There has always been a sense of local rivalry between Nottingham and Derby, but which one comes first in terms of shopping, entertainment, dining, nightlife and sports?
We asked Long Eaton residents, equidistant between the two cities, what they preferred – and the overwhelming answer by more than 2-1 was … Nottingham.
Nearly 300 members of Facebook’s Long Eaton Community Group responded with 176 votes for Nottingham and 71 for Derby. A total of 33 said they enjoy visiting both cities and 12 are reluctant to visit either and prefer to stay on-site.
Many said Nottingham was a more cosmopolitan and cultural city with a good vibe, while more than one person described Derby as “monotonous”.
Lisa Judson said: “Nottingham without a doubt. There is no equivalent to Hockley or the Lace Market in Derby either. The variety, liveliness and atmosphere of Nottingham is hard to beat in my opinion.”
Carla Cawser prefers Nottingham, adding: “It feels like a city where Derby isn’t. I prefer the architecture and the atmosphere is closer to Brighton where I used to live. In comparison, Derby is dreary and less cosmopolitan. “
Paul Eyre agreed and said: “Nottingham, definitely. Much more lively and varied day and night, with a pleasant atmosphere.”
Nottingham’s wider range of bars, restaurants and entertainment options make it a bigger draw.
Michelle Locker commented: “I find Derby boring and boring compared to Nottingham city center. Easy access to anything I want to see, do, buy, eat or drink is also a factor.
“Better bars, pubs, better entertainment, a better music scene, and the artsy, alternative parts of Hockley and the Lace Market are my favorites. I also like the buildings and the architecture in Notts better. “
Buzzley Hockley in Nottingham
(Image: Nottingham Post)
The Brommerz wrote: “Nottingham over Derby every time. The mood in Notts is incredible. Great theaters and concert halls, not to mention Rock City is the best club ever! “
Andrea Brown wrote: “Definitely Nottingham, so much better for shops, food and safety, Nottingham is a lot cleaner, shops and bars are much closer together, plus I’m a Forest fan! And because bars are closer together is the atmosphere It’s awesome to walk around. “
Gary Newham said: “Definitely Nottingham. Nottingham always feels more cultural than Derby.”
And while some said it was easier to go to Derby – and cheaper to park there – Nottingham has better transport links when it comes to trams and buses.
Bruce Coldwell told us, “Nottingham. The tram is a wonderful thing and makes it so easy to get in and out of the shopping, theater and dining areas.”
Sally Kirk is also a fan of the tram: “The tram connection is helpful for getting here and brings you to the center of the city. But I like Derby and can choose differently if the tram has been extended to take you there. “
The tram to Nottingham is popular
(Image: NET)
Emma Staples prefers the layout of Nottingham when it comes to shopping, and says the city has better sporting activities. “Nottingham always … Derby has no atmosphere, no real outdoor shopping areas as I prefer to walk around.
“Nottingham has always had better nightlife and tourist, sports, cricket, football and ice hockey are all within walking distance and public transport is better served by tram.”
Michelle Yates said, “I’m going to Nottingham. When we moved here I was really happy that we live between two cities and have a choice of where to go.
“However, the buses no longer ran from where I lived to Derby. I didn’t want to take two buses and make a longer journey when I could just take one and get to Nottingham pretty quickly 24 hours a day. Even the train connections to Derby are less frequent than Nottingham and the train station is closer to the shops in Nottingham. “
Julia Vipond has just moved out of the area but said: “When I lived right between the two, it was always Nottingham for me. Buses are great and so are the trams. I love the atmosphere in Nottingham, which I think Derby lacks . “
Sarah Newbold was one of several who said Nottingham “feels safer in the evenings”.
The Cornerhouse, home of Nottingham’s restaurants and cinema
Rachel Gent told us: “I prefer Nottingham a lot. I tend to use public transport and the bus or train into town is much more convenient. Derby train station is not the best location and I don’t feel safe coming from here go out the center late at night. I’ve never felt unsafe in Nottingham. “
However, Derby supporters (the city, not the Rams fans) said it was an easier ride compared to Nottingham.
Jodi Murphy commented, “When I drive, it’s Derby – the streets, construction sites and bus lanes in Nottingham scare me.”
Susan Hemsley added, “Derby is so much easier to navigate with strollers and young children. Parking is easier too.”
Derbion shopping center
Karen Summers switched loyalty while shopping. “I used to shop in Nottingham, but parking at the Victoria Center is so expensive, especially when you are there for several hours. Today it’s derby for me. It’s cheaper to order online for stores like John Lewis It’s a shame because I love John Lewis. “
Those who were more likely to drive the A52 to Derby said they would prefer to shop under one roof at Derbion.
Despite being a passionate Forest fan, Colin J. Chadwick said, “I prefer Derby for shopping and dining. I just find Derby is all under one roof.”
Sophie Louise Porter added, “I would always prefer Nottingham to the Derby. It’s a much nicer city. However, I agree with the other comments that having most things shopping under one roof with the Derbion Center is ideal.” especially when it rains! “
Blake John wrote, “Derby for shopping because things are closer together, but Nottingham for books because Derby inexplicably has no comic book stores.”
Nottingham born and raised Andy Easom only ventures into town for football, cricket and entertainment.
“Apart from the venues, I don’t really like the city center these days. Derby is much easier to get to and has some decent pubs and restaurants.
Rikshaw Urban Indian Kitchen in Derbion Shopping Center
(Image: Intu Derby)
“The Derbion has what the Vic Center doesn’t have, namely an in-house food court and cinema. When Derby Market Hall is finished, Nottingham will also be missing something on the traditional side. ”
Some would argue that Derby is better to drink.
Steve Baldock said, “Nottingham is fine, some good pubs and bars, good shopping too, but it’s going downhill. But as a Rams fan and a real ale lover, Derby is the place to drink. It’s the real ale afterwards. Capital of Great Britain. ” all.”
Elizabeth Healy believes Derby is way better all round. “Derby all the time, feel safer, nicer shops, the football pitch is nicer than the forest pitch, it’s easier to get around, parking is cheaper too. Derby also has better pubs with a selection of real ales and drinks.”
Michael Atkins believes Derby will feel safer. “I have the image in my head that Derby is the upper class city where the people are more respectable and Nottingham is the city that people go to to do what they want, although I can’t explain it Why.”
Ian E. Reynolds is a fan of both cities. “It’s great to be able to choose between two cities. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, we use both. Plus, it’s nice to be close to the beautiful Peak District and the M1 for easy access to the rest of the country. It’s a shame that Long Eaton itself seems a bit shabby, a lot of room for improvement, “he said.
However, Kim Williams believes both cities are lagging behind. “I don’t think Nottingham or Derby look very welcoming at the moment. Both seem lost compared to cities like Birmingham and Leeds.”
Maxine Quill is not a fan of Derby, much less Nottingham. “The last time I was in Nottingham for an interview a few weeks ago I got two fines of £ 60 for driving into a bus lane. I hadn’t driven in Nottingham City in years and had all the road closures and One-way systems. I was totally lost. ” and didn’t even know about the bus lanes. I won’t drive there anymore. “
Although the majority prefer Nottingham, some said when it comes to the entire county of Derbyshire with the breathtaking Peak District scenery and lovely walks.
Lynn Clark said, “Nottingham over Derby for all your questions, but Derbyshire over Nottinghamshire.”
AJ Andy Jamieson added, “Nottingham for socializing and shopping and Derbyshire for country walks.”