Nicola Hollingsworth

Nicky served my friends and I in the pub a few times a week. And that could have been the end of it. But I don’t think Nicky was the kind of person to just let things just pass her by. Over the few years that she worked in The Lounge she became far more than the person behind the bar, she was Nicky our friend, a genuine part of our group, always laughing and chatting; genuine and caring. Nicky’s incredible work ethic shone through with every shift that she served there, but it was her fun and kindness that we’ll always remember.
And one night, when the group of us found that we no longer had a job to go back to, Nicky was one of the rocks that held us together with her sympathy and warmth.
Then there was her party with the Stormtroopers and the cake that didn’t make it to the table without a brief trip to the floor. I can still hear her laugh about that one.

My heart goes out to Holly and Claire who, with Nicky formed that indomitable trio of friends, or maybe sisters, possibly even a coven. It’s tragic to have lost her, but we were so lucky to have her.

Just a few of the many things I’ll always remember…

You hated me when we first met and I quote because ‘I don’t like women’ but I wasn’t going anywhere and it wasn’t long till you realised we were going to be friends and what followed was over a decade of fun!

Stealing the boys rugby shirts and wearing them (and not much else) to work to earn extra tips!

Poking your belly button so you squealed!

Sitting in the car at the cinema singing (screaming) Justice, We Are Your Friends on full volume.

Incredibly inappropriate but hilarious conversations in restaurants doing ‘girls what lunch’

Camera olympics…

How you could walk into any room and instantly make friends with everyone there!

You were brave enough to tell me things I needed to hear but didn’t want to!

Many drunken nights out in our 20s and 30s, cocktails, shots, bass face.

You introduced me to Brian, albeit you may have told us different things about the other one when you introduced us, it worked and for better or worse we now have 2 beautiful boys…thank you!

Rest in peace Nicky Wicky Woo Woo ❤️

Love Ellie x

Lovely times

Nic a year I worked with you. Such a funny character. I could hear you coming to the greenroom before you got here with your laughter. Some funny times together joking around with the chefs. I still expect you in the mornings standing there laughing because I had my earbuds in, I was in Tara's world. You are at peace now, I will miss you.

I was lucky to be a patron of The Lounge for over a decade and Nicky was a great presence behind the bar. Friendly, funny and everything said in the above tribute.
Very sad news. The world is slightly greyer wiith this loss.
My thoughts are with her family.
Dunk!

Dear Nic and family
We were so sad to read of this news so unexpectedly.

I last saw you in M&S November 2024 and we laughed about how grown up we were… what a fitting place. I also thought about you very recently and read our messages about meeting in the New Year. I’m so sorry that I’m not able to reply.

We knew each other for nearly 20 years and you knew my wife, who thought alot of your kind nature and sense of humour. On our last meeting you met my daughter for the first time, which I’m grateful for.

I won’t miss the shots you always managed to bring… but I will miss your friendship and reminiscing on all the past stories only we knew.

All our love Nic XXX

The laughs we laughed together could last forever, so many memories together, even more photos of years growing up together. Shame we couldn’t all grow old together. May all who remember you hear your laugh when they think of you.

Always a favorite with Gran

Good times

I've been struggling to find the words to say about Nicci. There's plenty to say, but writing them down is hard, as doing so means I have to admit that you're no longer here with us.
That's a hard thing to reconcile.

Along with Holly and Claire, you always made me feel welcome at the Lounge.
I consider myself very lucky to have become a close friend of yours outside of work.

You were there during the lows, when Blitz fell over and the Lounge become our home for a few drunken, tearful, happy days
And you were very much there during the good times.
Especially when the new job turned up and you and Holly were with me at the Saxon Mill. You were my lucky charms that day (and plenty of other days.)

One couldn't wish to have a better friend. Immensely funny, loyal, sharp-witted, caring and always ready to help out.
I'll miss you so, so much, this really shouldn't have been your time.

Forever in my heart.
Love you
M
X

Nic, although I have only known you for a year, you certainly made your presence felt in that time.
You bounded into the RSC last March, a big character with an equally big laugh that could be heard all around the theatre.
We often used to chat in our breaks or in the evening while working late about anything and everything, but of course we always ended up laughing.
We are a very close team and we miss you in the cafe - your life was way too short 💞
Rest in peace Nic xx Julie (Ju) xx

Nic, you came into our lives at the perfect time and have always been there, unwavering in your loyalty and love for everyone you held dear. You were the kind of friend who would always have your back, no matter what. You were the magnet that held us all together, bringing us closer even when time and distance (And Covid) kept us apart. I’ll never forget that weekend you organised for all of us, just so we could be together, reconnect and to make memories. Gene is still very much on the hit list…

Although we hadn’t seen each other in a while, I always knew, without a doubt, that if I needed support, you’d be there in a heartbeat. You were a safe haven for so many.

You are missed more than words can express and it doesn’t feel real for any of us. Last week, “The loungers” gathered to share stories, laughter and to remember you. As always, you were the one to bring us all together. All our memories of you are cherished and we miss you very much, it didn’t feel right without you there. Forever in our hearts, Nic. Sleep well ❤️❤️❤️

P.s Don’t let Dad work you too hard! X

Thank you Nic for all the happy memories. It's so strange not seeing you at work, or hearing your boistrous chuckling echoing through the corridors! Oh yeah and bringing in cakes/biscuits for us all! Truly, you would do anything for anyone just to see them smile.
I'm really going to miss our chats, setting the world to rights and such!
We all love you Nic, take care lovely ♥️♥️♥️
We all miss you so much ❤️.

My dearest Nicola, Nic Nic or Nee-chee (as Siri would pronounce your name!)

Please take care of my girl up there, I know how much you loved Saphie-pants and how much she loved your visits as you’d bring all the best treats! I can’t tell you how much I want to rewind to a few weeks ago walking in the woods, not a care in the world and having a bloody good quality catch up. Things have changed so suddenly and my heart aches for missing you so much.

A friend of mine who has only met you a couple of times really hit the nail on the head in the most poignant words - you were a fiercely loyal and protective friend and that you were my ‘soul bouncer’ …. I thought you’d like that terminology! She’s right, you were incredibly loyal to all those closest to you and you had the biggest heart.

What I’d give to receive an awkwardly timed call from you, guaranteed I was using the bathroom at the time or carrying various items through the door like a packhorse. I’d hold it in or drop it all to see your name ringing through one more time.

The special people you have bought in to my life, I can never repay you for, you bought me the ‘2 extra best friends’ that anyone could have - Edinburgh wasn’t happy for the regular announcement of such over the weekend but what did we care! You were mine and Ollie’s cheerleader when we first got together and this blessed me with having you by my side at our wedding 6 years later as my maid of honour, a duty you took with such pride and again, you bought to me the best photographer I could dream of!

My top memories?
Our bucket list of singers to see before they stopped singing altogether! Prince, Cher, Dolly Parton and not forgetting our best gig ever , Stevie Wonder. We got a double whammy by blagging VIP tickets the day before and then watching him next to Beverley Knight, who was signing along down our ears. If you haven’t found Tina yet and rugby tackled her to belt out rolling on a river then get to work girl!

Our nanna schedule with the most recent of visiting the lavender fields. Of course we don’t do things bog standard, so an M&S picnic and fancy champagne bought the bouji element up to your standards. I’ve never been so relaxed after sitting there for hours!

In all honesty I could mention so many more but know my most favourite times with you were the simplest times, a dog walk, lunch, a glass of white wine in the garden with the sun on our faces.

You never expected anything from anyone but the time for a chat, you gave so much to so many and I cannot express to you how loved you are by everyone, even those that have known you for a split second.

You are genuinely going to shine the brightest up there.

I love you my dear friend, you are always in my heart forever more. Xx

My Nic Noo Noo, I still don't think the realisation has properly hit me yet, although the void where our daily phonecalls should be is so very big.
Looking at old photos seeing our drunken 20's, I think we went out every night. Accidently eating A LOT of "special" brownies and having to go home instead of Jaks. Running a round Cov shoes in hand in the early hours after another crazy night.
They way you would pick me up and hang me upside down, like a rag doll, I spent so much time upside down haha.
You taught me words, 3hrs to teach me how to say 'specific instead of 'pacific', I still struggle with that one.
Our late night drives, to help me learn to drive, the one we could hear a song from the boot and instantly decided we must have crashed and we're in the netherworld!
Our deep love for theme parks and massive rollercoasters, we didn't manage to organise Disney world for our joint 40th, but I shall make that trip happen and take you with me in my heart.
Our brains process the same way (although you are way smarter) even to the point of finishing each others sentences. We've laughed and cried and definitley cry laughed together. We have had so many incredible adventures, sleeping in a car instead of putting to tent up in Newquay, asking a random stranger to get a spider out of said car. Running around Edinburgh like feral children singing 'we're the 4 best friends anyone could have'. The memories are endless and I will cherish them forever. And my god do you know how to throw and organise a party!
I feel lost without your presence and I will forever have a Nic shaped hole in my heart, I hope you're at peace dear girl, and for fuck sake, if you can haunt get your arse here please!!
You taught me so much and helped me grow as a person. Now show me your mutha fuckin' rave face!!

I’m still struggling to believe you’re no longer with us, Nic. You were one of the most approachable, selfless, caring, loyal and hard working people I know. You had an unmatched warmth which combined with your booming laugh made you such an unforgettable friend.

I always describe you and Claire as my bonus sisters when people ask me who you are. I was never afraid to tell you whatever I was thinking because I know you’d never judge me - you’d just be thinking about how you could help.

I wish I could thank you for all you’ve done for me over the years. I’ll never forget how much you showered Zo, Sam and I with love when we lost dad and how you were the only person who could drag me out on NYE to make sure I wasn’t alone after he’d gone.

I’ll miss you ringing me at the most inconvenient of times - often when I was just about to go to bed. I’ll miss you organising any and every opportunity for us to meet up as a group so we could spend the day or weekend just ripping into one another. I’ll miss you trying to convince me to go to a gig that is never ever on our doorstep but at least 100 miles away.

I love you so much Nic. If there is one thing I can guarantee it’s that I will never ever forget you, the funny moments we shared together and the joy you brought to all our lives. Miss you so much already xxx

Nicola had a heart of gold, even when you had the worst possible day she’d find a way to make you smile, that sums her up as a person, she will be deeply missed

We didn’t see each other enough but when we did we talked so much. When Mum and Dad were around they loved seeing you whenever you were over at your Grandma’s. Your Grandma was so proud of you.

When we last spoke was at your Grandma’s memorial when we left together and chatted for a while in the car park before each of us going our own way. Our last words were we must catch up for coffee or lunch sometime when you are back this way. I am sorry we never got the chance. You will be so missed in everyone’s hearts. Kev x.

You could take the girl out of Nottingham, but you couldn’t take the Nottingham out of Nic!

What can I say? Nic you were one of a kind, from the second we met at Hollys birthday party with Sandy we were best buds. A vibrant colourful girl who just lit up a room with your infectious smile and laugh.
Giving me a place to stay when I was down south at car shows to you working in edinburgh and us going for dinner where you sent back a steak 5 times at the place you worked at! 😂

You gave me 2 other great friends in Holly and claire. Having you all at my wedding meant the world to me. I’ll treasure the photos even more now just to see you smile.

The memories of the “4 best friends” in edinburgh will always be one of my favourite outings. The fact you loved a “chiBab” just makes me laugh every time.

Myself and Suzie loved you, we can’t believe you are gone but I promise you I’ll never forget you, you have a place in my heart forever.
Sleep tight my little NicNak till we meet again xx