The first full week of 2026 is now underway, which is always a bit of a come-down after the Christmas and New Year festivities.
January and February are difficult months to get through for many different sectors, but it’s fair to say that those in hospitality feel the new year dip in trade more than most.
A notoriously quiet period for pubs and restaurants, all of us should be doing our bit to support local businesses this winter.
Even trying a different restaurant once a month can make all the difference to independent restaurants.
Knowing where to eat out can be a tricky task, particularly if you’re new to Nottinghamshire or don’t go to restaurants very often.
Thankfully, online booking service OpenTable has created a handy tool which allows customers to find out the busiest restaurants in a particular area.
Each month, OpenTable analyses nearly 500,000 new global diner reviews from the past month to produce a guide to the most-booked restaurants in a certain town, city or region.
The most recent guide was published on January 5, providing diners with a snapshot into the most-booked Nottinghamshire restaurants as we start 2026.
Explore them in the gallery below:
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9. The Olive Tree, Edwinstowe
Housed in a beautifully restored former butcher’s cottage, The Olive Tree blends rustic charm with relaxed, modern dining. | Google Photo: Google
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10. The Ivy
The Ivy Nottingham Brasserie offers a sophisticated yet relaxed environment for every occasion. From casual lunches to leisurely dinners, guests can enjoy a thoughtfully crafted menu in a beautifully designed space. | Ria Ghei Photo: Ria Ghei
11. Red Dog Saloon, Nottingham
Red Dog Saloon on Victoria Street, Nottingham, is an authentic Bar and American BAR-B-Q restaurant, serving 18-hour roast ribs, brisket, aged chuck steak burgers and much more, all best enjoyed with tasty cocktails or milkshakes. Photo: Google