30 great pubs to visit in Nottingham

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

One of Nottingham’s most famous historic landmarks, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is a Grade II listed building thought to have been built in 1189. It rests against Castle Rock (which Nottingham Castle is built on) and features several caves which were thought to have originally been used as a brewhouse for the castle. The pub is proud of its resident ghosts - and alongside these long-standing regulars, you’ll find traditional pub food and some quirky spaces to enjoy a drink!

1 Brewhouse Yard, Nottingham NG1 6AD

Canalhouse

Another well-known Nottingham staple, The Canalhouse is famed for the canal that extends into the building - complete with a few canalboats and a footbridge! Its waterside location and plentiful outdoor seating makes it a popular spot in the warmer months, while in the winter you can enjoy the cosy interior with exposed brick and wooden beams. The pub has been a trailblazer for the craft beer scene in Nottingham, and alongside the beers you’ll find a varied menu.

48-52 Canal Street, Nottingham NG1 7EH

Malt Cross

The Malt Cross is one of the country’s few surviving Victorian music halls, and a key hub in the local community. It has a history of providing outreach services in the community, including being the base for Nottingham’s Street Pastors, and working closely with Nottinghamshire YMCA - who stepped in to save the charity and trust in 2018. It’s now home to lively events including regular live music, DJ nights, quizzes and family events, as well as being a great space to enjoy some quality food and drink.

16 St James’s Street, Nottingham NG1 6FG

Mist Rolling Inn

This micropub, based halfway up Derby Road, is a quiet spot to enjoy some real ale or cider. The narrow pub has four handpumps, with the ales changing over each week to provide plenty of variety to regulars. Not a beer fan? There’s also a range of wine, spirits, lager and soft drinks available.

78 Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5FD

The Playwright

Based on the edge of Nottingham Trent University’s City campus, The Playwright is a laid-back pub which is a popular hangout amid the bustle of the city centre. Headlining on the menu is a range of artisan pizzas, baked in the pub’s brick pizza oven. The pub hosts a range of craft beers, and while you’re relaxing you can enjoy watching live sports - or indulging in a game of shuffleboard or pool.

38 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ

Pit & Pendulum

One of Nottingham’s more unique venues, the Pit & Pendulum is an atmospheric Gothic-themed pub in the heart of the city centre. Inside you’ll find quirkily named rooms, eclectic decor and a great atmosphere. It’s a popular spot for cocktails and pitchers, but you’ll also find a range of ciders, beers and spirits alongside a menu of pub classics.

17 Victoria Street, Nottingham NG1 2EW

Ye Olde Salutation Inn

The third of Nottingham’s pubs which claims to be the oldest pub in Nottingham (along with Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and The Bell Inn), this pub is affectionately known as ‘The Sal’. It’s a 15th-century pub, with some parts of the building dating back to around 1240. Inside, you’ll find a range of real ales with food served every day of the week (including an affordable Sunday dinner!). The pub hosts regular events, including rock nights, ghost walks in the caves under the pub and a Friday karaoke night.

Hounds Gate, Nottingham NG1 7AA

The Bierkeller

For those looking for a sports bar in Nottingham with a German twist, this lively bar offers a unique drinking experience and beer that comes in two-pint steins.

With a sizeable beer garden and long bench seating, this pub is the perfect place for any sports fanatic to wind down or party hard.

With regular events and waitresses serving you in classic Bavarian dresses, The Bierkeller will provide you with a memorable experience for years to come.

13 Friar Lane, Nottingham NG1 6DA

The Barrel Drop

What this Nottingham micropub lacks in size, it makes up for in quality and personality. This cosy little pub offers an ever-changing range of cask and craft brews in a comfy living-room-style environment. With a delightful range of modern and traditional ales, it is a treat for any beer-lover.

7 Hurts Yard, Nottingham NG1 6JD

O’Neill’s

For those who fancy some good, old-fashioned pub grub in a classic Irish setting, O’Neill’s provides all the entertainment and hospitality that Ireland has to offer.

‘A place where you feel right at home’, you can choose crisp draught pints of real ale, classic cocktails, fruity ciders, spirits and more. Not only do their cocktails taste delicious, you can also take advantage of their all-day 2-4-1 offer.

Fancy something to soak up the alcohol? This Irish pub has an extensive menu that provides options for meat-eaters, veggies and vegans.

8-9 Beastmarket Hill, Nottingham NG1 6FB

Tap & Tumbler

For those of you who are looking for a classic and traditional pub with an edge, the Tap & Tumbler is for you. This rock bar is based in the centre of Nottingham city and offers changing guest cask ales and whiskies, with a rock ‘n roll edge. The Tap & Tumbler has already made a name for itself as a well-established hard-drinking and music lover's meeting place.

Polish off your leather jacket, and pick up a whiskey for a pub experience you will never forget.

33 Wollaton Street, Nottingham NG1 5FW

Hand & Heart

The Hand & Heart is an experience you can’t miss. This pub is a fantastic treat for real ale lovers, with the Victorian bar and live music events in Nottingham’s centre offering a uniqueness that you won’t forget.

A traditional English pub steeped in history, The Hand & Heart is built in sandstone caves that date back to Saxon times.

From the cave restaurant to the garden room conservatory, piano snug and more, this little pub is a delight to explore.

65-67 Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5BA

The Angel Microbrewery

The Angel Microbrewery opened as a Chapel in the 1600s, but now it offers an exquisite range of food and drink. As you can imagine, this historic building has been through a lot over the years, even hosting gigs from Kasabian, Oasis and the Arctic Monkeys.

If you’re to visit The Angel Microbrewery, you will be able to sample their in-house brewed ‘Angel Ales’, as well as seasonal organic & ethically sourced food, and a range of other drinks for non-ale drinkers.

7 Stoney Street Lace Market, Nottingham NG1 1LG

The Ned Ludd

With over 100 gins, great craft beers and a Peaky Blinder’s room to experience, The Ned Ludd offers traditional pub vibes with a modern atmosphere. Pop in for a drink, or enjoy something from their fantastic menu. They even have an incredibly varied playlist - in the best way!

27 Friar Lane, Nottingham NG1 6DA

Rose Of England

Branding themselves as a 'locals' pub within the hustle and bustle of the city, The Rose of England guarantees you a warm welcome, relaxing atmosphere and a friendly workforce. With an extensive range of real cask ales in addition to spirits, wines, bottled drinks and non-alcoholic beverages, you can experience a great environment, with even better prices.

36-38 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3GY

Cock & Hoop

Part of the Lace Market Hotel, the Cock & Hoop is a traditional ale house in a beautiful Grade II listed Georgian townhouse. There’s a great range of cask and craft beers from independent East Midlands breweries to enjoy. Alongside this you’ll find a wide range of craft cans, alongside an extensive wine and spirits menu. The pub’s popular restaurant serves up a range of classics alongside some contemporary dishes.

25 High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HF

The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys is a quintessential British pub, offering a very warm welcome, cosy, comfortable surroundings and good conversation. The pub prides itself on good quality comfort food, including a traditional roast dinner - with ‘proper gravy and big Yorkies as standard’. There’s a strong offering of craft beers, real ale and some real ciders alongside bottled continental beers and draught lagers.

15 Byard Lane, Nottingham NG1 2GJ

Katie O'Briens

Enjoy a taste of Ireland right here in Nottingham! The pub’s exposed brick and festoon lighting creates a super cosy atmosphere to pair along with a pint of Guinness - or take your pick from the range of Irish whiskeys. Catch live acts every weekend, dance to fine Irish tunes or catch the sporting action at Katie O'Briens.

57 Long Row, Nottingham NG1 6JB

The Kean’s Head

A traditional English pub, The Kean’s Head is run by Castle Rock Brewery and located opposite the beautiful St Mary’s church in the middle of the Lace Market. It’s a cosy single-room pub - but the range of drinks available doesn’t reflect its size! Here you’ll find one of Nottingham’s best ranges of beers, as well as over 200 rums, gins and whiskies. Enjoy a beer and curry, with the delicious food menu from the kitchen residents, Paajis.

46 St. Marys Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QA

Old Dog & Partridge

The Old Dog & Partridge is located on Lower Parliament Street, close to Victoria Centre. The old-school charm of the interior, coupled with the warm and friendly atmosphere, makes this pub a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Sit back and enjoy something from the range of premium beers, wines and cocktails and catch some live sport!

18 Lower Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 3DA

Raglan Road Irish Bar

This modern Irish bar is a must for all major sports fans. Pop in for rugby, football, GAA games, fantastic company, and live entertainment. It’s been voted one of the top ten Irish pubs in England, and hosts regular traditional Irish sessions throughout each week. It’s one of Nottingham’s ‘cave pubs’, with some of the seating areas for drinking and dining built into the atmospheric caves. There’s also an outdoor terrace to make the most of a warm day!

69-73 Derby Road, Nottingham NG1 5BA

The Bell Inn

The Bell Inn dates from around 1437, and is among the oldest pubs in the city. The wood panelled interior creates a warm and cosy old-world environment, where you can enjoy IPA craft beers on tap, watching sports and a menu of comforting pub classics. There’s a mixture of smaller bar rooms and a larger one, so you can choose an atmosphere to suit your mood!

18 Angel Row Market Square, Nottingham NG1 6HL

The Castle

The Castle is a traditional pub and restaurant, where you’ll find a wide selection of real ales, beers, ciders and gins from both local and international brewers and distilleries. Alongside the drinks, there’s a menu filled with home cooked pub classics, including a roast dinner on Sundays. The pub boasts some beautiful views over the historic gatehouse of Nottingham Castle.

1 Castle Road, Nottingham NG1 6AA

The Curious Tavern

Situated in Nottingham’s oldest hotel and formerly known as ‘The George’ the Curious Tavern has the feel of the traditional Georgian décor with a 21st-century curious twist. The Curious Tavern serves Starbucks coffee by day with tempting grab-and-go snacks. Thursday to Sunday evenings you can indulge in Colchester rock oysters with delicious dressings, accompanied by cask ales from the medieval cellars below or classic Curious cocktails.

2A George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE

The Dragon

The Dragon, nestled in the heart of Nottingham city centre, is your go-to local pub. Renowned for its warm, friendly atmosphere, it offers delicious unfussy homemade food. Adding a unique twist, the pub also features a dedicated room for Scalextric car racing nights, making it a standout spot for both good times and great company.

67 Long Row, Nottingham NG1 6JE

The Kilpin Beer Cafe

A beautiful building in the heart of Nottingham city centre, The Kilpin Beer Cafe is a spacious pub with a modern twist. There’s a roomy loft-style area upstairs providing a relaxed space for dining and drinking - or on a sunny day, enjoy a beer in the courtyard in Bridlesmith Walk. The menu boasts some mouthwatering options, including gyros, burgers and small plates - washed down by something from the range of classic European beers.

10 Bridlesmith Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2HB

The Hop Merchant 

Breathing new life into this old city pub, whilst keeping its original charm and quirkiness intact, The Hop Merchant boasts a great range of cask ales, draught lagers as well as an extensive collection of bottled beers and ciders from around the world.

64-68 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 2AG

The Joseph Else

A classic Wetherspoon’s establishment, The Joseph Else is teeming with history. As well as the famous lions guarding the entrance to the Council House (in front of the pub), Joseph Else was also responsible for the frieze representing the old industries of Nottingham.

11–12 South Parade, Old Market Square, Nottingham NG1 2JS

The Lord Roberts

This Art Deco style pub, based in Hockley, is popular for its cosy and welcoming atmosphere. While the pub doesn’t directly serve its own food menu, customers are able to order from selected nearby restaurants to eat in the pub. There’s a range of real ales, ciders and craft beers to choose from, and a spacious beer garden to enjoy in the summer months.

24 Broad Street, Nottingham NG1 3AN

The Three Crowns

At The Three Crowns you'll find everything you'd expect from a traditional local pub in Nottingham - but with a bit of added sizzle. Located near Hockley, they’re a fantastic place to go to enjoy the football and chill out with friends. A fantastic range of drinks with prices to match, and famous sizzling skillets or flame-grilled burgers if you fancy a bite with your pint.

51 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham NG1 6LD

Make more of your visit

Try out our free It’s in Nottingham app to find the best events, shops, venues and more around the city centre - plus maps to help you get around easily!

Whether you're a music fan, a foodie, looking for a great night out or things to do: our app will point you in the right direction and help you enjoy your time in our city.

Download it free today on Apple or Android.