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 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 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
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 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.
Last Updated on December 19, 2024
Published on January 6, 2023
A student from University of Nottingham.
