"You will be hard pushed to find better elsewhere"

“...with the mix of clubs it has, catering for all wants and tastes, you will be hard pushed to find better elsewhere.”
The Times Good University Guide 2010

Roof-top view from the Saltwater Bar in Nottingham

Rooftop views from Nottingham's Saltwater bar.

Nights out

Bars, pubs and clubs

When darkness falls on the city there are plenty of places to play. Whether you prefer high-class cocktail bars, cheesy nightclubs, gigs, raves or just a quiet pub, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Furthermore, Nottingham has been named one of the best and safest places for a night out in the UK. The city was awarded the Purple Flag Award by the Association of Town Centre Management for the last two years.

Nottingham has retained the Purple Flag Award... The accreditation recognises excellence in the running of town and city centres at night.

Nottingham Post, 2011

City chic

Hidden within the beautiful architecture of the Lace Market and Hockley areas are an assortment of stylish cocktail bars and dancing venues. Get glammed up before heading to these swanky venues:

Coco Tang
A secret world of cocktail creations and late-night glamour, discreetly hidden under the cobbled streets.

Saltwater
Great for pre-club cocktails in the city centre. The venue offers a breathtaking view of Nottingham’s rooftops.

Market Bar
A favourite with students, this late-night bar’s atmospheric lighting and leather booths make it one of the swankiest in Hockley. Make sure you dress to impress for this venue.

"Blues fans should head over to Tilt, near Bodega, to consume delicious cocktails while listening to the best live blues acts in Nottingham!"

Ben Driver, BA in History

Two students outside the Broadway Cafe Bar in the evening

Outside the Broadway Cafe Bar

Clubs

Whatever your taste in music, you are sure to find a place you love in Nottingham’s wide selection of clubs. Here are just a few examples:

Oceana and Ocean
Always popular with students, these two similarly named clubs are sure to provide a memorable night out. Oceana has themed rooms, including one with a light-up dance floor, while Ocean offers top-quality cheese and a carefree atmosphere.

Gatecrasher Nottingham
This multi-roomed club is housed in a grade A listed building, and plays all the best in house and dance music.

Dogma
If you like live DJs and staying up well into the morning then Dogma is your thing. Students get free entry on a Thursday.

Cookie Club
This venue offers a variety of alternative music nights, playing everything from indie and rock to funk, pop and retro. Go on a Wednesday night to take advantage of cheap drinks offers.

Stealth
Adjoined to the Rescue Rooms bar, Stealth is a maze of dance rooms playing dance, garage, R’n’B, live music and DJs.

Gay and lesbian

There is a vibrant gay and lesbian scene in Nottingham. With four rooms, a variety of nights and a lively atmosphere, NG1 is popularly known as the ‘biggest and best’ gay venue in the East Midlands. For a more alternative twist, head down to Pink on Lower Parliament Street.

The Cornerhouse building lit up in different colours at night

The Corner House at night

Live music

"Nottingham is undoubtedly the East Midlands' buzzing music capital. You can pretty much find an interesting gig to go to on any given night if you look hard enough, and that makes Nottingham a special place to be."

Ashley Bird, music journalist and photographer

Rock City
Not only is this venue home to some of the best alternative club nights in the Midlands, it also hosts live performances from top bands.

Rescue Rooms
Perfect for indie, grunge and eclectic gigs, this venue also houses a large bar with booths, a lively atmosphere and cocktail mixes served in small teapots.

The Chameleon Cafe Bar
Tucked away down a back alley on Angel Row, The Chameleon Cafe Bar is a cosy a quaint venue which hosts intimate gigs in the evenings. It’s great for checking out the local musical talent in Nottingham.

"If you love music get down to Jam Cafe where nearly every night is filled with live acts and open mic nights."

Ben Driver, BA in History

Image of the outside of the music venue Rock City

Nottingham's Rock City

Image of a group of students socialising inside the Saltwater bar

Students at the Saltwater bar

Pubs

Even drinking is historical in Nottingham. The city boasts some of the oldest drinking establishments in the country. These charming pubs offer real ales, good food and ghost stories.

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
Carved into the rock below Nottingham Castle, the oldest inn in England dates back to over 800 years ago. Tour the cave cellars to hear tales of Crusades and roaming ghosts.

Ye Olde Salutation Inn
This quaint pub states that it was established in 1240AD when a Tannery was built on the site of a 13th century alehouse.

Bell Inn
This cosy Grade II listed establishment dates from around 1437 and originally served as a refectory for a Carmelite monastery. On top of tasty ales the pub offers guided tours of the network of caves that extend from its cellars. /STRONG>

Image of students drinking in the caves at the back of Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem Inn

Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem

For more information about nightlife in Nottingham, see our City Guide (pdf).

The University of Nottingham

University Park
Nottingham, NG7 2RD

telephone: +44 (0) 115 951 5151
fax: +44 (0) 115 951 3666
email: enquiries@nottingham.ac.uk