Premier Inn Nottingham Arena (London Road) hotel

You're probably here because you're staying at the Premier Inn before a gig at the arena, but don't write off the restaurant just because it's attached to a budget hotel. The dining area feels more like a proper pub than institutional hotel fare, with dark wood furnishings and enough space that you're not eating elbow-to-elbow with other guests. The menu sticks to British classics done competently – think fish and chips that won't embarrass itself, decent burgers, and a Sunday roast that'll do the job. It's not going to revolutionise your dining experience, but when you're grabbing dinner before heading across the road to see a band, that's exactly what you want. The staff are genuinely friendly rather than going through the motions, and they'll get your food out quickly if you mention you've got tickets for a show.