Top Drink Spots in Notts

In my last post I mentioned I'm going to be having a 'clean Feb'. (So far so good btw!) However, for those who aren't I thought I'd throw together a post about some fab bars you must visit in Notts!

Personally, I'd take going out for casual drinks with friends over a nightclub any-day and I'm a total sucker for a good cocktail bar! 

During my time in Nottingham at uni, I've decided it's one of the best places for cocktail bars. It's not a place with your average pretentious bars you see all the time, but  intricate, cosy and v quirky hidden city gems!

It's hard for me to pick my fave, but another thing I love about the majority of cocktail bars in here is their affordable prices (during happy hour) but for a cocktail night out, getting drinks in before 10pm isn't always a prob.

1. Coco Tang
One of the first cocktail bars I visited in Nottingham was Coco Tang. When I was in my first year the bar was a really popular student night for Trent on a Wednesday evening.

My friends & I love visiting Coco because it's one of the few places you can dress up when you go out, a real classy night for a classy lady (or gent).

Visiting Coco with my Dad!

At first it's difficult to find as it's door is literally only shown with a red lantern near Jamie Oliver's restaurant. It definitely has an eclcetic feel about it; an underground bar, featuring an adorable lounge room filled with comfy sofas & pink fairy lights. 

It's free entry, and happy hour is before 10pm every night except student nights (Monday for Uni of Notts & Wednesday for Trent). Drinks in Coco are such a creative blend & come co-ordinated with sweets for the majority of them! Definitely a perk!

Jade Trader

My top Coco cocktails:
- Breakfast at Tiffany's (Martini style cocktail with vodka, passionfruit, topped with a shot of prosecco)
- Jade Trader (perf if you like something fresh! The hint of kiwi gives the vodka a refreshing kick - perfect if you've got holiday blues & want to feel relaxed!)
- Refresher (sweet tooth? This will defo tickle your tastebuds! Best part - you get a mini refresher with it too!!)
- Lemon Dragon (Basically lemon meringue pie in drink form! So if you missed dessert, don't worry here's a cheaper, funner version!)








They do a range of classics as well, of course! Daiquiri's, martini's, even mocktails for the drivers (or non-drinkers).

2. Pepper Rocks

I recently visited this cocktail bar - situated across from Coco Tang, so why not visit them both at the same time?!

Pepper Rocks is another affordable bar - £4 for cocktails before 10pm! They have a smaller range of cocktails than Coco but they can tailor it to pretty much anything you like!

With a retro feel it's perfect for after dinner cocktails, pre night out or a classy night with the girls! Dress up or dress down, suitable for any style! It has a good range of music from 80's to old school, noughties and current tracks as well!

Cosmo (front) & English Garden

Fave's from here:
- Classic Cosmo (Can never go wrong with a classic - served in a martini glass, vodka, cointreau, lime and cranberry!)
- English Garden (Gin lovers this is one to try! A very refreshing cocktail: Gin & elderflower - mix it up with Vodka if you don't like gin - that's what I did!)




One thing I love about this bar is it's so cosy & homely, best part - they serve food! Crepes and Hot Dogs are the speciality here to go with your cocktail, so give it a go! 

3. Pitcher & Piano

Now this bar is absolutely incredible!! A converted church, it has such a rustic feel to it & the setting inside is even more exciting than the outside! It's kept all the intricate, classic details of a Church, just modernised into a bar - it also includes an outside terraced bar for those summery evenings!

P&P is definitely one to go to when the 'rents are visiting as it's one of the more expensive bars! Nevertheless, if you want to treat yourself (or it's payday!) you must try here!

They have a range of drinks from your classic wines, beers and spirits then their cocktails! Something for everyone, so don't be shy!

My faves:
- Again, always a classic with the Cosmopolitan is a good choice!
- 'Finish in The Pink' - a mix of rosé win, strawberry syrup and vodka topped with soda.
- Elderflower Daiquiri - if you're a white rum lover this is perfect for you; Bacardi Rum, Elderflower and Lime Juice - refreshing & tickles your tastebuds!

4. Tilt

The most recent bar I've visited & loved it! Me & a friend went here mid-week, it's got such a chilled atmosphere, live music & it's all waitered table service - so if you're feeling a little classy head into Lace Market for a drink here!

It is on the more expensive side but definitely worth it! I had a lovely Kiwi Martini, which  was so refreshing & the list of cocktails is endless, from your classics; cosmo, daiquiri's and martinis to their specialities (I'll let you discover those yourself!)

5. Bunk

In the heart of Lace Market Bunk is another hidden gem in Notts. If you're looking for something cosy but different here's the perfect place! 

Bunk does a bit of everything, cocktails, 'bunk dogs' wings, candy pots, Ben & Jerry's and the staff are lovely! 

One of my faves from here was the Elderflower Martini - I'm usually a vodka girl, but the bartender convinced me to try a Dry Martini cocktail and it was deeeeelish! Perfect for a group night out, or a romantic eve with your loved one!

6. Boilermaker

Firstly, do not judge a book by it's cover (especially in this situation!)

In my opinion, it's one of THE best cocktail bars in Notts. It's definitely the hidden treasure of the city, deceiving but an incredible bar!


Again, it's a waitered-table service cocktail bar with personalised cocktails to Notts. Incorporating the famous Robin Hood with alcohol - what more could you ask for?! 




Of course, they serve the classics but go for something a bit different like the "Cereal Killa'h"  - and YES, it is as cool as it sounds! Served in a cereal box, a rum based drink infused with cereal flavours; crunchy nut cornflake infused rum, honey and almond milk!


It's not the only unique drink here, they have so many different varities of showstoppers and the presentation is definitely a 10/10!






My list of places still to visit..

- Revolucion de Cuba; a new bar just opened located by the Theatre Royal, I've heard great things about this bar, quirky, great atmosphere & they do food! Bit pricey, but worth it by the looks of things!
- Das Kino; a Cinema-themed bar with ping-pong tables I've heard?! One of my friends recently started working there...mates rates??
- Pit & Pendulum; a bit of a gothic bar, but it's secret bookcase door makes it very intriguing and their offers tempt me even more - 2 cocktails for £6.95! Show me the bar!


These are just a few of the cocktail bars in Nottingham, I've still got another year before graduating so hopefully I'll have a few more to tell you about soon! 

As a student I think the ones I've mentioned are the most popular, so if you're planning a classy night out or just a few cheeky cocktails with friends, give one (or a few) of them a try! I promise you won't be disappointed!


Thanks for reading! X