[Blog post updated April 2023.] Every Brit knows that the best way to enjoy the sun is with a bev in hand. Luckily for us Notts residents, there’s no shortage of bars and pubs with outdoor seating to be found in Nottingham city centre.
From relaxing in a good ol’ beer garden to socialising on the waterfront, here’s 10 of the best places in Nottingham for having your alcoholic beverage al fresco.
Reading this blog while out and about? Tap on the location details for each place to view the venue in the Google Maps app!
Cured — 97 Carrington St, Nottingham, NG1 7FE
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 12pm to 8pm
Since opening in 2019, Cured has become a favourite haunt of mine, with its delicious cheese and charcuterie boards and distinct retro-inspired decor.
The canalside views at Cured are equally stunning in the day and at night but outdoor seating is limited, so be sure to grab a table early if you’re planning an extended stay.
Another? Wine Bar — 9 Trinity Square, Nottingham, NG1 4AF
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 3pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 3pm to 12am, Sunday 3pm to 10pm
Another? is Nottingham’s first ever self-serve wine bar. There’s more than 48 different wines to try — just choose your serving size (sample, small or medium), scan your personalised tab card and enjoy!
Wine newbies and oenophiles alike will love sipping on a glass of white or red on this bar’s beautiful outdoor terrace. A selection of beer, cider and other beverages of both the alcoholic and soft variety are also on the menu for any non-wine drinkers that visit.
The Magic Garden — 24-26 Low Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 7DL
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 2am, Sunday 12pm to 11pm
If you’re looking for aesthetic surroundings that are worthy of the ‘gram, then the Magic Garden is the only place to go in Notts.
There’s a Wonderland-esque feel to the outdoor area of this venue, with lots of brightly coloured flowers and foliage for decoration. The chilled atmosphere and gentle buzz of chatter make this bar a great choice for summer catch-ups with friends.
Fothergills — 5-7 Castle Road, Nottingham, NG1 6AA
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11.30pm, Sunday 11am to 11pm
Is there really a better view in Nottingham than Nottingham Castle itself? At Fothergills, you can raise a toast to the summer in front of the city’s most iconic landmark.
Situated on the historic Castle Road, this bistro-style pub/bar is perfect for a picturesque pint as you watch the sun set.
Brewhouse & Kitchen — Trent Bridge, Nottingham, NG2 2GS
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 12am, Sunday 11am to 10.30pm
You can relax by the River Trent in Brewhouse & Kitchen’s pub garden. There’s ample seating and even a cosy fire-pit to chase off the evening chill once the sun’s gone in.
With its own onsite microbrewery, Brewhouse is a must-visit for any fans of craft beer and there’s lots of tasty pub grub to enjoy if you get peckish.
The Secret Garden — 17 Trinity Square, Nottingham, NG1 2AN
Opening times: Daily 12pm to 2am
Did someone say happy hour?! Summer in Nottingham calls for a trip to city centre oasis Secret Garden. The creative cocktails served here look as fantastic as they taste.
If you want to make the most of the light nights, check out the variety of events that the Secret Garden has planned throughout August and September with its sister bar Mala Malu.
Pitcher & Piano — High Pavement, Nottingham, NG1 1HN
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm, Friday 12pm to 12am, Saturday 11am to 12am, Sunday 12pm to 10pm
Housed inside a converted church (complete with ornate stained glass windows), Pitcher & Piano is best known for its stunning interior but it also has a spacious outdoor seating area.
This bar is a popular choice for after work drinks and another great happy hour destination with 2-4-1 cocktails on the menu.
Canalhouse — 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 12am, Sunday 12pm to 10pm
On the opposite side of the street to Cured, you’ll find the Canalhouse. The canal actually flows through this venue, with a footbridge leading customers safely over its rippling waters to the bar and the pub’s resident narrowboats docked outside.
This scenic destination comes tourist-approved, having won Visit Nottingham’s ‘Tourism Pub of the Year Award’ back in 2018.
The Bodega — 23 Pelham St, Nottingham, NG1 2ED
Opening times: Monday and Tuesday 4pm to 1am, Wednesday 4pm to 3am, Thursday 4pm to 1am, Friday and Saturday 4pm to 3am, Sunday 4pm to 1am
The Bodega is Nottingham’s home of live music and a fantastic place for music lovers to discover up-and-coming musicians before they make it big.
This bar has two garden areas, so there’s plenty of space for people to cool off and take a break from the dancefloor with a drink outside.
The Blind Rabbit — 9 Weekday Cross, Nottingham, NG1 2GB
Opening times: Monday to Thursday 12pm to 12am, Friday and Saturday, 12pm to 1.30am, Sunday 12pm to 12am
Soak up the sun at New York themed bar and grill Blind Rabbit. The seating area out front has lots of tables, each equipped with a parasol for customers to retreat under if it gets too hot.
I had the pleasure of scoffing one of Blind Rabbit’s renowned burgers for the first time recently and would definitely recommend for a tasty pre, post or mid drink bite to eat.
Luce in Notts 
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