Pubs and Bars

Welcome to England, home of the best pubs in the world. It was tough to select only a few, but we managed it. The beer is good everywhere, but if you want cocktails head for Brass Monkey or Boilermaker, and if you want an alcohol-free bar try Sobar.

Kean’s Head

Simon’s local is an excellent little boozer. Drink some Castle Rock ales or a bottled Belgian. Serves good pub grub.

The Malt Cross

This restored two-level Victorian music hall is a lovely, peaceful place to take shelter and grab a coffee, beer, or burger.

The Orange Tree

We both love this place. Cosy yet spacious, with a broad drinks selection and a good hearty food menu. Try the bangers & mash, or fresh scones with tea.

BrewDog Nottingham

A new and vibrant bar next to Broadway cinema. If you love BrewDog beers then this is for you, obviously.

Boilermaker

A relatively new, unique bar hidden behind what looks like an empty shop. Once past the 'salesman', you enter a red bathroom, push the sink to open the hidden door, and then you're in a cosy cocktail bar. Worth it for the entry experience alone.

Brass Monkey

Small but well-respected cocktail bar up on cobbled High Pavement. The Beastie Boys wrote a song about it. Not true.

The Pitcher & Piano

We don’t go here but yes, Nottingham has a pub inside a church. It’s a solid option if you want food and drinks inside a church.

The Bodega Social Club

In it’s heyday unknown bands like The Strokes, The White Stripes and Coldplay performed upstairs in this tiny venue. Lost it’s magic but a big part of Simon’s youth.

The Hand and Heart

Lovely old boozer on the edge of town. Look for the cosy area carved out of caves near the back.

Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem

England’s oldest pub is a must-see. It’s pretty in a shambolic way, and is built into caves. The beer is great, the model ship is cursed, and Quentin Tarantino loves the place. Really.

Broadway Cinema & Media Centre

Our renowned independent cinema is a real gem. The cafebar is a great place to get some work done, and there’s free wifi, a reliable food menu, real ale, and decent coffee.

Nottingham Contemporary

At the end of High Pavement (beautiful cobbled street) is our flagship art space. It’s an unusual building for sure, and the exterior patterning reflects Nottingham’s rich lace history. Has an excellent cafe with beer and food.

Sobar

Sobar. So-ber. Get it? Ok. This place is new and does not serve alcohol. Ideal if you want a vibrant and relaxed place free from drunks.