The next three months are set to be a busy few for the Malt Cross: Nottingham's buzzing, preserved Victorian music hall, on St James' Street. If you're looking for a weird or wonderful event that will get you socialising with all kinds of different people, they've probably got you covered. Here are some highlights, which we've picked out...
When: Every Monday
How much: £1 per person (cash)
We all love a pub quiz, and the experience of completing one in the surrounds of a Victorian music hall is bound to make the experience all the more memorable. The Malt Cross's Monday quiz goes back a long way, and has become pretty well regarded by quiz-goers in Notts, with glowing online feedback from participants over the years. The relatively high stakes format sees the winning team get a shot at winning a cash prize, but if they lose it carries over to next week. If you're somebody who's proud of their skills in general knowledge, this'll be the perfect place to showcase them.
When: 10 July
How much: £2 per person, per game (2 games per event)
Tomorrow evening, at 7pm, there'll be a very special, one-of-a-kind event that sees well known drag artists Liv and Vayne host two dynamic games of Drag Bingo, interwoven with some show-stopping performances and prizes up-for-grabs the whole time. We're shouting this one a little last minute, but if you're looking to make plans tomorrow then this is definitely an occasion to consider, if not for the guaranteed fun, flashy, and welcoming atmosphere.
Live DJ Socials - Dirty Disco Soundsystem / Stiff Kittens
When: 11, 25 July, 1, 2, 8, 16, 22 August, 6, 26 September
How much: Free
Late summer and early autumn are sometimes characterised by the slow, departure of sunny weather and the onset of lower moods as we get back from trips away and start focusing on work or education. If then, you find yourself wanting to cut loose with a drink, in a crowd, while listening to some dance-y bangers, the Malt Cross will be a unique and ideal environment to do so. On select dates, the venue will host local DJs: disco maestros Dirty Disco Soundsystem, and vinyl-video artist Stiff Kittens.
When: Every Sunday
How much: Free table booking required
There's no shortage of Sunday dinners in Notts but few are quite as cosy and buzzing as the weekly occasion at the Malt Cross, which for years has been immensely popular, so early booking is recommended. As well as Sunday roasts, with seasonal accompaniments, the Malt Cross kitchen team serve up tapas dishes and a selection of desserts. Once the plates are cleared, the bar and venue remain open for further conversation into the evening.
When: 16 July, 2, 17 September
How much: £35.37
There's nothing quite like a good painting session as an opportunity for stress relief and socialising - the Malt Cross team know this and as such are providing three sessions of drinking and painting until the end of September. Each event very much welcomes people with no previous artistic experience. Across a two hour long session, with all necessary painting materials provided, you'll put together your own, acrylic picture which you can take home at the end.
When: 14 September
How much: £12
Crazy Little Sing Called Pub have been going from strength to strength for years now, and in September the nationally loved event will return to its spiritual home at the Malt Cross. The event sees musician Abi Moore gather together a large group of strangers to belt out pop-rock anthems, with a pint in-hand. The event is geared at everybody: from avid vocalists to folks with little-to-no singing experience - Abi Moore specialises in helping people to find their inner pop star at short notice. If you haven't been yet, why not check it out? The event has become popular all over the country, after all.
When: 24 July
How much: £10 - £15
This should be a fun one - later this month the Cross are hosting an antidote to dating-app-fatigue, geared this time at people aged between forty and sixty. With a free prosecco available to people who arrive at the upstairs, social space before 7.30pm, this isn't a speed dating event, but a relaxed, social occasion, with lots of optional games and icebreaker activities. People considering coming solo are welcome, and encouraged, to do so.
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