creative dishes, warm hospitality, and a rustic atmosphere.
Iberico World Tapas
0.4 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas in Nottingham’s historic Shire Hall with refined flavors and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Annie's Burger Shack
0.5 km
Vibrant American diner in Nottingham’s Lace Market, serving over 30 creative burgers with vegan options and craft beers in a lively, casual setting.
Pizzamisú
0.5 km
Experience authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian charm in Nottingham’s historic High Pavement at Pizzamisú.
Bistro Live Nottingham
0.5 km
Experience vibrant nightlife, delicious dining, and unforgettable celebrations all under one roof at Bistro Live Nottingham.
Anoki Restaurant Nottingham
0.5 km
Experience refined Indian cuisine in Nottingham’s Gothic House, where tradition meets elegance in every flavorful dish.
Piccolino Nottingham
0.6 km
Elegant Italian dining with classic flavors, a vibrant cocktail bar, and alfresco terrace in Nottingham’s city centre.
The Pelican Club
0.6 km
Experience authentic Umbrian Italian cuisine, live jazz, and crafted cocktails in Nottingham’s elegant and intimate Pelican Club.
Everyday People
0.6 km
MasterChef-inspired ramen with rich broths and creative fusion dishes in Nottingham’s stylish Byard Lane eatery.
baresca
0.6 km
Experience authentic Spanish tapas and vibrant atmosphere in Nottingham’s lively Baresca, where Catalan flavours meet rustic charm.
Mesa
0.6 km
Innovative small plates and a celebrated cheeseburger in Nottingham’s creative Hockley district, Mesa offers a lively dining experience with a modern twist.
Vi-Va Indian Tapas
0.6 km
Experience vibrant Indian street food culture in cozy Nottingham with Vi-Va’s flavorful tapas-style dining and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Mowgli Street Food Nottingham
0.6 km
Authentic Indian street food in a vibrant, eclectic setting with fresh flavors and a cozy atmosphere in Nottingham city centre.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lulu Brandy Vintage
0.4 km
Discover timeless style and sustainable fashion at Lulu Brandy Vintage, Nottingham’s premier vintage clothing boutique.
MAISON GB
0.5 km
Discover stylish clothing in Nottingham's Gothic House, a Victorian warehouse on historic Barker Gate amid Lace Market's tanneries, graveyards, and mail coach legacy.
Debbie Bryan | Nottingham Lace Market
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s heritage through artisan crafts, exquisite lace, and delightful tearoom treats in the heart of the Lace Market.
Luisa's Vegan Chocolates
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s only 100% plant-based, bean-to-bar chocolate shop blending ethical sourcing with award-winning vegan flavors.
Mood Outfitters
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham's boldest independent fashion at Mood Outfitters, where local designers craft unique, wearable art in the heart of Hockley's creative scene.
That Weird Shop
0.6 km
Dive into Nottingham's quirkiest emporium: vinyl, retro toys, alt fashion, and a haunted basement brimming with eerie artifacts and spectral whispers.
Cow Thrift
0.6 km
Dive into Hockley's affordable vintage paradise at COW Thrift, where color-coded bargains and sustainable scores await in a spacious haven of retro prints and one-off gems.
White Rose Hockley WR4
0.6 km
A hands‑on vintage shop in Nottingham’s Hockley where curated pre‑loved fashion and everyday treasures wait to be discovered.
Stick & Ribbon
0.6 km
Discover curated women’s fashion with a personal, sustainable touch in Nottingham’s historic Bridlesmith Gate.
Catori's Gift Shop
0.6 km
A compact Sneinton Market boutique of handmade gifts, local crafts and seasonal surprises — ideal for curious shoppers seeking one-off presents.
Megan Crook Textiles
0.6 km
Discover handmade vibrant fashion at Sneinton Market: bespoke clothing, accessories, and interiors bursting with color and Nottingham creativity.
Void Clothing
0.6 km
Discover Nottingham’s premier alternative fashion destination blending music culture, unique styles, and local creativity on Carlton Street.
Your Unique Day
0.6 km
Letterbox magic on Goose Gate: bespoke cakes that deliver joy through your mailbox in Nottingham's creative heart.
Garms Nottingham
0.6 km
Discover unique vintage streetwear and stylish outerwear at Garms Nottingham, a vibrant boutique nestled in the historic heart of Bridlesmith Gate.
White Rose Hockley WR2
0.7 km
Discover handpicked vintage treasures and sustainable style at this Hockley charity shop, where retro fashion supports noble causes in Nottingham's creative heart.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Pitcher & Piano Nottingham
0.4 km
Historic church turned buzzing bar: stained-glass cocktails, pub feasts, and electric nights in Nottingham's Lace Market heart.
Cock & Hoop
0.4 km
Cozy Lace Market pub pouring local ales and pub favorites in a historic nook, perfect for relaxed escapes amid Nottingham's creative buzz.
Brass Monkey
0.5 km
Late‑night Lace Market cocktail bar with a big rum selection, polished service and warm, low‑lit interiors — ideal for cocktails into the small hours.
Billy Bootleggers Nottingham (formerly Percy Picklebackers)
0.5 km
Dive into Nottingham's live music heartbeat at Billy Bootleggers, where nightly gigs, moonshine cocktails, and Lace Market history fuel epic nights until 3am.
The Blind Rabbit
0.5 km
New York-inspired Nottingham bar blending juicy burgers, wild cocktails, live sports on mega screens, arcade games, and casual vibes in a historic Lace Market gem.
King William IV
0.6 km
A compact, traditional Nottingham pub — friendly bar service, rotating ales, classic pub food and a relaxed, dog‑friendly atmosphere.
Bunk
0.6 km
Crispy wings, killer cocktails, and Lace Market vibes—Bunk delivers Nottingham's boldest bite in a historic street setting.
All Bar One Nottingham
0.6 km
Sophisticated wine bar in Nottingham's Weekday Cross, perfect for after-work unwinds, bottomless brunches, and vibrant evenings with global wines and sharing plates.
The New Castle
0.6 km
Traditional Nottingham back-street pub with caves, pool, roasts, and a mature local vibe—perfect for authentic pints and hearty classics.
Canalhouse
0.6 km
Iconic canal-pierced pub blending Grade II heritage, world-class craft beers, and waterside vibes in Nottingham's vibrant core.
Penny Lane
0.6 km
Step into Nottingham’s Penny Lane for nostalgic arcade fun, creative cocktails, and a lively, family-friendly vibe in the heart of the Lace Market.
Coco Tang -Cocktail Bar
0.6 km
Daytime Asian café and a theatrical underground cocktail bar — two distinct moods under one roof in Nottingham’s Lace Market.
31K
0.6 km
NYC loft-style bar on Nottingham's Goose Gate, mastering cocktails, meatballs, and fusion street food in Hockley's creative heart.
Six Barrel Drafthouse
0.7 km
Hockley’s friendly craft-beer pub — six rotating taps, large bottle fridge and a relaxed, dog-welcoming atmosphere.
Pepper Rocks
0.7 km
A lively Nottingham cocktail bar blending quirky charm, great value drinks, and a vibrant two-floor atmosphere for memorable nights out.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Elegant
- Relaxing
- Scenic
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Art Deco Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
