The Best Pubs In Nottingham

There’s no doubt that Britain is known for it’s pubs. There were approximately 47,200 pubs operating in the United Kingdom in 2019. Unfortunately that number is declining, so take the opportunity to support local pubs in Nottingham, and find a new favourite for the future. To make your life a little easier, we’ve organised a list of the best pubs for you to visit in Nottingham.

1. 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 sizable 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.



2. 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.

Located near Nottingham’s Market Square, you can grab a pint or two, try out the range on offer and relax in The Barrel Drop’s comfortable and homely environment.

 

 

3. 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 every day 2-4-1 offer.

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


4. 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.


5. 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.

 


6. 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 inhouse brewed ‘Angel Ales’, as well as seasonal organic & ethically sourced food, and a range of other drinks for non-ale drinkers.

 


7. The Ned Ludd

The Ned Ludd has been voted Nottingham City's "BEST SMALL PUB 2019" and overall winner, as well as ‘We are Nottingham's "BEST BAR NONE 2019"’. 

With over 100 gins, great craft beers and a new 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!


If none of the above take your fancy, there’s still a whole host of pubs to explore in Nottingham. From traditional to themed pubs, interesting venues and delicious food and drink, there is a pub out there to suit every need. Make sure to check out the list below for more fantastic pubs in Nottingham.



8. The Rose Of England

Branding themselves as a 'locals' pub within the hussle and bussle of the city, The Rose of England guarantee 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.

 

 

9. Coach & Horse

The Coach & Horses is a Nottingham pub that serves beers, wines and spirits as well as a selection of pub dishes. The Coach & Horse is a lively and friendly local serving real ales and food featuring a garden and outdoor seating.



10. Cock & Hoop

The Cock & Hoop dates back to the 1800s but is now a classic and traditional pub, selling a range of local cask ales.

 

 

11. The Cross Keys

The Cross Keys is a quintessential British pub, offering a very warm welcome, cosy, comfortable surroundings and good conversation.

 

 

12. Fellows Morton & Clayton

A proper pub in Nottingham with a collection of delicious drinks and tempting food to match.

 

 

13. Horn in Hand

Horn in Hand is a pub in Nottingham for chilling out with friends and enjoying the good things in life like Beer, Burgers and Sport on TV.

 

 

14. 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.

 

 

15. Ocean State Tavern

Annie’s Ocean State Tavern bar is one of Nottingham’s best-hidden gems! Just downstairs from Annie’s Burger Shack Nottingham, you will find a little bit of waterside Rhode Island…

 

 

16. Old Dog & Partridge

The Old Dog & Partridge is an old-school pub, part of a Greene King chain, with real ale and TV sports.

 

 

17. Raglan Road Irish Bar

This modern Irish bar is for all major sports fans. Pop in for rugby, football, GAA games, fantastic company, and live entertainment. The Raglan Road Irish Bar is also partly built into the caves with an outside garden terrace and smoking area. 

 

 

18. The Bell Inn

The Bell Inn dates from around 1437,  and claims to be the oldest in the city. Visit for a traditional British pub, and become a part of history.

 

 

19. The Blue Bell Inn

A traditional pub in the heart of the city, your walks can now end where they should. At the pub!

 

 

20. The Castle

The Castle is a traditional city centre pub and restaurant, sited opposite the historic gatehouse of Nottingham Castle and designed with the unique style of Watson Fothergill in 1883.

 

 

21. The Company Inn

This pub takes its name from the Trent Navigation Company which built this former warehouse on the north bank of the Nottingham Canal. The Fellows, Morton and Clayton building stands close to the British Waterways Warehouse, separated by the detached Waterfront Bar.

 

 

22. 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 21 st 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. Open from sunup to sundown and late into the night.

 

 

23. The Dragon

The Dragon is your local in Nottingham city centre. A welcoming and friendly pub, it combines the convenience of location, with the feel of your local. Visit for delicious salads, sandwiches, burgers and breakfasts, or get your groove on at one of their regular events.

 

 

24. The Herbert Kilpin

A beautiful building in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, The Herbert Kilpin is a spacious pub with a modern twist. A friendly and welcoming pub serving classic European beer and hearty food, the Herbert Kilpin offers a spacious and loft style upstairs area for dining and drinking with three screens showing live sports.

 

 

25. 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.

 

 

26. 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. 

 

 

27. The Lord Roberts

The Lord Roberts is an atmospheric pub offering a wide range of real ales, real ciders and craft beers. A small but quality food menu is available.

 

 

28. 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.

 

 

29. The Thurland Hall

The Thurland Hall is advertised as your cheery local based in Nottingham. Showing live sports every day, you can watch the big game with a cold, refreshing pint of your favourite lager. They most importantly have a beer garden, and pet’s are welcome too!

 

 

30. Via Fossa

The Via Fossa is a canal-side Greene King pub with traditional food. Sit back and relax as you watch the boats go by with a cold drink in your hand.

 

31. Ye Olde Salutation Inn

An ancient 15th-century pub Ye Olde Salutation Inn serves real ales and puts on regular heavy rock nights. Even better, they are located about Anglo-Saxon caves, with ample outside seating, so you can feel like a part of history whilst enjoying your pint in the sunshine.

 

Still not sure where to head? Why not check out our guide to 6 of best bars for beer enthusiasts in Nottingham.

Find out more about Nottingham's pledge to reduce cases of alcohol-related crime with the Best Bar None initiative.

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