Summertime sips on the mind? Us too. That's why we've rounded up the very top spots in the city for alfresco drinking. From rooftops or canalside pubs with pretty views to magical wonderlands and venues that boast sprawling patios, you're never far from a watering hole where you can soak up the sun and sink craft beer or a cocktail at the same time. So, grab your sunglasses, slap on that SPF and join us as we line up the best beer gardens in Nottingham.
Last edited by Lauren Cole
Whether you fancy an alfresco boozy brunch, their signature P&P burgers or a couple of date night cocktails, Pitcher & Piano's glorious garden is not to be missed. Swing by the city centre spot to cool off by quaffing a glass of something tasty like a raspberry pornstar martini or an Aperol spritz, complete with a backdrop of luscious foliage.
If you're looking for the best places to drink outdoors in Nottingham, The Botanist is providing serene scenes from its gorgeous garden. Whether you fancy topping up your tan in the sun or pitching up under the covered pergola, its a great spot to knock back beers and gin-based cocktails. And if you're feeling peckish? Tuck into their signature hanging kebabs, made with chicken, halloumi, vegan meatballs and much more.
If it's Nottingham pubs with beer gardens you're after, look no further than The Cross Keys in Lace Market. You'll feel right at home in this warm and welcoming space that comes with streetside tables and parasols for when the sun really beats down - sipping on a selection of classic and flavoured gins or spritz cocktails. They do pretty tasty brunches here too.
As the name suggests, The Magic Garden is home to an alfresco wonderland of vintage furniture, fairy lights and foliage, plus it's a must-visit for those looking for scrumptious small plates and delicious drinks. Enjoy tipping back a cocktail while munching on Thai sweet chilli fishcakes and deep fried halloumi, or a hearty burgers instead.
Located near the River Trent, Brewhouse & Kitchen is one of the best bars in Nottingham with outdoor seating and it comes complete with a vast range of gin, wine and beer brewed in their very own microbrewery. As well as keg tables and private fridges, the sprawling spot also boasts a plant-filled beer garden that's great for alfresco drinks.
Best known for its whimsical interiors and arcade games, The Beeston Social also boasts a relaxing terrace area for alfresco drinks and dining. Nab two cocktails for £10.95 from Sunday to Thursday, with concoctions like the Coconut Shy or a Forest Fruits, as well as international dishes such as Korean barbecue wings, garlic mushroom beef burgers and hand-stretched pizzas.
A space known for its birdcage brunches and chic booths, Slug and Lettuce also fronts a cracking rooftop beer garden and streetside tables, fab for kicking back on sunny evenings. Enjoy chomping on bacon burgers or teriyaki tofu noodles while guzzling a pornstar martini or two. You can also check out its Cornerhouse location in the city centre.
A summer spot serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, Poppy and Pint is keeping you well-fed and watered in their pretty beer garden. Sink a few pints of delicious craft beer and nibble on plenty of eats from chef Vanessa McGuire and her talented team - the loaded fries are the perfect plate to share with friends.
Home to a popular Nottingham beer Garden, Embankment a stunning Grade II listed building that's the ideal place to catch a few rays while you sink a pint or real ale or craft beer and chow down on burgers, flatbreads and pizzas. There's also a cute conservatory and a dancefloor for those lively nights.
The Blind Rabbit isn't just one of the coolest, quirkiest bars going, it's also one of the best places for outdoor drinks in Nottingham city centre. Sun worshipers flock to this joint's alfresco tables that spill out into the street to guzzle an enticing array of creative cocktails - expect everything from candy floss-topped strawberry concoctions to pints of pina colada.
Situated in the centre of all the action, Farradays on Victoria Street is offering you sun-soaked tipples from its outdoor tables. The stylish pub pours a host of beers and craft ales on tap, plus keeps you fed morning, noon and night - thanks to dishes like grilled mushroom tacos, spicy chicken pizza or bacon and cheese burgers.
Fronting TV screens, dartboards, pool tables and a beautiful beer garden decked out with plants and a pergola, The Willow Tree is the perfect place to grab a pint or a bite to eat alongside friends. Head here on a sunny day and you certainly won't be disappointed, with delicious dishes like loaded chilli potato skins, sticky barbecue wings and pesto linguini.
Something of an all-rounder, The Bodega Social Club features live music, sports screening and BBQ weekenders, making it one of the best outdoor cocktail bars in Nottingham. When you're not discovering the city's up-and-coming talent, relax outside with a refreshing beer - and if you swing by during their happy hour between 4 and 7pm any day, you can nab £3 pints and more.
A stylish fine dining restaurant that screams date night, Alchemilla is a Derby Road spot that features a picturesque rooftop that's filled with beautiful plants and wooden furnishings. Enjoy tasting menus of scallops, miso aubergine and much more, as well as sparkling wines and refreshing spritz cocktails.
Looking for the best beer gardens in Nottingham city centre? Whether you fancy a chilled-out date night, after-work drink or a cracking quiz night, head to Rescue Rooms. The favourite has transformed its patio into a summery garden where you can sink delish alfresco pints, which are just £3 during their daily happy hour from 4 'til 8pm.
Canalhouse comes complete with a huge selection of international beers, real ales and a food menu that includes towering spicy burgers, chilli-topped jacket potatoes and scrummy buffalo mozzarella paninis. Oh, and did we mention the plush location? It's right by the canal, promising great views and plenty of room, with a roof in case of rain.
The Sir John Borlase Warren is home to a cracking selection of drinks (we're talking 12 hand-pulled real ales, over 100 different types of gin and 30 whiskies). But that's not all, as the Nottingham spot is also touting a gorgeous beer garden with wooden benches for all your alfresco drinking needs, as well as blue cheese burgers, chicken tenders and halloumi fries to keep you fuelled.
With a wide range of craft beers on draught across 15 taps, Junkyard is the taproom that's ideal for beer lovers. Know your hops? Taste your way through Berliners, barley wines, cask ales and more as you chill out in the calming backyard area. And if you just can't get enough, you can grab takeaway cans here too.
Combining an Asian cafe with a sultry cocktail bar, boasting a stunning tiled rooftop terrace that flaunts vintage furniture and wall art. You can expect DJ sets 'til 3am on the weekends, but if you head down earlier in the day you can tuck into tofu spring roll salads, barbecue lemongrass chicken or pan-fried seabass.
