The Duckies 2025: Celebrating Nottingham's high street heroes

Meet the winners and finalists

After careful deliberation by our independent judging panel, we're thrilled to announce the winners and shortlisted businesses across 12 categories:

⭐ Independent Bar and Pub - Sponsored by Hickman James

• Winner: The Grove
• Finalists:
  • Cock and Hoop
  • Fellows Morton and Clayton
  • Penny Lane
  • Junkyard Bottle Shop & Pour House

⭐ National Bar and Pub

• Winner: Fothergills
• Finalists:
  • BOX Nottingham
  • The Alchemist Nottingham
  • Katie O'Briens
  • The Bell Inn​

⭐ Independent Café and Restaurant

• Winner: Bar Iberico
• Finalists:
  • Doughnotts
  • Slice 'n' Brew
  • Vi-Va Indian Tapas
  • Working Man's Kitchen​

⭐ National Café and Restaurant

• Winner: Pho Nottingham
• Finalists:
  • BEAR Hockley
  • Cosy Club
  • Son of Steak
  • The Souvlaki

⭐ Entertainment and Leisure Venue - Sponsored by Fancy Entertainment

• Winner: Broadway Cinema
• Finalists:
  • Break Escape
  • Escapologic Escape Rooms
  • The Bodega
  • The Dice Cup​

⭐ Health, Wellness and Beauty - Sponsored by Boots UK

• Winner: Up & Running
• Finalists:
  • Natural Wellness Centre CIC
  • Smmmile Nottingham
  • Loxley Opticians & Eyewear Experts
  • Urban Escape

⭐ Hotel

• Winner: Crowne Plaza Nottingham
• Finalists:
  • Lace Market Hotel
  • Hilton Hotel
  • Park Plaza Nottingham
  • SACO Nottingham​

⭐ Professional Services - Sponsored by Nottingham College

• Winner: Rothera Bray
• Finalists:
  • NCP (National Car Parks)
  • Gigantic Tickets
  • STENCIL
  • Victoria Centre​

⭐ Independent Retailer - Sponsored by Loqiva

• Winner: The Worm that Turned
• Finalists:
  • Montana Shop
  • Shop Zero
  • The Bead Shop Nottingham
  • Luisa's Vegan Chocolates

⭐ National Retailer

• Winner: Up & Running
• Finalists:
  • Bird & Blend Tea Co.
  • Molton Brown
  • The Whisky Shop Nottingham
  • John Lewis & Partners

⭐ Visitor and Culture Venue - Sponsored by E.ON

• Winner: Nottingham Playhouse
• Finalists:
  • National Justice Museum
  • Nottingham Contemporary
  • Peggy's Skylight
  • The Lost City Adventure Golf​

⭐ New Business - Sponsored by HSBC

• Winner: Working Man's Kitchen​
• Finalists:
  • Peter Pizzeria
  • Public Nottingham
  • The Palais
  • Roxy Lanes

Alex Flint, CEO of It's in Nottingham, shared his enthusiasm:

"The Duckies are a celebration of the incredible businesses that make Nottingham's city centre thrive. From independent retailers to national chains, each winner exemplifies the passion and resilience that define our local economy.”

Among the night's winners was Working Man's Kitchen, which took home the award for New Business. Owner Paddy Sneath shared his excitement:​

"We're honoured to be recognised among so many fantastic businesses. This award is for our amazing team and loyal customers who support us every step of the way."​

🙌 Thank you to our sponsors

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors for making The Duckies possible:

• Boots UK
• E.ON
• Fancy Entertainment
• Hickman James
• HSBC UK
• Loqiva
• Nottingham College​

Your support is invaluable in celebrating and uplifting Nottingham's vibrant business community.