This year has seen the loss of several Nottingham bars as rising bills and the cost of living crisis took a large chunk out of the city's nightlife. One of the first to go was Glass House in Trinity Square, in June, which blamed the ongoing effects of the pandemic for its closure.
Hidden bar Boilermaker did a 360° turn when the owners decided it really needed to be seen to boost trade, so there were some major changes at the venue, in Carlton Street, Hockley, as it reinvented itself to become Boca Lima. The Cornerhouse's rooftop bar GinSecco shut its doors for good in November and around the same time late-night spot Olivia's Townhouse, in Chapel Bar, went on the market.
Despite the closures there are still plenty of vibrant nightspots for cocktails, beers and a glass or two or gin, including a secret garden, a seaside amusement arcade and a hard-to-find underground haunt.
Yokocho
Hurts Yard has become a hotspot for cool indie bars, so it's definitely worth a detour from the throng around Old Market Square. One of them is Yokocho, a Japanese-themed bar specialising in sake, beer, cocktails, spirits and wine.
The sister bar of Michelin recommended restaurant Kushi-ya, Yokocho's decor is minimalist mono, allowing the drinks to do the talking. These bartenders know their Futsushu Shiboritate from their Junmai Ginjo so if you need a recommendation don't be afraid to ask.
Beer drinkers will find Asahi on draught and the fridge is well-stocked with Saporro black, Hitachino Nest ales - red rice, white, amber, orange and IPA - and Wild Beer Yokai.
You say: "We were recommended to visit when eating lunch at Kushi-ya. The Tirumiso cocktail was incredible, perfectly balanced and a gorgeous combination of flavours. So impressed, we’ll be back!"
Location: 3 Hurts Yard, Nottingham NG1 6JD
The Magic Garden
It's amazing what lies behind the doors of what was once Jamie's Italian restaurant. More recently the grand Georgian townhouse has been The Magic Garden, a hidden bar.
With canopies and heaters, it doesn't matter what the weather is like as you sit surrounded by a colourful mix of artificial and real greenery and blooms. The bar is renowned for its cocktails including Absolutely Fabulous, which is served with a Fab lolly, Bubble Rum, with rum and bubblegum, and Rosy Cheeks, with tequila and raspberry liqueur.
You say: "Beautiful venue for a night out with nice cocktails and friendly staff. Everyone should try their boozy hot chocolates at least once!"
Location: 24-26 Low Pavement, Nottingham NG1 7DL
Lost Caves
If it's different you want, Nottingham's network of caves provides just that. The dimly-lit speakeasy is super atmospheric, deep underground in a cave 26ft below Nottingham's oldest hotel, Mercure.
Completely shut off from the rest of the world, the subterranean drinking den is hard to find. Head to hidden bar Lost Property, go down an alleyway, and take it from there.
Gin and rum are sipped in the hidey hole's relaxed surroundings made more inviting by cosy throws, candles and a chilled out subterranean sounds playlist.
You say: "Where to start! Finding this place is your first challenge as all is not what it seems. Look and read carefully the clues to where the entrance to this this bar is located. Once you find the door you have to then be allowed through the locked door where you will be guided to your table. What a place to enjoy cocktails."
Location: 5- 7 Carlton St, Hockley, Nottingham NG1 1NL
Cottonmouth
It's five years since Cottonmouth arrived on the bar scene in Nottingham, vowing there would be no gimmicks, just a chilled atmosphere and great drinks - and it has achieved just that. The sophisticated 65-seater cocktail bar in Hockley offers table service for classics and house creations.
Cottonmouth has made it into the Top 50 Cocktail Bars 2023 in the UK and will find out how it ranks in February at a ceremony in London.
You say: "Lovely cocktails, Ollie was super helpful and really lovely to chat with. Recommended the perfect cocktails for both me and my partner. If you're looking for interesting and adventurous cocktails, this is the place!"
Location: 25 Goose Gate, Nottingham NG1 1FE
The Hockley Arts Club
One of Nottingham's foremost bars, it's pure escapism at this secret hideaway. There's three floors for drinking - each with a very distinct identity.
Choose from the Blue Rooms' cosy sofas and neon lights, Stockholm's Scandi-inspired surroundings, and the stunning pink blossom trees of the Electric Garden. The drab exterior and alleyway leading to the entrance give no hint of the delights inside.
The imaginatively curated cocktails are as Insta-worthy as the decor. The drinks list changes with the seasons. Currently you'll find Dancing Queen, a combo of sloe gin, black raspberry and lavender, and Sicilian Twist, which is gin, prosecco and lemon sherbet. However, old favourite Twister, garnished with a lollipop, is always on the list.
If you're wanting to eat, the sharing boards come with charcuterie, cheese, vegan, and best of British or get stuck into a sumptuous afternoon tea with a Peach Iced Tea cocktail and 90 minutes of bottomless prosecco.
You say: "While visiting Nottingham I discovered this gem. Every single floor and room are different in their unique design and character. Staff are trained very well and are friendly. Highly recommend to visit and experience playful vibe."
Location: 20a Carlton Street, Nottingham NG1 1NN
400 Rabbits
If you're a tequila devotee this is THE bar to visit. Bunny Believers and Reverends of the Righteous Rabbits can sip tequila, mezcal, cocktails and beers in the colourfully crazy Day of the Dead style surroundings.
The popular venue adds to be vibe of cool bars in the alleyway, Hurts Yard, off Long Row. If you really want to show your dedication, you can even order a 400 Rabbits branded yellow beanie - ideal for fending off the winter chill.
You say: "Have great tequila selection out there, creative with cocktails and presentation. If you are not a tequila lover, do not worry there is a cocktail for everyone. Their menu offers many drinks. PS Ask bar tenders why it is called 400 Rabbits?! It is a nice story behind it."
Location: 15-16 Hurts Yard, Nottingham NG1 6JD
Tilt
The intimate candle-lit venue makes it a favourite for date night. The bar is accessed via stairs to the first floor away from the hordes below in Pelham Street and a standout feature (apart from the drinks) is a grand 18th century solid oak fireplace next to the bar.
Here drinkers will find an array of contemporary cocktails such as the rum-led Sail to Saturn and Candy Apple Sour, with bourbon and apple liqueur. But if you're a fan of the classics you can still order an Espresso Martini or an Old Fashioned.
For unbeatable value, all £8 cocktails are £4,50, during Happy Hour on Tuesday to Friday, 5pm-7pm.
You say: "Intimate cocktail bar, drinks nicely mixed and reasonably priced... I did not realise it was happy hour so bonus."
Location: 9 Pelham St, Nottingham NG1 2EH
Foremans
Nottingham's oldest and edgiest bar, Foremans, is the place for an intimate gig. The independently-run punk rock bar is not big but it is bold with the unmissable bright yellow exterior and orange interior, which is embellished with black rats, an image of the Clash frontman Joe Strummer and the title of the infamous Sex Pistols' album Never Mind the B******s, which became the subject of an obscenity trial in Nottingham in 1977.
Some of the biggest names in punk have performed to a 55-strong crowd standing shoulder to shoulder, a snug atmosphere like no other gig. Glen Matlock from the Sex Pistols, XSLF (half of Stiff Little Fingers), Sigue Sigue Sputnik, Spear of Destiny's Kirk Brandon and Arturo Bassick from the Lurkers are some of the biggest names to have played there.
Many have left their mark, not just in the memory of gig-goers and stickers on the toilet doors, but by autographing the wall by the stage - and when we say stage we mean the tiny corner next to the bar.
You say: "Excellent, good atmosphere, great music, good choice of beers and a friendly publican what more do you need."
Location: 13-15 Forman St, Nottingham NG1 4AA
Brass Monkey
Brass Monkey is the daddy of all cocktail bars and the late-night party spot is where the city's bartenders head after finishing their shift, which tells you something. The bar has been going strong for 23 years in the heart of the Lace Market but earlier this year it was given a makeover.
The revamp saw a row of high tables and stools installed opposite the bar. By putting the monkey mural to bed it created a fresher, lighter look and an all-round more mature feel.
Classic cocktails and house specials can be found on the drinks list. There's no bells and whistles, just well-executed drinks such as a Negroni with a crystal clear perfectly-cut square of ice or a gin-fuelled Satan's Whiskers. Eight draught beers include Grolsch, Guinness, Meantime's IPA and Northern Monk Faith.
You say: "Nice little intimate bar! Great service and nice tasty cocktails. Somewhere to go if you fancy an upmarket bar, relaxed atmospheric atmosphere."
Location: 11 High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HF
The Alchemist
The Gothic grandeur of the building in King Street sets the scene perfectly for a bar that's built on the dark arts of molecular mixology. Uber-cool cocktails, based on alchemy - the ancient philosophy of how to change base metals into gold - are magicked up with theatrical flair.
Bartenders take spirits and transform them into spellbinding potions with smoke, flames and bubbles. For something festive try a Mulled Bellini with prosecco and a glittering mulled wine reduction or Winter Colada, made with mince pie rum, pineapple and activated charcoal.
Although famed for its cocktails, the bar has a large selection of cans, bottles and taps too. Even the tea has a magical dry ice twist.
You say: "Amazing experience! Not only did the drinks taste amazing but watching the talented staff make them was a real treat. All staff were so friendly and although busy, still took time to make us feel welcome and enjoy our evening."
Location: 11 King St, Nottingham NG1 2AY
Coco Tang
When the sun fades the action at the upstairs oriental cafe switches to the late-night cocktail bar downstairs. A narrow doorway leads to the underground rabbit warren of a bar, hidden behind an old-style Hong Kong alley where dynamic and innovative cocktails are served.
The entrance, a replica of a 1980s Mong Kok alley, is one of the most Instagrammed scenes in the city. Drinks are served at bespoke onyx tables with a call point button for service.
They say years of dedication and drinks development have combined to make the latest collection of drinks. Creations include include Kyoto Garden, Regina George and Chung King Express (all pictured above). Many cocktails contain ingredients unique to Coco Tang, like the homemade reductions, infusions and distillates plus cold-pressed juices.
You say: "We went for cocktails and we’re really happy with the service and quality of the drinks."
Location: 45 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GN
Penny Lane
Seaside amusement arcades aren't the height of cool but they're certainly quirky and packed with fun, especially when located in a bar. Fun seekers can play end-of-the-pier games, win a cuddly duck, tuck into fish and chips and sip unusual cocktails with a neon-lit backdrop.
Save your loose change for the 2p coin pusher machine and crane grabber and get totally carried away with the excitement of rolling balls to win the camel race.
You say: "Great place for young people and also for older people who don't want to grow old gracefully. Atmosphere inside is fabulous. Some of the slots took me back to my childhood and that's a long time ago. Staff very helpful and more than pleased to ensure you have a great time. Food excellent and served quickly."
Location: 9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QQ
Jamcafe
The home of gigs, DJ sets, open mic nights and comedy nights bills itself as 'Nottingham's funkiest European style cafe bar.' Jamcafe has been an integral part of the city's vibrant music scene from the moment they served their first beer in 2008.
It has a lively pavement vibe going on long before the pandemic convinced most of the other bars in Hockley that alfresco drinking was the way forward.
You say: "Been here a few times over the past 4 or 5 years, enjoyed it every time. Places like this are rare these days, a real honest bar/cafe with (mostly) good music taste. The staff are helpful with any questions and the varied drinks selection has been different every time we've been. Good vibes also."
Location: 12 Heathcoat Street, Nottingham NG1 3AA
31K
Short, long, sweet and sour, cocktail lovers will find it all at the mellow cocktail bar in Hockley. Key Lime, Corpse Reviver, Bonnie + Rye and Love Potion are some of the ones to look out for. Failing that hit the beer and wine menu.
The food menu gives multiple choices, simply pick your main, sauce, spud and greens, while Sundays are all about roasts with all the trimmings.
You say: "I have been to 31k countless times since I discovered it, and every single time I have had a wonderful experience. The food and drinks are incredible, with 5 star cocktails at the price of only £6 from Sundays to Tuesdays. the only reason you should not go here is if you don’t want to leave obsessed!"
Location: 31 Goose Gate, Nottingham NG1 1FE
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