One year after The Malt Cross re-opened following a £1.38 million refurbishment, Dr Rebekah Wood sums up the buzz around the historic building by saying; “there’s always a party to be had here”.
The St James street venue was awarded the money from the Heritage lottery Fund in 2014 which has helped to protect and preserve the heritage of the site, buy back two floor and open up caves.
Dr Wood’s post, heritage engagement worker for education and outreach, also shows how the building is more than a bar.
It’s actually a Victorian music hall which dates from 1877 and the floor below ground was once a Victorian roller skating rink, used in the 1980’s and 1990’s as an Indian restaurant.
Also below ground lie caves which date back to the 11th century which still have the boiler which would have heated the building in Victorian times.
Photo gallery: Take a tour above and below ground at the Malt Cross
The money that has helped to restore these floors means they are now used to hold workshops for schools, musicians, an art gallery, and a prayer room which ties in to the Christian aspect of the charity which runs the building.
Dr Wood said: “It’s a fantastic new space that we can offer and showcase to people in Nottingham.
“The Malt Cross is unlike any other building, it has a rich history which you can see the second you walk through the door.”
On the ground floor there is a café bar which holds regular music evenings and quiz nights.
“We are putting out an important message that this is a safe place for everyone to come and get involved in from Nottingham,” Dr wood added.
“It’s open all day for tea or coffee, or a fun evening – there’s always a party to be had here.”
To tie in with the arts and crafts theme, the Handmade Nottingham shop is linked to the main bar café area which sells prints, ceramics, cards and gifts.
Picture: The Malt Cross hosts regular music nights
The oldest saloon music hall outside of London, the venue is preserved and looked after by The Malt Cross Trust, a Christian charity that was set up more than ten years ago by city centre churches.
Dr Wood said : “We are just working really hard to make Nottingham a more vibrant place.”
