11 of the best cocktail bars in Nottingham
Sparkling bars, tropical spots, cosy venues, and more...
Finding out the best places to go for cocktails in Nottingham is always a good idea, whether the sun has come out or if you just fancy a drink with a little pizazz.
We’ve rounded up our favourite places to go for cocktails in the area — all of which we’ve tried ourselves. From intimate bars with cosy feels to photo-worthy ones with bustling gardens, you’ll be covered no matter what your preferences are.
If going out for a delicious drink is one of your favourite things to do in Nottingham, these places are all worth visiting. For more guides like this, subscribe to The Notts Edit to receive our articles in your inbox for free.
11 of the coolest cocktail bars in Nottingham
By Eve Smallman
1. The Hockley Arts Club
Where: Carlton Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NN
At this tucked-away bar, you can choose from two gorgeous rooms to lounge in. On the second floor, you’ll find the sumptuous and sophisticated Blue Rooms, while on the third is the incredibly Instagrammable Electric Garden. The drinks are just as eye-catching, with highlights including the Twister (with lolly and all), the Lychee Twist, and Kiss in the Dark. We’ve found it will make regular cocktails if you like, though — ideal if you have a signature drink, a la Carrie Bradshaw.
Do if: You want to wow guests — whenever we bring anyone to Nottingham, this is one of the places we always take them.
2. Manahatta
Where: Norfolk Place, NG1 2BL
Glittering golds, neon lights, and sumptuous seats all make NYC-inspired bar Manahatta a gorgeous spot for drinks. It has 2-4-1 cocktails all day every day of the week, with everything from classics like Aperol Spritz and Margaritas, to the pretty in pink Raspberry Shortbread and Candy Mojito. It also offers photo-worthy sharers like the supersized Pornstar and the Diamonds are Forever, as well as cocktail towers. The bar is also open until l2am Wednesdays and Sundays, 1am Thursdays, and 2am Fridays and Saturdays, making it a great option to finish the evening off or for dancing the night away at.
Do if: You’re looking for a cocktail bar you can properly party at.
3. 400 Rabbits
Where: Hurts Yard, Nottingham, NG1 6JD
We’re so lucky to have our own slice of Mexico in Nottingham, which we do with this tequila bar that’s vibrant and inviting. It even made international fame during lockdown as The Church of 400 Rabbits, when it applied to open up as a church to get around restrictions. Inside is quirky and eclectic, and the strong cocktails are just the same. Upstairs, you can play board games and on the SEGA… which are always fun after a couple of drinks.
Do if: You’re after a cocktail bar with a very distinct personality.
4. 31k
Where: Goose Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1FE
With 20 house cocktails and a weekly special, you have all the choices at 31K. Nearly half the cocktails have droplet symbols next to them, showing if they can be made alcohol-free. Many of them are 2-4-1 Sunday-Thursday, too. Our favourites are the coffee-based Creme Brulee and the ultra-refreshing Yorkshire Rose. We also like that the wine menu has plenty of depth and it has a great selection of beers on tap, in case you want to mix up your drinks.
Do if: You want drinks and a meal — the build-your-own dinner menu is total genius if you ask us.
5. The Refinery
Where: Melton Road, West Bridgford, NG2 6EP
This isn’t a full cocktail bar, but its fantastic menu meant that we just had to put it on the list. The inside is warm and spacious, with plenty of comfy seats to lounge on with your cocktails. It also regularly has a 2-for-£12 deal, with options including the refreshing white peach and lychee fizz and the watermelon martini that will convert you from its Porn Star counterpart. It also does lots of twists on old-timers, like the White Negroni, Strawberry Margarita, and the Refined G&T with a twist of grapefruit.
Do if: You want a date night-worthy drink outside the city centre.
6. Loose Ends
Where: Friar Lane, NG1 6EB
This is a recent addition to the Nottingham cocktail scene, with it being the sophisticated sister venue to 400 Rabbits. Nestled next to the Castle, it has tropical drinks with rich, refined notes, such as the paloma punch with a coconut twist and the june bug, which tastes like Capri Sun). Our favourite is the Friar 75, with gin, cava syrup, and fizz, which is also a nod to the venue’s former incarnation as French 75. On warmer days, sit out front for picturesque city views, or lounge in the garden.
Do if: You’re looking for a taste of summer, no matter what the season is.
7. Tilt
Where: Pelham Street, Nottingham, NG1 2EH
You might not have spotted the little door with a ‘Tilt’ sign on it when walking down this city centre street. We recommend opening it up and climbing the stairs, as you’ll find a comfortable, cool bar with a brilliant assortment of classic and seasonal cocktails. Its happy hour often offers a discounted price too, with some drinks at £6.50 during this time. If you’re lucky, the bartender might even bring you a little bowl of nibbles while you wait — hey, we’re never opposed to a snack.
Do if: You’re looking for an intimate spot that’s easy to get to but feels out of the way.
8. The Magic Garden
Where: Low Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 7DL
As soon as the sun comes out in Nottingham, we throw on our sunnies and get down to The Magic Garden. It’s still lovely in cooler months, with heaters and a colourful interior, but it really is at its best in summer. It has 2-4-1 cocktails all day Sunday-Friday and has everything from Porn Star martinis to iced teas. We love the gin drinks which take G&Ts to a whole new level — the zesty Lana Del Ray goes down gorgeously on a warm day. Also, be sure to keep an eye out for the outdoor cinema nights.
Do if: A beer garden is quite sophisticated enough for you.
9. Pogo
Where: Goose Gate, Nottingham, NG1 1FE
Striking the balance between cosy and chic perfectly, this bar is a refined and relaxed choice. We chatted with Pogo when it opened and loved finding out how it has curated a menu which is accessible to those who simply want a delicious drink that’s easy to understand. All the ingredients are listed underneath each cocktail, making it a breeze to find one with flavours you like. It also does a daily in-house soda, if you want a bright drink without the booze.
Do if: You want somewhere crowd-pleasing to meet new people or friends — the Kermit green exterior isn’t hard to miss.
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10. Coco Tang
Where: Byard Lane, Nottingham, NG1 2GJ
At this laidback venue, you can either have a cocktail in the cafe or the underground bar. The speakeasy in the evening will transport you to a different time, with an exposed brick interior, plump seats, and a section with a ‘call button’ where you can click for service. The Fight Club cocktail complete with edible soap bar is its most iconic drink, but we also like the Regina George with its mini Burn Book and the refreshing Rhubarb Spritz. When it’s warmer, you can head on up to the Vietnamese roof garden and sit on the handmade French chairs with your beverage.
Do if: You love trying unique cocktails in unique settings.
11. The Beeston Social
Where: Station Road, Beeston, NG9 2WJ
Sip on cocktails and have a blast at this Beeston bar filled with retro games, including a dance mat, Super Chexx, arcade games, and more. The cocktail menu is just as fun, with brilliant drinks including a creamy Toblerone that will feel like a dive into a chocolate box, and the tequila-based Outkast which comes complete with a Polaroid for you to shake. It also serves big burgers, small plates, and breakfast all day, which is always a big bonus in our books.
Do if: You want a bar you can comfortably spend hours at.
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