Raymond’s has quickly established itself as one of Nottingham’s most considered dining options and now, with its upstairs private dining space open for reservations, it’s an equally strong choice for hosting a group. Set in the heart of the historic Lace Market, the restaurant combines a stylish, trend-led aesthetic with a menu of sharing plates that feel genuinely special.
The look is part of the appeal. Raymond’s paints a Scandinavian-tinged, mid-century picture: clean lines, warm wood, pendant lighting and dark colour palette that feel effortlessly cool. Upstairs, the private space continues that tone; intimate, design-led and just removed enough from the main dining room to feel different without losing atmosphere. It’s available for groups of eight to 20 guests, making it ideal for birthdays, work dinners or long-overdue gatherings with friends.
Private dining here revolves around a seasonal feasting menu at a set price per person, designed to be shared across the table. It begins with bread and oil, fish crackling and saucisson - a relaxed but creative opener that sets the tone. Plates follow to be feasted on: chicken schnitzel with café de vadouvan butter; scallop crudo with blood orange, chilli, smoked ginger and coriander oil; and a seasonal salad layered with ricotta salata, almond and pear with quince vinaigrette.
The main event is a wood-fired pork chop with trotter jus and bitter leaves, accompanied by fried potatoes glossed in burnt onion butter and chives, plus heritage carrots with horseradish crème fraîche and brown butter. Desserts stay true to the restaurant’s strengths: crowd pleasing, local and yet still with flourish. There’s custard panna cotta with Yorkshire rhubarb and chocolate orange Basque cheesecake - both the sort of dishes that prompt a second spoon.
The drinks list is ever-so curated. Cocktails stick to a confident few, while the wine list offers champagne by the glass (a welcome detail), chilled reds, orange wines and the classics. There’s also Asahi beer on hand and Yamazaki single malt whisky for those lingering after dinner, ready for a nightcap.