The vibrant flavours of Zhug are now accessible to a broader audience following the restaurant’s expansion into Hockley
The eatery has built its reputation on vibrant, colourful plates and punchy, robust flavours. What began as an overlooked local spot has developed into a beloved independent venue celebrated for its fresh produce, hearty helpings and communal-style dining.
The popular establishment has now branched out with a second venue, situated in the heart of one of Nottingham’s most thriving food and drink quarters.
The Mediterranean and Middle Eastern street food outlet has been delighting its dedicated customer base since launching on Bramcote Lane in Wollaton five years ago.
As a result, Zhug’s fresh Hockley venue feels less like the debut of an unfamiliar newcomer and more like the return of a Nottingham institution that has rightfully earned its place in the city centre.
For those encountering the restaurant for the first time, the family-run enterprise provides an alternative to the chain establishments typically found elsewhere in Nottingham.
The new site occupies the former Botti Di Mamma premises on Broad Street, directly across from Broadway Cinema.
The menu replicates the offerings available at the Wollaton branch, featuring warm pittas, freshly made hummus, crispy falafel, halloumi, gyros, Lebanese-inspired chicken and colourful mezze selections, alongside popular choices such as roasted cauliflower and crisp salads.
Zhug takes its name from a fiery green sauce rooted in Yemeni cooking, seasoned with coriander, cardamom, cumin, parsley and the kick of chilli peppers. Approximately ten percent of people possess a gene that causes coriander to taste of soap, though this can be circumvented with mindful ordering.
Proprietor Suda Sharma explained that numerous patrons had urged them to establish a presence in the city, prompting them to consider the idea. She noted that customers travel from far and wide, and that the team has selected their most popular offerings for the new location, drawing from a blend of Mediterranean culinary traditions. She added that they hoped to introduce Moroccan tagine dishes during the colder months.
She expressed that the road’s location was particularly appealing to them. She described their commitment to inclusivity, offering gluten-free, vegan and halal options, and mentioned their enthusiasm for the street’s connection to Pride. Her approach has consistently centred on the belief that everyone should be able to gather around a table and share a meal together, regardless of circumstances, with the venue providing plenty of choices to accommodate this vision.
Rather than adhering to a conventional fine-dining approach, Zhug prioritises informal, flavourful cuisine equally suited to a swift lunch break, an evening out or a social catch-up.
A selection of wines, beers, cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages complements the sharing plates, which also encompass falafel, chicken wings and za’atar potatoes.
The Hockley venue maintains the visible cooking area that has become a hallmark of the brand, enabling guests to watch dishes being assembled while contributing to the vibrant atmosphere of the space, which required nine months to bring to life.
Accommodation for approximately seventy covers is distributed across two levels and an outdoor area. The exposed redbrick surfaces, olive trees and timber furnishings establish an informal, natural ambience, while repurposed church pews introduce an unexpected distinctive touch.