Pop – Where to Drink in Nottingham
From historic pubs serving real ales to craft cocktail bars and specialty coffee shops, Nottingham's drinking scene has something for every taste. Here's our guide to the best places to pop for a drink.
🍺 Historic Pubs & Real Ale
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Location: Brewhouse Yard, NG1 6AD
Why we love it: Built into the sandstone cliffs beneath Nottingham Castle, this 12th‑century inn is said to be England's oldest pub. Their house ale "Trip" is a must‑try.
The Bell Inn
Location: 23 Angel Row, NG1 6HP
Why we love it: Another ancient gem (c. 1437) with exposed beams and a cosy atmosphere. Excellent rotating selection of cask ales.
The Lincolnshire Poacher
Location: 161‑163 Mansfield Road, NG1 3FR
Why we love it: Traditional pub with a huge range of real ales, ciders, and craft beers. The back room hosts live folk music sessions.
🍸 Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies
Boilermaker
Location: 8‑20 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN
Why we love it: Hidden behind a faux laundry‑mat facade, this speakeasy serves inventive cocktails in a moody, intimate setting.
Tilt
Location: 18‑20 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR
Why we love it: Pink‑hued, plant‑filled bar with creative cocktails and a great gin selection. Try their "Duck & Dive" (gin, elderflower, cucumber).
The Alchemist
Location: 28‑30 High Pavement, NG1 1HN
Why we love it: Molecular mixology with theatrical presentation. Smoking cocktails, colour‑changing drinks—perfect for a special night.
☕ Specialty Coffee
200 Degrees Coffee
Location: 25‐27 Low Pavement, NG1 7HT
Why we love it: Nottingham‑born roaster with a flagship cafe and barista school. Their flat white is consistently superb.
Outpost
Location: 15‐17 Cobden Chambers, NG1 2ED
Why we love it: Specialty coffee in a sunny courtyard hidden away in the Creative Quarter. Great pastries and relaxed vibe.
Cartwheel Cafe & Roasters
Location: 4‐6 Pilcher Gate, NG1 1QE
Why we love it: Small‑batch roaster with a focus on sustainability. Knowledgeable baristas and excellent filter coffee.
🍷 Wine Bars
Le Mistral
Location: 27‐29 Carlton Street, NG1 1NL
Why we love it: French‑inspired wine bar with an extensive list by the glass. Cosy, romantic atmosphere.
Veeno
Location: 21‐23 High Pavement, NG1 1HF
Why we love it: Italian wine bar offering tastings and small plates. The "Aperitivo Hour" is great value.
🍹 Craft Beer & Taprooms
Junkyard
Location: 10‐12 Bridlesmith Walk, NG1 2GR
Why we love it: Industrial‑chic taproom with 20+ rotating craft beers on tap. Food trucks often parked outside.
Barrel Drop
Location: 2‐4 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN
Why we love it: Bottle shop and taproom focusing on sour, wild, and funky beers. Friendly staff who love to chat beer.
🎶 Live Music & Late‑Night
The Bodega
Location: 23 Pelham Street, NG1 2ED
Why we love it: Iconic venue hosting indie, rock, and alternative acts. Great sound and intimate setting.
The Malt Cross
Location: 16 St James's Street, NG1 6FG
Why we love it: Victorian music hall turned pub with live acoustic sessions. Beautiful glass‑roofed atrium.
💡 Drinking Tips for Nottingham
- Explore the Lace Market – Highest concentration of stylish bars and restaurants.
- Try a local brew – Nottingham is home to Castle Rock, Blue Monkey, and Magpie Brewery.
- Look for hidden entrances – Some of the best bars are behind unmarked doors (ask a local!).
- Check opening times – Some historic pubs close earlier (10–11pm).
- Use the trams – They run until late and can save you a taxi fare.
🦆 Duck‑Friendly Drinking Spots
Many pubs near the River Trent or parks offer outdoor seating where you can enjoy a drink while watching ducks. Our favourites:
- The Embankment (Trent Bridge) – Large beer garden by the river.
- The Victoria Embankment – Perfect for a summer pint with waterfowl views.
- The Navigation (Castle Marina) – Canal‑side pub with ducks galore.
Know a great spot we missed? Submit a listing and help us grow the guide!