As outdoor venues are set to open April 12, we give you a guide to find the best drinking spots in Nottingham city centre. Hollie Gwinnett and Enya Stock pick out six places that you must visit this summer.
The Magic Garden
Hidden behind the doors of a beautiful grade II listed property lies Nottingham’s best kept secret. A hidden gem of tropical plant life, colour and surprises around each and every corner. Step through the quirky gate and secret passageway and immerse yourself into the wonders of the magic garden – serving delicious cocktails and tasty treats.
A spokesperson from the magic garden says: “It has been a horrible year for the hospitality industry, but we are very excited to open our gardens and welcome back our smiling customers, with the added expectation of not having to shut again, as government put in place better planning to end UK lockdowns.”
They continue: “opening for the first time during the summer of 2020, restrictions and guidelines are all we have ever known, so we will continue to keep our customers happy and healthy just as we have done for the past year.”
Location: 24-26 Low Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 7DL
The Tap House
The Tap House opened in 2019 as Nottingham’s first self-serve beer, wine and pizza house. It is one of the more innovative bars to visit in the city and with a huge range of beer and wine on tap…what more could you want? As you pour the drinks yourself you can have as much or as little as you like, and you can try all that they have to offer. The Detroit style pizza they sell comes in 6 different flavours, although you don’t have to serve this yourself.
Tom, the owner of The Tap House said they have created extra seating outdoors and set up a one-way system to ensure the safety of all customers. He added: “We are looking forward to reopening and excited to grow our customer base.”
Tuesday student night – head down to tap house to get 20% off your bill.
Location: 10 Byard Lane in Nottingham NG1 2GJ
Rocky City Yard Bar
Rock City, best known for its vibey club nights and live gigs with music legends, took a huge hit at the start of the pandemic. But this did not stop them! Fighting back, their new moto is “you can’t stop the rock” and they have created the hottest inner city beer garden. That’s right, a global pandemic was not going to stop them. With in-house DJ’s, flowing booze and plenty of space to soak up the sun, the Yard Bar is the place to visit this summer.
Location: 8 Talbot Street, Nottingham, NG1 5GG
Bodega
Bodega is one of the best-known venues in Nottingham, it is great for live music and a pint (or two) of Bodega Lager. This summer they are opening the large beer garden so you can enjoy socially distanced drinking! The garden has recently been redecorated with a new style and to accommodate more people. Promotions manager, Sam Keirl, said “the Cobden Chambers garden had a facelift which no one has seen yet. So we can’t wait to welcome people into the new space”.
Be prepared for live music, DJ’s, and Street Food. They are also teaming up with Bohns Burgers from the 12th – 23rd April so that you can enjoy meat, veggie and vegan food. Bodega has also promised seated club nights starting in May with ‘Indie Wednesdays’.
Sam added: “We’re starting how we mean to go on! We’re open 7 nights a week, with our favourite DJs providing some evening tunes, amazing pop-up street food vendors, delicious drinks and all-round good vibes.”
Location: 23 Pelham St, Nottingham NG1 2ED
Canalhouse
Located in the former canal museum, the canalhouse is a unique pub venue. On offer are over 150 bottled beers from across the world, wines, spirits, ciders, ales and craft beers, that sit alongside an unfussy food menu. There really is something for everyone down at the canalhouse.
Famous for the canal that flows through the building and residential narrow boats outside, the pub houses a large beer garden with views across the canal. The perfect spot for a drink and bite to eat with friends and family.
Location: 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham NG1 7EH
The Secret Garden
The Secret Garden is hidden away off Trinity Square and described as an open-air bar. The cosy beer garden is a perfect spot for summer days. Sitting on garden benches and deck chairs, surrounded by flowers and greenery you can get jugs of Pimms, gin, beer, cocktails and more. The toilets are located in a garden shed, also outside… which adds to the whole summer/outdoors theme! When bars reopen on April 12th, The Secret Garden should be top of your list.
Location: 17, 3/4 Trinity Walk, Nottingham NG1 2AN
