Fun fact: Nottingham was once a major player in the UK’s paper industry, thanks to its rivers and rail links. John A Stephens Ltd sits on Castle Meadow Road—literally a stone’s throw from the old canal routes. While you’re there, pop around the corner to Nottingham Castle (yes, that one from the Robin Hood legend). It’s a reminder that this city has always been about trade, craftsmanship, and resilience.
Castle Meadow | Nottingham College
And if you’re into literature, consider this: D.H. Lawrence, Nottinghamshire’s most famous son, once wrote about the “paper and print” shops of his youth. There’s a poetic continuity here—paper still matters, even in our digital age. John A Stephens Ltd is living proof that the physical world isn’t going anywhere.
Practical Tips for First-Timers
Plan your visit carefully. The shop is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, which means Saturday mornings are off-limits. But if you’re a weekday warrior, it’s a breeze. Parking? Use the Castle Meadow Retail Park car park just opposite—it’s free for two hours with a purchase. Bus routes are plentiful, too: the NCT Green Line stops right outside.
What to order? If you’re feeling indecisive, grab their “Sample Packs”—a curated selection of papers, cardboards, and tapes for under a tenner. It’s like a lucky dip for creatives. And yes, they do delivery to NG2 and beyond, so you can be lazy and still look organised.
