Whether you're looking to impress on a date, planning a fun night out with friends or just want to try some new drinks, there's nothing better than a trip to a cool cocktail bar. Luckily, there are plenty of great ones in Nottingham, from magical garden-inspired venues to sleek secret haunts.
Whatever you're after, we've got it in this list, including budget two-for-one tipples and bougie destinations that are guaranteed to wow you. To find out where they are, check out our guide on the best Nottingham cocktail bars to try out.
Best Cocktail Bars Nottingham Has To Offer
1. The Hockley Arts Club
- Address: 25 Warser Gate, NG1 1NU
- Best For: Impressing your guests
An absolute staple when it comes to cocktail bars in Nottingham city centre, The Hockley Arts Club is a stunning Grade II-listed building that's home to all sorts of treasures. The main floor is known as the Blue Rooms, a Victorian-style saloon bar that fronts comfy chesterfield sofas, low lighting and cool neon signs - as well as intimate booths that are perfect for date night.
Head upstairs to discover the Instagrammable Electric Garden, complete with its very own pink blossom tree and colourful hanging lanterns. It's the drinks that are the star of the show though, as they've got some of the best bartenders around, who know all the classics and then some. Our favourite is The Twister, made with vodka, cider, strawberry and lime before being topped with an ice lolly.
Cool, Victorian-inspired interiors and stellar signature cocktails are just some of the things we love about The Hockley Arts Club.
2. 31K
- Address: 31 Goose Gate, NG1 1FE
- Best For: Drinks and dinner
Set up by a team with a combined 35 years of experience in the industry, 31K is a cool cocktail bar and kitchen that's inspired by New York City. The relaxed interior makes for a laid-back experience, and their sunny outdoor terrace is ideal for the summer as well.
There are 20 different, beautifully presented house cocktails to choose from, changing on a regular basis. They also pride themselves on having a great quality food menu, featuring everything from aubergine gratin to steak and chips or harissa cassoulet.
Pair cute cocktails with seasonal plates at 31K.
3. Tilt
- Address: 9 Pelham Street, NG1 2EH
- Best For: An intimate atmosphere
Hidden behind a non-descript door in the city centre, Tilt is a great choice if you want to feel like you've escaped the hustle and bustle without having to travel far. This spot is both laid-back and intimate, ideal for dates, with casual but slightly moody decor. It's been around since 2009, having gained quite a reputation for its top-quality drinks over the years.
Kick back in a leather booth and enjoy a gentle soundtrack inspired by the deep South. Choose between signature or classic cocktails, starting from as little as £9.50 each. We recommend the Sail To Saturn, made with Kraken spiced rum and passion fruit.
The intimate interior makes Tilt a perfect pick for date night.
4. 400 Rabbits
- Address: 15-16 Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD
- Best For: All things tequila
You may have heard of 400 Rabbits after it went viral during lockdown for applying to be a church to get around restrictions, but there's a lot more to this place than that. Inspired by Mexico, they specialise in tequila and mezcal-based cocktails, and these are all available for just £6 during their happy hour which runs from 5 to 8pm every single day.
Expect colourful decor throughout the venue, and they've even got board games and a SEGA upstairs for some added entertainment. What's more, they offer cocktail masterclasses if you're interested in making agave-heavy concoctions yourself.
Expect Mexican-inspired drinks and decor at 400 Rabbits.
5. The Magic Garden
- Address: 24-26 Low Pavement, NG1 7DL
- Best For: Outdoor cocktails
Tucked away just off f the cobbled streets of Lace Market, The Magic Garden is an Instagram-worthy destination that's filled with plants, both inside and out. Its gorgeous outdoor space spreads across three different sections, boasting vintage furniture and stunning floral displays.
Not so sunny when you visit? never fear, as the three-storey townhouse that makes up the main bar is just as enticing. As well as flowers throughout, you'll find retro decor, and an 80s-themed floor full of neon. This is also a great choice when it comes to 2 for 1 cocktails in Nottingham, as they offer these all day Sunday to Thursday.
Whether you're indoors or out, discover the floral paradise of The Magic Garden.
6. Coco Tang
- Address: 45 Bridlesmith Gate, NG1 2GN
- Best For: Late-night drinks
Open until at least 1am every night, Coco Tang is the perfect stop for a late-night tipple. It's hidden behind a narrow doorway in a replica of a 1980s Hong Kong alleyway, which leads you to a set of stairs that descend into this cocktail bar and club. This has been a popular choice for evenings since it opened in 2008.
As it's underneath an Asian restaurant, the Hong Kong theme is strong throughout this venue. Expect 'call for service' buttons, exposed brick walls and plush seating, as well as some seriously iconic cocktails. The Fight Club has to be one of the best, complete with an edible bar of soap.
Expect late-night parties and cool cocktails at Coco Tang.
7. The Alchemist
- Address: 11 King Street, NG1 2AY
- Best For: Quirky cocktails
The Alchemist is known up and down the country for its unique twist on mixology, and their Nottingham outpost can be found on King Street. The dark, sultry venue flaunts decadent interiors, complete with plush leather booths, elegant chandeliers and high ceilings, all dimly lit.
Their cocktails follow a scientific theme, often served in beakers or with smoke coming out of them. Some even change colour, and you can enjoy as many as you like in their bottomless brunches too. As for the food? Think international plates like katsu curry and Cuban spiced pulled pork sandwiches.
Sip molecular blends at The Alchemist.
8. Rescue Rooms
- Address: 25 Goldsmith Street, NG1 5JT
- Best For: Entertainment
One of our more casual picks, Rescue Rooms promises plenty of entertainment alongside your drinks. This is a welcoming bar and lively club all under one roof, boasting a regular lineup of live music, quiz nights, karaoke sessions and themed bingo events.
Their cocktails cost just £8 each, and they're two for £10 before 10pm on weekends, or all day Sunday to Thursday - making this one of the best cheap cocktail bars in Nottingham. Sip on a lavender lemonade or rhubarb French martini, with £4 mocktails available for your non-drinking friends.
The party doesn't stop at Rescue Rooms, where you can nab two cocktails for £10.
9. Six Richmond House
- Address: 6 Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD
- Best For: High-end sips
A luxurious bar and restaurant in the heart of the city, Six Richmond House is one of the most unique locations around. They serve specialty coffee and artisan pastries during the day, but the evenings are all about innovative cocktails, combining modern mixology techniques with experimental flavours, using local, seasonal produce where possible.
Soak up the dark, sultry atmosphere, before trying a White Apricot Sbagliato or the Cherry Paloma, with classic concoctions available too. Feeling peckish? Their refined menu features the likes of sweet and spicy lamb cutlets, miso aubergine skewers and yuzu fried chicken or cauliflower.
This trendy space is home to some of Nottingham's coolest cocktails.
10. The Blind Rabbit
- Address: 9 Weekday Cross, NG1 2GB
- Best For: A party atmosphere
The Blind Rabbit is a New York-inspired bar and grill that guarantees a buzzing atmosphere. From the team behind Das Kino, The Magic Garden and Penny Lane, this no-frills bar was designed with great cocktails and craft beer in mind, as well as entertainment throughout the week.
Treat yourself to two cocktails for the price of one before 7pm and from 9pm until midnight, from a limoncello and elderflower Little Italy to stadium cup-sized mojitos. Upstairs, you'll find screens showing live sports, alongside air hockey and other fun table games.
US-inspired decor and quirky cocktails are what make The Blind Rabbit special.
11. Tropichol
- Address: 1a Hurts Yard, NG1 6JD
- Best For: Exotic drinks
The only tiki bar in the city, Tropichol is slinging out some of the quirkiest drinking vessels around - you can even sip from a mini bathtub. The decor is inspired by Polynesia, and their vast collection of rums is influenced by this culture too.
Whether you fancy your tropical cocktails flaming, served in a skull or topped with whipped cream cheese, there's something to suit everyone here. Plus, they serve scrumptious tacos to devour on the side.
If tropical cocktails are your thing, you can't go wrong with a trip to Tropichol.
For something a little different, check out our guide to the coolest and quirkiest bars in the city.
