Pubs and Breweries

Due to our unique cave system, which was historically used to store ale, Nottinghamshire was once famed throughout the land for its ale and beer. Today, with award-winning breweries like Blue Monkey, Castle Rock and Lincoln Green maintaining these high standards, Nottinghamshire continues to be an ideal destination for any beer connoisseur.

Hop to it and discover a fine selection of pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, brimming with an ever-changing selection of real (or cask) ales and innovative craft beers. For our favourite beer gardens, click here.

Historic Pubs & Pubs With Caves

Nottingham has both Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem and The Bell Inn - each claiming to be England's oldest pub. The City Centre also boasts The Canalhouse - a unique, award-winning craft beer pub with a canal that extends through the centre of the building. Another unique venue is Nottingham’s Victorian music hall, The Malt Cross - famous for its glass ceiling and live music. If you're looking for an amazing place to eat, drink and be merry try locals favourites like Sir John Borlase Warren. The Cock & Hoop, located in the Lace Market area of Nottingham City Centre, is situated in a period building with a unique history, as it was once a public house with rooms for an audience to watch the hangings on the steps of the Galleries of Justice opposite. 

Fothergills is an award-winning bar and restaurant set in a striking building designed by legendary architect Watson Fothergill - The bar features a rotating selection of local ales, handpicked wines, and expertly made cocktails - perfectly paired with regular events such as live music nights, tasting menus and cheese & wine evenings. Enjoy drinks and food within the spacious restaurant or outside on the spacious terrace, offering stunning views of the castle and the famous Robin Hood statue, making it one of the best spots in the city for al fresco dining.

If you're interested in exploring more of Nottingham's history with caves, you can read our round-up of Pubs with Caves here.

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More Than Your Average Pub

Set in the village of Hoveringham, The Reindeer is Nottinghamshire’s first pub to earn a Michelin Bib Gourmand, praised for its outstanding British cuisine and welcoming atmosphere. Headed by chef Andy Goodbourn, the kitchen serves elevated pub classics and seasonal dishes made with the finest local produce. With themed nights like pie evenings, real ales, and a relaxed yet refined setting, The Reindeer offers exceptional food and warm hospitality for any occasion.

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Local Legends

If you’re looking for the best place to watch sport in Nottingham, look no further than BOX, an elevated sports bar in the heart of the city to watch, play, party, eat and drink. Watch all the best Sky, TNT and Box Office sporting events with commentary on key fixtures across their HD screens, including the biggest screen in Nottingham, throughout the venue. Play shuffleboard and electric darts or party into the evening with their live band every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The very first Lincoln Green pub, The Robin Hood (and) Little John is also Arnold's oldest, dating back to 1726 when it was once a coaching inn for travellers to rest their horses before the long climb over nearby Red Hill. Now regarded as the area's best cask ale outlet boasting some 20 hand pulls, The Robin Hood (AND) Little John has won CAMRA's Pub of the Year and the National Cider Pub of the Year awards.

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Castle Rock Pubs

As well as a brewery, the Castle Rock family is made up of an eclectic mix of venues across the East Midlands, including city-centre craft beer bars, traditional country pubs, and community-led pubs in the leafy suburbs. Each Castle Rock pub is as unique as the next.

Click here to learn more about our favourite Castle Rock pubs.

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Don't Miss

Each October one of the biggest and best-loved beer festivals in the country takes place. The Robin Hood Beer and Cider Festival presents over 1,000 different real ales and over 200 real ciders from nationwide and local micro-breweries, plus live entertainment. If that’s not enough to whet your whistle, various smaller beer festivals take place throughout the year, including the Newark, Retford and Hucknall beer festivals. For more foodie festivals, click here.

Visit our What's On Calendar to browse more food and drink events.

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Beer & Ale Trails

If you fancy getting some insider info on all of the best bars and pubs in town, there's numerous trails to download, print or follow online. Click here browse trails in Notts.