Enjoying a drink in the sun in a rooftop bar is one of life’s little pleasures, especially when there is the added bonus of a beautiful view. Nottingham’s rooftop bars are some of the best in the Midlands and often look out onto some of the city’s most famous sights. At night, these bars are particularly spectacular! When summer finally rolls around there will be nothing to stop us from enjoying a cocktail (or three) on top of Nottingham’s skyline. Here are some of the best rooftop bars in Nottingham that you need to visit!
1. Alto
Where: Corner House, Forman St, Nottingham NG1 4DB
If you’re partial to drinks with a view, then Alto is a perfect choice. Situated on the second level of the Cornerhouse, Alto screams style inside and out. Its spacious outdoor terrace with comfy sofa-style seating looks out onto the city centre and is a perfect location for that cheeky Instagram shot. There are also outdoor heaters so that you can enjoy your beverages even in the coldest of weather.
Alto serves both hot and cold drinks, although cocktails are clearly their speciality. The classic cocktails over at Alto start from £7.95, with their more premium cocktails starting from £8.50. If you need some food to soak up the alcohol, Alto also offers a selection of snacks and sharers to satisfy your appetite.
2. Pitcher & Piano
Where: The Unitarian Church, High Pavement, Nottingham NG1 1HN
Only a short walk from Market Square and Nottingham Train Station, Pitcher & Piano is another bar with a fantastic rooftop area. Built inside an old church, Pitcher & Piano is the place to go if you’re feeling a little fancier, or if you’re just looking to impress the people you’re going for a drink with. Inside, the decor is extravagant, and this continues onto the rooftop with a glass balcony surrounding the outskirts.
Pitcher & Piano is a good all-rounder – it has excellent food and drink in an even better location. Their drinks menu is extensive, with intriguing cocktails, delicious wines and a variety of beers and ciders. It’s a 10/10 from us.
3. Pepper Rocks
Where: 12 Pepper St, Nottingham NG1 2GH
Offering a slightly funkier vibe to some of the other rooftop bars in Nottingham, Pepper Rocks will provide you with cocktails in comfort. Beneath its neon lights, you can settle in for a chilled out night of alcohol and food without having to break the bank in the process. Pepper Rocks even has its own hot dog stand, Bunk Dogs, in its rooftop bar area, making it even more unique!
During regular opening times, Pepper Rocks often holds events such as open mic nights and comedy nights for its customers to enjoy. If you’re just there for the alcohol and the alcohol only, make sure you take advantage of their happy hour, making house cocktails £5 each until 10 pm daily.
4. Coco Tang
Where: 45 Bridlesmith Gate, Nottingham NG1 2GN
Coco Tang is another favourite rooftop bar in Nottingham for students, and it’s pretty clear why. Its outdoor rooftop smoking area is unlike any other in the city, with an indoor area and an outdoor area to protect against the unreliability of British weather. If you fancy sitting inside, the impressive oriental-themed bar and café area do not disappoint either, with the addition of a dance floor for the legendary Wednesday student nights.
Coco Tang is a reliable choice of bar, whether that be for a coffee in the day time or a cocktail in the evening. On Wednesday night’s, students get in for free and choose from a large selection of cocktails for £5 each; in the day, authentic Vietnamese coffee is sold in the café area along with a full menu of delicious Asian cuisine. Try something new and give Coco Tang a go!
5. The Sir John Borlase Warren
Where: 1 Ilkeston Rd, Nottingham NG7 3GD
If you care to venture a little further out of the city centre, The Sir John Borlase Warren is an excellent pub with an even better rooftop terrace. The Sir John is a favourite among students and locals and is the perfect spot for a cold drink on a summers day. You and your pals can sit outside in the split-level outdoor area, where there is plenty of room so that you never have to worry about finding a seat.
Alongside the drinks menu, The Sir John has also nailed its food menu. We recommend their pizza’s, which are two for £10 from 5-9 pm on Monday evenings. You couldn’t ask for a better accompaniment to your pint!
