Deciding where to go for a drink in Nottingham can be quite a conundrum with so many pubs and bars to choose from. If it's a proper old-fashioned boozer with stacks of history Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and the Bell Inn are the obvious choice.
Something with a rock vibe? The Salutation and the Tap & Tumbler are the spots for you. Or if it's cool and quirky you're after then head to The Alchemist, GinSecco or Lost Property. If you want to bust some late-night moves it has to be MOJO or for added entertainment Roxy Ball Room.
Now add in to the mix a whole host of newcomers that have come onto the scene in recent months. There's quite a range from a micro pub with a nod to Nottingham Forest to extravagantly decked out nightspots... but are they any good?
Read more: Popular Nottinghamshire B&M store to close permanently
Mist Rolling Inn
The micro pub with a name dedicated to Nottingham Forest's anthem has recently opened on Derby Road, not far from Canning Circus. But you don't have to be a Reds' fan, or even a footie fan to enjoy a pint of Cornish Rattler cider or one of the real ales that change weekly.
Dancing Duck's Abduction IPA, Three Brothers' S’More Porter and Woodfordes' Nelson Bitter are currently on the go. There's board games, crisps to nibble on or you can simply sit there and pass the time of day and have a natter with Fran, the friendly manager.
The pavement seating is ideal for watching the world go by. Inside the micro pub is small and cosy with smart new decor after a recent refurbishment.
Drinkers say: "Excellent little craft beer pub under new ownership. Nice vibe and a decent choice of beers and ciders. The wideness of Derby Road means a good sized area to sit out the front too.
"Great little boozer on Derby Road. Good selection of beers and ciders, decent prices for town and very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Big shout out to the fabulous Fran who greets you with a big smile and makes you feel most welcome every visit."
Location: 78 Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5FD
Whistle & Flute
Is it worth trekking a little further up the Derby Road hill to this new boozer? Absolutely. Five months in and the Whistle & Flute (named after the menswear shop that was previously at the premises) has an industrial style, crafted using reclaimed timber, with stripped-back brick walls and pipework around the bar.
Craft beers, real ales, ciders, cocktails and shots are on sale, along with wines and spirits. It's what you'd call a "proper" pub with a darts board and soon a pool table will be installed. The dog-friendly pub also has live music.
Drinkers say: "Lovely freshly made pizza for lunch, washed down with a cheeky pint of Clwb Tropicana. Well worth the walk up the hill."
"I was there in the afternoon when fairly quiet but people were there drinking and more coming in. Very nice large space. It is a bar but I asked for coffee and they had flat white or Americano, instant as there is no coffee machine. I haven't tried the beer or the toilets but seats very comfortable."
Location: 96 Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5FB
The Bath Inn
The Bath Inn isn't brand new.... in fact it dates back 200 years. But it was certainly a new start for the pub which closed down during the 2020 lockdown and underwent a massive transformation. Now run by landlord Piers Wheatcroft Baker, it's full of quirks.
There's eccentric touches wherever you cast your eye, from a 6ft replica Tutankhamun's tomb to the diver over the bar and Art Deco Tamara de Lempicka artwork to quirky animal photos in the alcove. Locally brewed Primate Best Bitter from Blue Monkey Brewery is currently the Ale of the Week. You'll find plenty of whisky too for every mood, taste and pocket.
Drinkers say: "Brilliant pub. Very welcoming landlord who is a real character. Exceptional attention to detail throughout the pub from the drinks selection to the decor, spotlessly clean, excellent care of the drinks, to quote the landlord 'he just does what they tell him' and it shows, every drink is perfect as it should be. Great place to drop in for a few, a bit of outdoor seating for the sunny days but inside is like a wild dream, eccentric styling throughout and a fantastic restoration job."
"Such a lovely place to sit and drink on a Friday night after work. Thoughtfully put together embracing both art deco and Egyptian styles echoing the era in which this pub was first open. Great music and friendly hosts. Highly recommend the Guinness."
Location: 1 Handel Street, Sneinton NG3 1JE
Skybar
No where else in Nottingham has a dance floor nor a rooftop terrace overlooking the city centre like this. The stylish new bar replaces Alto and from last weekend's launch has already taken a firm line on admittance in a bid to attract the right clientele.
There's cocktails, a number of classics and their own creations, and premium spirits, which can be bought by the bottle if you want to splash out. A food menu is set to launch in a few weeks time.
The bar's had an opulent makeover, ditching the stark white of Alto for warmer turquoise hues. And if you remember the grim toilets you'll be pleased to know the ladies is no less than sparkling - and there's even a ball pit in there!
The bar's so new there's not any reviews yet, so to find out if it's any good you'll have go there and find out for yourselves.
Location: The Cornerhouse, Forman Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB
Six Richmond House
The upmarket cocktail bar has barely been open a week but it's already proving to be a hidden gem for the drinkers who have discovered it down Hurts Yard. The venue, which doubles up as an espresso bar during the day, has a sumptuous feel of sophistication with its plush furnishings, decorative table lamps and mood lighting.
Cocktails include Shortbread with rum, caramelised cream and miso, and Vine & Dine, a blend of tequila, Vermouth and tomato. Very soon a fine dining menu with dishes created by MasterChef: The Professionals star Louisa Ellis will launch at the late-night venue.
Drinkers say: "Beautiful place, really classy, great drinks menu choice. The staff really seem to know what they're talking about. The management are also really friendly you get a really personal experience, I love this place and can't wait to bring my friends."
"A little gem! You wouldn't know it was there but once you find it the drinks menu, service and atmosphere are top notch! I am looking forward to going back."
Location: 6 Hurts Yard, Nottingham NG1 6JD
The GOAT
The bar is unmissable thanks to its bright pink exterior. The LGBTQ+ friendly bar offers cocktails, shots, lagers and craft beers - and a lovely space to drink them in.
The relaxed and inclusive vibe is the perfect fit for bohemian Hockley. Food-wise there's pizza from the wood-fired oven that the new owners inherited when they took over the property earlier this year.
Drinkers say: "Great service, friendly staff, and very welcoming. The cocktails were great, and at a great price. And the pizzas are freshly made and delicious. Highly recommend!"
"Nice decor. Friendly staff and a good outside area for people watching. Not had a pizza yet so can't comment on the grub. Drinks are reasonably priced for city centre."
Location: 17 Broad Street, Nottingham NG1 3AJ
Billionz Lounge
"Billionz is a concept beyond words. We have fused luxury, class and a unique energy to create an experience that does not exist in Nottingham," is how the lounge describes itself. The extravagantly decked out bar and restaurant boasts custom-made gold mirrors, marble flooring and tables and the unmissable red illuminated Billionz sign
But the USP is the retractable roof and windows bringing the outside in when its warm and sunny. Drinkers will find cocktails, mocktails, draft beers, spirits, shots and premium bottles such as six-litre bottles of Belvedere vodka for £1,000 a pop.
But if your wallet can't stretch to that there's bottles of Corona for £4.95. An extensive food menu features breakfast, mezze, steak, burgers, grills, salads and Turkish specialities.
Drinkers say: "The food is so good here. The cocktails are amazing. Lovely and well executed venue. The kimchi is out of this world, to nail those flavours so perfectly takes skill and dedication. Cocktails are well thought out and the atmosphere is unreal."
"Went last night with guys from work. Lovely place. Staff excellent and lovely decor."
Location: 21 Trinity Walk, Nottingham NG1 2AN
The Beeston Social
No clues for guessing the location of this new bar which has it all - coffee to cocktails, avocado on sourdough to burgers, arcade games and a photo booth. Visitors can look forward to everything from lazy weekend brunches to late night dancing with some of the best local DJs.
The quirkily designed space underneath the Arc Cinema is run by the team behind The Hockley Arts Club, The Blind Rabbit and The Magic Garden and draws on the best elements of each without having to take a trip into the city.
Drinkers say: "A great venue - I'm looking forward to seeing them grow and will be returning. This is an excellent addition to the area with a refreshingly contemporary interior, accompanied by some great bar staff. Some arcade games in the back, but they don't disturb the bar's atmosphere too much. Prices are above average for the area, I paid £5.95 for an IPA. However, I would consider it worth it given the fact that someone previously seeking this type of venue would need to travel into Nottingham city centre.
"1000000/10 would recommend to anyone! The bald waiter with black glasses was so friendly and funny I couldn't stop laughing. The best customer service I have ever seen in the 50 years I have been alive! Will definitely come again (more often than I should).
Location: 2 Station Road, Beeston NG9 2WJ
Boca Lima
You might remember the spot as secret bar Boilermaker but Boca Lima is very much out there in full view. The owners launched the new concept with more than a hint of laid-back European cafe culture at the end of July.
Open during the day with pavement seating for coffee, cakes, pastries and sweet treats, there's also an ever-changing seasonal fresh food menu featuring antipasti, meats and cheese from Delilah Fine Foods and bread from the Welbeck Estate. More European beers and natural wines have been added to the menu or if you're a late-night coffee drinker you'll be able to order an Americano or latte.
Drinkers say: "Great to see the place back open again. Different name but still same management. They've now knocked through to make one big bar cafe place."
"Nice place with different atmosphere."
Location: 36 Carlton Street, Nottingham NG1 1NN
READ NEXT:
