This article was written by Georgia Garnett from University of Nottingham
While it may not be as popular as London or Manchester, Nottingham has a vibrant gay scene with many gay bars to visit. The city’s thriving nightlife caters to the LGBTQ+ student networks at both Uni Of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent, plus there’s the annual Pride march that occurs annually in July. If you’re looking for a way to meet someone or just want to go to a new bar, this is the list for you. Here is a list of some of the best gay bars in Nottingham. 

1. The New Foresters

The Best Gay Bars in Nottingham
Source: New Foresters Facebook
The New Foresters is a staple of the Nottingham LGBTQ+ scene. Located behind the Victoria Centre in the city centre, it’s in a prominent and easily accessible location, no matter where you live in the city. There are progress pride flags all across the venue, including trans and non-binary flags. The pub has recently installed rainbow angel wings against a grass wall so you can get the perfect shot for social media on your visit. This gay bar has been a hub for the Nottingham LGBTQ+ community since 1958, so it’s one you absolutely need to visit next.

Address: 18 St Anns Street, NG3 3LX

2. The Lord Roberts

The Best Gay Bars in Nottingham
Source: The Lord Roberts Facebook
The Lord Roberts is not officially a gay bar, but it attracts Nottingham’s queer crowd. It’s located in Hockley, which is considered the LGBTQ+ neighbourhood of Nottingham City Centre. It is a gay-managed bar that also sponsors the local LGBTQ+ football team, the Nottingham Lions. They host quizzes and other events, such as a pop-up dog photography studio (the photos on their Facebook page are very cute) and a sexual health clinic, which may not be fun but is a useful thing to do. The bar is adorned in 1920s Art Deco style too so it’s a really cool venue to hang out in. All in all, a potentially very fun experience and one of the best unofficially gay bars Nottingham has to offer. 

Address: 24 Broad Street, NG1 3AN

3. The G.O.A.T

G.O.A.T. is one of The Best Gay Bars in Nottingham
Source: G.O.A.T. Facebook
Just down the road from The Lord Roberts is the G.O.A.T, the newest LGBTQ+ friendly bar in Hockley, Nottingham. It serves drinks and wood-fired pizzas, so it could be a perfect date night spot. It has a number of offers on its website, including £6 cocktails every day, all day, or a pizza and a pint, wine or soft drink for £10 all day from Tuesday to Thursday and before 5pm Friday and Saturday. It’s probably the best gay bar to head to in Nottingham if you’re looking for food and a warming environment.

Address: 17 Broad Street, NG1 3AJ

4. The Hole In The Wall

The Hole in the Wall Nottingham
Source: The Hole in the Wall Facebook
The Hole in The Wall is another one of the gay bars in Nottingham with historical links – the bar was reportedly gay-friendly since 1984. In 2015, it started to host lesbian pool nights. The current managers who started in 2022 are two gay men, who decided that the pub should definitely be officially LGBTQ+ friendly again. You can check out The Hole in The Wall’s Facebook here.

Address: 63 North Sherwood Street, NG1 4EZ

We’ve highlighted the best gay bars in Nottingham for you try on your next night out. All in all, the LGBTQ+ scene in Nottingham may not be the biggest, but it’s warm and welcoming If you’re part of the LGBTQ+ community, there is a space for you to be yourself and meet others in the Nottingham community.  If you fancy something a bit more fancy, why not check out the best cocktail bars in Nottingham instead? 

Is there a gay scene in Nottingham and what is it like?

Nottingham has a great gay scene, with lots of places to go out. It’s smaller compared to larger cities like London or Manchester, but nonetheless has a range of venues and events catering to the LGBTQ+ community.
The heart of Nottingham’s gay scene is centred around the Hockley area, where several of gay bars and clubs are located. These venues range from relaxed, cosy pubs like The New Foresters, which is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and inclusive vibe, to more upbeat clubs (Propaganda was a popular one but had to close after lockdown), known for lively dance floors and themed nights. These establishments not only provide safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community but also host various events including drag shows, karaoke nights, and LGBTQ+ themed parties, and more. Moreover, Nottingham Pride is a significant annual event, celebrating diversity and inclusivity. This colourful parade and festival bring together people from all walks of life, featuring live music, stalls, and performances, highlighting the city’s supportive and inclusive attitude towards the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to nightlife, Nottingham offers various LGBTQ+ organisations and resources, providing support, advocacy, and social opportunities. Groups like Nottinghamshire’s Rainbow Heritage celebrate the history and contributions of the local LGBTQ+ community, while others focus on health, wellbeing, and social issues.

Last Updated on June 12, 2025

Published on January 6, 2023

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  • Aminah is a dedicated content expert and writer at Unifresher, bringing a unique blend of creativity and precision to her work. Her passion for crafting engaging content is complemented by a love for travelling, cooking, and exploring languages. With years spent living in cultural hubs like Barcelona, Sicily, and Rome, Aminah has gained a wealth of experiences that enrich her perspective. Now based back in her hometown of Manchester, she continues to immerse herself in the city's vibrant atmosphere. An enthusiastic Manchester United supporter, Aminah also enjoys delving into psychology and true crime in her spare time.

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