For many of us it can be very easy to settle into a routine when you visit your local every Friday for the post-work pint. Nottingham has a huge selection of pubs and bars across the city centre and beyond for you to choose from.
Where to start though? Do you hop on the tram and head to Beeston for a beer? or grab a bus to West Bridgford to one of the pubs out there? That's before you consider the bars off the beaten track for a truly unusual experience.
So whether it's cosy, warm nooks or snug city spaces you prefer, our list has something for the weekend to get you started.
Read more: Glamour, great food and friendly service but Nottingham restaurant left us cold
1 - The Spirit Society
Pemberton Street
The Spirit Society is tucked away from the BBC Roundabout but it's well worth the trip out of the Lace Market. A great spot for a cheeky cocktail or three, the bar often hosts different events including drag nights.
If you are looking for a Valentine's Day event then look no further as the bar will be offering a special menu for two at £35 per person. Even if you are on your own, their sticky date and walnut crumble is the stuff of true romance.
2 - The Victoria Hotel
Dovecote Lane
A classic pub which can be found hidden near the railway in Beeston. So much so that you can walk off Platform One and straight into the garden.
The Victoria Hotel is in a quiet residential area of the town but it's an easy walk to and from the centre from its excellent location. While you may be going for a pint, it's worth staying for the grub as The Vic offers one of the best pub menus in Beeston.
3 - The Railway at Lowdham
Station Road
The Railway is one to note particularly during the summer months thanks to its huge outdoor seating area which is perfect for spending hours in the sun in. The quirky and welcoming pub has won tons of awards and it's easy to see why thanks to its food and friendly staff.
Unsurprisingly, thanks to its name, it's very near the railway so you don't have to worry about how to get there.
4 - The Whistle and Flute cave bar
Derby Road
We couldn't do a hidden bar piece without mentioning at least one of the caves in the lineup. The Whistle and Flute on Derby Road is a great place to pop in for a pint that boasts a secret cave bar below street level.
There are often events in the hidden space from bands to burlesque so it's worth looking into when these are on. Staff are very friendly and proud of the basement space which took months to create.
5 - The Loft
Mansfield Road
The Loft is the newest space in Sherwood to establish itself on Mansfield Road. The stylishly decorated bar and lounge is perfect for a relaxed, yet fashionable cocktail after hours.
It can be found above Pistachio restaurant so make sure you stop by for one of their amazing Persian tapas dishes while you are here. The bar often has a decent two-for-one cocktail offer if you time your visit just right.
6 - The cock and hoop
High Pavement
The Cock and Hoop is a small bar across the road from the National Justice Museum that not only offers a decent drink but it has a great selection of sandwiches too. The tiny smoking area is great in the summer months for curling up and watching the world go by.
It has been picking up in popularity and is a great choice for anyone looking for a warm and quiet spot in the bustling city centre.
7 - The Beehive Inn
Maplebeck
The Beehive is about five miles north of Southwell and is one of the smallest pubs that Nottinghamshire has to offer. The 200-year-old pub can only accommodate around 30 people as it's that small but it makes up for it with a warm welcome.
Known for its friendly staff and a warm fire, the pub is a great spot to plan a picturesque walk around at the weekend. After all, if a hike doesn't end in the pub, is it really a hike!?
8 - Secret Garden
17, 3/4 Trinity Walk
Secret Garden is hidden from view in the middle of the city centre just off the busy Trinity Walk. The bar has an excellently selected, reasonably-priced cocktail menu which often has specials including new Valentine's Day-themed drinks.
It's not all about the cocktails, however, as there are plenty of beers on offer. It's also a great place to watch sports too if you fancy combining the two.
9 - Another?
Trinity Walk
Another is a hidden gem and one for wine fans. The deceptively large bar actually has a huge outdoor area which is a bit of a sun trap in the summer. It also has an extremely decent cheese board for anyone feeling like a little treat.
Another quirky feature of the bar is that you can pour your own glass by selecting the option you want on the wine machines. Just be careful to check the price ahead of your pour as not all wines are priced equally.
Read more:
- The history of a former Nottingham club where generations danced the night away
- Some of Nottingham's tiled entrances and alleys which are often hidden out of view
- Nottingham Forest news and transfers LIVE: Newcastle enquiry, Navas plan, Gagliardini latest
- Nottingham coffee lovers 'so excited' as cafe that permanently closed returns
- Major project to reveal hidden 100-year history of Hockley
