Nottingham looks set to enjoy wonderful weather this weekend with clear skies and a sun forecast for the next few days. Nothing says 'sunny afternoon' more than grabbing a few friends and heading to one of the many locations across the city for a quiet, or not so quiet, pint in the warm weather.
While there are plenty of options available for people who like an outdoor pint, it can be really hard to know where to go. Especially when there are crowds looking to find the best seats in the city.
We've shared some of our favourite hidden gems from upstairs roof gardens to retail unit treasures where you can work on your tan and grab a great pint.
1- Another?
Trinity Square, city centre
Another is a little bit of a hidden gem in Nottingham thanks to its wine selection, quirky self-pour system and outdoor area in the back. The upstairs bar may be tucked away from view and up a small flight of stairs but it hides a huge outdoor space where customers can relax in the sunshine.
The idea behind Another? is simple yet really effective fun. Customers can select a wine of their choice from the multiple fridges dotted around the bar. The wines come all over the world including Spain, Australia and France.
There is also a selection of food available including their amazing cheese boards which come with a selection of three kinds of cheese, olives and chutneys. When it comes to the wine, staff are really knowledgeable if you need a recommendation, or two, on what to drink.
The outdoor space as well as being a secret sun trap, is also away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre so it's great for winding down over the weekend with friends or getting stuck into a good book.
2 - Robin Hood
Mansfield Road, Sherwood
The Robin Hood is a bit of a newcomer to the growing Sherwood drink scene but it's fast becoming a firm favourite for a reliably good pub. The eclectic decor is one of the reasons why the pub has a laid back vibe from its quirky pianos to the stripy umbrellas that line the walls.
It's a hit with families who can let their kids run around the play areas that the pub provides while parents grab a drink in the sun. The pub also has a strong line-up of evening events as well for anyone planning on making a day of it. Previous events have included comedians, poetry nights and even hula hoop classes.
3 -The King Billy
Sneinton
King Billy is well worth a trip into the depths of Sneinton as the popular venue boasts a rooftop garden that is barely visible from the outside. Not only that but the rooftop garden hides a secret pizzeria which can help customers not only soak up the sun but the booze too.
The pub is a hit with the locals and it is often incredibly busy at weekends thanks to its welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. It also has a range of locally made drinks such as the Sneinton Cider Company whose distinctive branding can be seen behind the bar.
Visitors to the pub can also get in a game of pool in the 'Kevin Cosner' lounge room on the first floor if you need to work up an appetite for a slice or two. During the day, the garden offers a quiet space which is perfect for a bit of rest and reflection post-shopping trip.
Sneinton is becoming a bit of a legendary pub crawl in the city centre and with venues like King Billy, The Bath Inn, Partizan Tavern, Liquid Light and The Fox and Grapes - it's easy to see why.
4 - Canalhouse
Canal Street
Canalhouse is one of the best spots in Nottingham for afternoon casual pints and boat-watching. Situated along the canal, the Grade II listed former canal museum turned pub has a unique beer garden that looks out onto the water.
It's known for its extensive selection of beers, ciders and ales which means there is a more than enough reasons to keep coming back to try them all.
The pub fills up quickly as it's one of the most popular spots in the city for a post-work pint but also a weekend afternoon drink or three. Luckily, it does offer a full menu too so you won't have to leave if you don't want to. If you don't manage to grab a seat in the sun here then don't worry as Canal Street has a number of options including Via Fosse and The Waterfront.
5 - Golden Fleece
Mansfield Road
Golden Fleece is a popular choice among Nottingham's student's mid-week thanks to decent drink prices and its location on Mansfield Road. It has since partnered with Prickly Pear vegan cafe to offer a range of food at the weekends including Sunday Roasts.
The roasts include roasties, Yorkshire puddings, maple and thyme beets, garlic butter green beans, roasted squash, sautéed butter cabbage, stuffing and gravy. The real reason for a visit is the rooftop garden which can get quite lively at the weekends although late afternoon is a great time to pop in for a quieter pint.
Honourable mention:
Liquid Light Taproom
When walking into Liquid light, it can feel a bit like you've taken a wrong turn into an industrial estate - but bear with us as it is worth the walk. The taphouse hides a functioning brewery with the perfect outdoor location to spend a few hours in.
Not only does the bar have a full range of tasty beers to try but it also offers ciders and gins. Vegan favourites Mocky-D are also on-site to offer burgers, kebabs and Sunday roasts to anyone looking to stay for the day. The bar offers a laid-back., DIY atmosphere that has built a bit of a following among those in the know in town.
The outdoor area which is directly out the front opens up once the shutters go up at the weekend. It offers a great space to come in, unwind and relax in the sun.
