Are you on the lookout for Nottingham’s best pubs? Fortunately, Nottingham boasts a whole range of diverse pub venues – from historical, to cosy to picturesque, you will be spoilt for choice by all this fantastic city has to offer.
1. Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Location: Brewhouse Yard 1, Nottingham, NG1 6AD
Consistently voted one of the UK’s best-loved pubs, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is an absolute must-visit, both for its impressive history and hearty atmosphere. Allegedly, Ye Olde Trip is England’s oldest pub, thought to have been established in 1189, and is believed to have been a popular spot among historical figures like Robin Hood and even King Richard the Lionheart – making it the perfect place to dine like royalty! The venue is intertwined in Nottingham’s caves, with underground tunnel routes which lead straight into Nottingham Castle. Besides its many astounding historical tales, Ye Olde Trip is also praised for its delicious food and drink which can be enjoyed in the venue’s various snugs, cellars, lounges and outdoor seating area. The pub is considered one of Nottingham’s greatest attractions, so it is certainly worth a visit – just be careful of any ghosts lurking around!
2. The Hop Merchant
Location: 64 Upper Parliament Street, Nottingham, NG1 2AG
The Hop Merchant is an old city pub located in the very heart of Nottingham, which today proudly maintains its authentic, charming and quirky interior. The Hop Merchant boasts an extensive range of cask ales, draught lagers, ciders from all corners of the world and bottled beers too. The venue is a particular hit among sports fans, with three widescreen TVs, meaning you can watch the latest game while enjoying a top-quality drink.
3. BrewDog Nottingham
Location: 20-22 Broad Street, Nottingham, NG1 3AL
BrewDog Nottingham is a haven for all draught beer and pizza lovers. BrewDog Nottingham first opened back in 2012, in an old factory which had been abandoned for over 100 years – now, it has been transformed into a spacious, relaxing venue where you can catch up with friends over a pint. They serve 18 of their own progressive draught beers and countless bottled drinks, aspiring to make all customers share their passion for great craft beer. Their food menu is equally mouth-watering, with delicious sourdough pizzas and cheese boards all locally sourced in the UK.
4. The Sir John Borlase Warren
Location: 1 Ilkeston Road, Nottingham, NG7 3GD
Equally loved by students and locals, the Sir John is a top choice for drinks in Nottingham. It offers sociable, classic pub vibes year-round, with the option for indoor or outdoor seating
in their atmospheric beer garden and rooftop terrace (if the weather permits!). Food and drink are reasonably priced, making it a clear favourite among students. Their choice of drinks is particularly noteworthy – boasting over 100 types of gin and many popular, local hand-pulled ales.
6. Canalhouse
Location: 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
Canalhouse is definitely one of Nottingham’s most unique venues, a stunning canal-side beer garden and pub with picturesque views over one of Nottingham’s most desired landscapes. The canal even extends into the building itself, complete with two resident narrowboats. They proudly serve a mighty 250 beers from all over the world (giving it the largest selection of beers in the East Midlands), as well as an extensive range of ciders, real ales, wines and spirits too. Canalhouse also offers regular comedy nights and other bespoke events.
7. Ragland Road Irish Inn
Location: 69-73 Derby Road, Nottingham, NG1 5BA
No guide to a city’s best pubs would be complete without the appearance of an Irish Pub. Ragland Road Irish is especially renowned for its vibrant, fun atmosphere, paired with live music in the evenings. The venue is actually built on the outskirts of Nottingham’s caves, meaning you can enjoy a drink while sitting in one of Nottingham’s most distinct and historic features. During the daytime, the pub features popular sports and transforms with its buzzing atmosphere upon the night. Drinks are reasonably priced, making it a favourite for Nottingham’s student population.
