On Raz – Nottingham Nightlife
When the sun sets, Nottingham comes alive with a vibrant nightlife that caters to all tastes—from intimate cocktail bars and live music venues to buzzing clubs and late‑night eateries. Here's where to go when you're "on the raz" (Nottingham slang for a night out).
🎵 Live Music Venues
Rock City
Location: 8 Talbot Street, NG1 5GG
Why we love it: Legendary venue that's hosted everyone from Nirvana to Oasis. Three floors offering rock, indie, pop, and 80s nights. One of the best sound systems in the country.
The Bodega
Location: 23 Pelham Street, NG1 2ED
Why we love it: Intimate setting for up‑and‑coming bands. Great atmosphere and reasonably priced drinks.
The Rescue Rooms
Location: 25 Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT
Why we love it: Sister venue to Rock City, hosting a mix of gigs and club nights. The "Red Room" is perfect for discovering new artists.
The Maze
Location: 257 Mansfield Road, NG1 3FT
Why we love it: Grass‑roots venue for punk, metal, and alternative acts. Raw, unfiltered, and always buzzing.
🕺 Clubs & Dancing
PRYZM
Location: Lower Parliament Street, NG1 3BB
Why we love it: Multi‑floor super‑club with different music on each level: chart, R&B, cheese, and dance. Big names often appear.
NG1
Location: 76‑80 Lower Parliament Street, NG1 3EH
Why we love it: Stylish club with VIP booths, premium drinks, and a focus on R&B and hip‑hop. Dress to impress.
Stealth
Location: 25 Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT
Why we love it: Underground club specialising in drum & bass, house, techno, and grime. Serious sound system and committed crowd.
The Cookie Club
Location: 12‑16 High Pavement, NG1 1HN
Why we love it: Quirky, intimate club nights in a former lace warehouse. Expect indie, disco, and alternative anthems.
🍸 Late‑Night Bars
Boilermaker
Location: 8‑20 Carlton Street, NG1 1NN
Why we love it: Speakeasy‑style cocktail bar open until 2am. Creative drinks and moody lighting—perfect for a sophisticated nightcap.
Tilt
Location: 18‑20 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GR
Why we love it: Pink‑hued, plant‑filled bar serving inventive cocktails until late. The outdoor seating area is great for people‑watching.
The Alchemist
Location: 28‑30 High Pavement, NG1 1HN
Why we love it: Molecular mixology with theatrical flair. Smoking cocktails, colour‑changing drinks—always a conversation starter.
🍕 Late‑Night Eats
Oscar & Rosie's
Location: 82‑84 St James's Street, NG1 6FJ
Why we love it: Open until 3am on weekends, serving Detroit‑style pizza with creative toppings. The "Duck & Hoisin" pizza is a cult favourite.
Annie's Burger Shack
Location: 5 Broadway, NG1 1PR
Why we love it: Late‑night burger haven (until 2am Fri‑Sat). Massive, messy burgers that hit the spot after dancing.
Zaap Thai
Location: 12‑14 Upper Parliament Street, NG1 2AG
Why we love it: Authentic Thai street‑food experience open until 3am. Quick, flavoursome, and affordable.
Miss Korea
Location: 29‑31 Lower Parliament Street, NG1 3DA
Why we love it: Korean BBQ open until 2am. Grill your own meat at the table—fun, social, and delicious.
🎲 Alternative Nightlife
The Arcade
Location: 12‑16 Hurts Yard, NG1 3JD
Why we love it: Independent venue hosting everything from comedy and cabaret to life‑drawing and vinyl nights. Check their eclectic schedule.
Dice Cup
Location: 74‑80 Mansfield Road, NG1 3HZ
Why we love it: Board‑game café open until 11pm (later on weekends). Huge library of games, craft beers, and snacks.
Antenna
Location: 9A Beck Street, NG1 1EQ
Why we love it: Creative hub with live music, film screenings, and art events. More relaxed, intellectual vibe.
💡 Nightlife Tips
- Book taxis in advance – Especially on Friday/Saturday nights when demand is high.
- Check dress codes – Some clubs (NG1, PRYZM) have smart‑casual policies.
- Pre‑drink wisely – Nottingham has great pubs; start your night at a historic inn.
- Use the tram – Runs until midnight, perfect for getting to/from the city centre.
- Stay safe – Stick with friends, keep an eye on your drink, and know your limits.
🦆 Duck‑Themed Night Out
For something truly unique, try a duck‑themed evening:
- Duck‑themed cocktail at Tilt ("Duck & Dive")
- Duck bao buns from a street‑food vendor
- Late‑night walk along the River Trent to see ducks sleeping (quietly!)
- Sunrise at the Embankment – watch the ducks wake up as the city sleeps
📅 Regular Events
- Monday: Quiz nights at The Canalhouse
- Tuesday: Jazz at Peggy's Skylight
- Wednesday: Student nights at Rock City
- Thursday: Indie night at The Cookie Club
- Friday/Saturday: Big club nights across the city
- Sunday: Acoustic sessions at The Malt Cross
Know a great nightspot we missed? Submit a listing and help us grow the guide!