'Hidden gem' that's just five miles from the city but feels like it's in the heart of the countryside

COURTYARD AT STRELLEY HALL HAS BOUTIQUE SHOPS AND A BRILLIANT BAKERY

- By LYNETTE PINCHESS

THE leafy lane is a dead end and unless you've got a purpose to turn off the busy main road you're not likely to stumble across one of Nottingham's best kept secrets by chance.

A courtyard with unique boutique-style shops is also home to a cafe and more recently a bakery, selling the most mouthwatering cakes and fresh loaves of bread.

It can be found Main Street, Strelley Village, off Bilborough Road, beyond the Broad Oak pub, homes and All Saints Church.

If you reach the wildlife park that's home to lions, pumas and tapirs, you've gone too far.

Those who are privy to the courtyard's existence, within the grounds of Strelley Hall, have nothing but good things to say.

The city centre is around five miles away but here is like being in the heart of the countryside.

The Mulberry Tree Bakehouse, which opened earlier this year, was once the estate's larder, where pheasants and other game were hung. More recently it was office space up until the conversion.

The speciality is sourdough, a variety of plain, seeded and flavoured the week we visited it was Cheddar and garlic and tomato and olive. Open Thursday to Saturday from 10am, by closing time at 3pm, the shelves have been cleared.

French country loaves, fruit loaves and plump squidgy focaccia are also baked. Sausage rolls, bacon and mushroom quiches, and focaccia sandwiches complete the savouries.