Bramleys Restaurant, the perfect place to eat in Beeston

​Nearly a year on from its £1 million refurbishment, Bramleys Restaurant at The Orchard Hotel has firmly established itself as one of the best places to eat in Beeston and Nottingham. What began as an exciting relaunch has evolved into a confident, modern dining destination, combining thoughtful flavours, relaxed surroundings, and moments worth sharing.

Following the transformation of the lobby, mezzanine, bar, and restaurant spaces, Bramleys now offers a welcoming setting for everything from coffee and cocktails to long lunches, celebratory dinners and special occasions – all set within the stunning surroundings of the University of Nottingham’s parkland campus.

Celebrating the best of British produce

At the heart of Bramleys is a clear philosophy: celebrate British produce, sourced thoughtfully and cooked with care.

Led by Head Chef David Cartwright, formerly of Nottingham’s acclaimed World Service, the kitchen champions seasonal ingredients, local suppliers and sustainable choices wherever possible. Menus are designed to be approachable yet refined, showcasing bold flavours, beautifully balanced plates and dishes that let quality ingredients speak for themselves.

From elegant starters and small plates made for sharing, to indulgent mains and nostalgic desserts with a modern twist, Bramleys offers dining that feels special without being stuffy.

A menu that speaks for itself 

A significant highlight of this revamp is the appointment of David Cartwright as Head Chef. Formerly leading the kitchen at Nottingham’s esteemed fine dining establishment, World Service, Cartwright brings a wealth of culinary expertise to Bramleys. His vision focuses on sustainable sourcing and showcasing high-quality, locally sourced produce to craft memorable dishes

A menu designed for sharing, savouring, and returning

Whether you’re joining us for lunch, dinner or drinks, Bramleys’ menus are built around flexibility and flavour.

Guests can enjoy:

• Small plates ideal for sharing at the bar or as part of a relaxed meal
• A seasonal main menu celebrating meat, seafood and plant-led dishes
• A dedicated lunch menu, perfect for midweek catch-ups or business lunches
• A refined dessert menu, including the signature Bramley Apple dessert
• An all-day bar menu, served from morning through to late evening

Recent highlights include slow-cooked venison croquettes, wild mushroom dishes, beautifully cooked fish and indulgent desserts, all reflecting the restaurant’s British roots and seasonal focus.

Our iconic bar & creative cocktails 

The Bramleys bar has become a destination in its own right. With a newly expanded cocktail offering and a dedicated Bar Manager, guests can enjoy expertly crafted drinks alongside small plates throughout the day.

Seasonal and themed cocktails run throughout the year, including:

• Valentine’s specials
• Festive Christmas creations
• Winter warmers and summer spritzes
• Halloween-inspired serves

It’s a space designed for after-work drinks, pre-dinner cocktails or lingering evenings with friends.

Tom Waldron-Lynch, CEO of Nottingham Venues, emphasises the commitment to outstanding hospitality:

“We want to put the restaurant on the food map in Nottingham and create a high-quality restaurant that people in Nottingham want to visit, along with our corporate guests. The new environment will help this, but we are also refining our food and beverage offering, with a real focus on sustainable sourcing of quality produce.”

Dine and stay

Located within 330 acres of the University of Nottingham’s parkland, The Orchard Hotel perfectly complements Bramleys’ dining experience. The hotel features 203 stylish bedrooms and seven flexible meeting spaces, making it ideal for leisure breaks, corporate stays and celebratory weekends.

Whether you’re visiting for dinner, an event or a special occasion, Bramleys and The Orchard together offer one of Nottingham’s most complete hospitality experiences.

More than a restaurant: events, celebrations, & experiences

Bramleys has quickly become a go-to venue for celebrations and events in Nottingham. Over the past year, the team has hosted:

• Christmas lunches and festive dining
• Afternoon Tea with Santa
• A New Year’s Eve party, complete with live music from Paul Martyn and a balloon drop at midnight
• Graduation celebrations, featuring bespoke menus, themed cocktails, photo areas and Polaroid keepsakes
• Behind-the-scenes collaborations, including welcoming Hunter Gatherer Cooking into the kitchen to spend time with Head Chef David Cartwright, exploring sustainable venison sourcing and preparation

New for this year, Bramleys is also launching Sunday lunches, starting with a special Mother’s Day menu and continuing as a regular Sunday offering.

From birthdays and engagements to graduations and baby showers, Bramleys offers private dining options and tailored experiences to make every celebration memorable.

Almost a year after its transformation, Bramleys Restaurant has truly found its rhythm – delivering confident cooking, warm hospitality and a space where guests return time and time again.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed lunch, a celebratory dinner, cocktails with friends or a milestone event, Bramleys invites you to experience a new standard of dining in Beeston and Nottingham.

Book a table, plan a celebration, or stay a little longer at The Orchard Hotel – we can’t wait to welcome you.

FAQs

Q: Where is Bramleys Restaurant located?
A: Bramleys Restaurant is located inside The Orchard Hotel at the University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RJ.

Q: Is Bramleys open to non-hotel guests?
A: Yes – Bramleys welcomes both hotel guests and the general public.

Q:What type of food does Bramleys serve?
A: Bramleys serves modern British cuisine, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced produce, with options for meat lovers, seafood fans and plant-based diners.

Q: Does Bramleys offer vegetarian and vegan options?
A: Yes, the menus include a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with allergens clearly listed.

Q: Can I book Bramleys for private events or celebrations?
A: Absolutely. Bramleys caters for birthdays, graduations, engagements, baby showers, retirements and more, with private dining options available.

Q: Do you host special events throughout the year?
A: Yes – Bramleys runs seasonal events such as Christmas dining, New Year’s Eve celebrations, themed cocktail menus and collaborative chef events.

Q: Is there parking available?
A: Parking is available on the University of Nottingham campus. Guests arriving by car will need to pass a barrier and follow signs to The Orchard Hotel.

Q: Do you offer discounts?
A: Yes – tram passengers receive 10% off Sunday–Thursday, and University of Nottingham staff receive 20% off all week with a valid ID.

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