Meet the team: Andrew

👋 Find Andrew on LinkedIn

What's your connection to Nottingham, and what do you love most about it?

I moved to Nottingham in 2002 to teach graphic design at a college in Clifton - I'd only been here a few times before then but had loved the art and culture scene, especially the Broadway Cinema which of course I started visiting regularly as soon as I moved in.

I come from a small market town in Yorkshire so wasn't used to city life but I've always found that the people here are so friendly, and creative; there's a real sense of community and that's why I stayed and decided to put down roots.

What's your role at It's in Nottingham, and how did you get into it?

I joined It's in Nottingham in 2022, after working in communications for Nottingham City Council for about 8 years and before that working across the council's Social Services, Libraries and Community Protection teams since 2004. I lead the marketing and communications team and can honestly say that it's a buzz - we've a great team here, no two days are the same and there are always such an amazing range of projects to promote for the city.

How do you stay up to date with what's happening in Nottingham?

My team often joke with me that I don't go on our account as much as I should but Instagram is my go-to for what's going on in Nottingham. I'll always pick up a copy of Left Lion too for local events and news from the creative communities in the city.

If you had just one day to experience the best of Nottingham, what would you do?

It's so hard to choose but for me the Castle would be top of the list, I love it for the views of the city, even on a cold wintery day it's stunning - you can always warm up in the gallery and enjoy some of the city's rich history and exhibitions too. When you spend so much time in the city streets I think it's important to go up there to see the whole city - I also love seeing the new buildings popping up too, we have some great architecture in Nottingham.

Next for me would be exploring the exhibitions at the Contemporary - grabbing a coffee and cake along the way in Bear, Public, or of course 200 Degrees - I might even get a takeout if it's nice and go for a walk to check out the incredible street art in the city centre.

If I'm eating in town I love our pizza scene, we've some super cool brands so there's plenty of choice whether you enjoy the classics or want to take your pizza to the next level.

I'm a bit of a beer geek so if I've time you'll find me in a Castle Rock pub, outside at Neon Raptor or Jam Cafe, sampling local beers or some of the best bottled German imports - if I've no time for a pint, then it's a trip to Brew Cavern to stock up on craft beers for sure.