8 Best Student Bars In Nottingham For A Boozy Night Out!

If you’re searching for a boozy night out with your pals, then Nottingham’s probs one of the best cities to visit!

You’re blessed with a wide range of bars and clubs, renowned for delicious cocktails and the odd dangerous shot here and there. 

Since lockdown’s finally coming to an end *weeps happily inside*, you’ll be able to explore all these unique bars at your own leisure…who’s excited? ‘Cos we sure are!

Get your notes app out and copy n paste all these student bars in Nottingham for your next trip out – you’re very welcome!

1. Calluna

11 Forman St, Nottingham NG1 4AA

calluna in nottingham bars

@callunanottingham – Instagram

Okay so hear us out, despite its size, Calluna is one of the liveliest student bars in Nottingham…you HAVE to visit whilst here for uni!

Walking down Forman Street, it’s that small you might even miss it if you’re not concentrating. 

However, once you enter the doors you’ll be immersed in the vibrant, neon lights that cover the walls of this cocktail bar.

One of our fave reasons for visiting here is their gorgeous outdoor terrace area which is home to the iconic Calluna decks. 

If you meet anyone who’s visited here, they’ll say just how much they LOOOVED having a boogie outside in the DJ area. It’s just a vibe you need to experience – thank us later. 

Customer Reviews

‘Well run establishment and that is down to the great staff, music and cocktails. If you’re in Nottingham city centre, it should definitely be on your visit list.’

‘Came back to my home town for a few drinks. So happy we came in here. Beautiful decor, fab drinks based on mythical creatures, and great staff.’

2. Coco Tang

8 Byard Ln, Nottingham NG1 2GJ

student bars in Nottingham you need to try

@houseofcocotang – Instagram

Most Nottingham and NTU students will have heard about Coco Tang. It’s renowned for being a brilliant night out every. single. time.

Expect an eclectic interior design, where different areas of this bar give off completely contrasting effects. 

You’ll be taken down a slim doorway, which leads to the underground bar with a plethora of seating for you to relax and start ordering the rounds!

Classic cocktails EVERYONE loves here are the Regine George and the Tigerlilly – honestly unreal drinks!

They offer a happy hour service every Tuesday – Thursday from 8 pm-9 pm…what’s not to love?!

Customer Reviews

‘You actually can not fault this place, great staff, gorgeous food, delicious drinks (especially the Mocktails) fab atmosphere and ambience. I do believe it’s also a favourite of my boyfriend’s and he’s from Coventry.’

‘Always 10/10 service and amazing food. Beautiful interior design. Can’t go wrong with this place ❤’

3. Boilermaker

36b Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NN

cocktail bars in Notts

@boilermakernotts – Instagram

Now, we mentioned that you might not spot Calluna whilst walking down the street, but this hidden gem is certainly tucked away for a reason!

It used to be disguised as a boiler shop, however, since the recent events of COVID-19, this quirky bar has taken a slight turn in its decor. 

It now poses as your local coffee shop, with a hidden doorway to reveal the bar…we need to visit ASAP!

Once you enter, you’ll be able to sit down on the comfortable furniture and order your fave alcoholic drink.

They have SOOO many groovy flavours for you to try, you’re deffo spoilt for choice if you’re visiting here with your flatmates (we argue its one of the best student bars in Nottingham you could visit…)

Customer Reviews

“We can’t recommend this place enough for excellent quality cocktails, with fun and quirky gimmicks. It’s a pun lover’s dream! Friendly service, and all-table seating. The perfect way to celebrate the end of Lockdown. 👍”

“Fantastic gem of a cocktail bar. Staff really attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. Prices reasonable. COVID compliance is very good. I don’t live anywhere near but I still make the effort to visit when in the area.”

4. Hockley Arts Club 

20 Carlton St, Nottingham NG1 1NN

oriental garden in Nottingham

@thehockleyartsclub – Instagram

One of the most unique bars in Nottingham has to be the Hockley Arts Club!

Nestled on Carlton Street, this instagrammable venue has three floors which boast their own vibrant atmosphere. 

The first floor is decorated in a Scandinavian style, the second floor is home to cosy booths and comfy sofas, and the eclectic garden sits on the top floor.

From here, you can enjoy a delicious selection of drinks, especially cocktails!

It’s even been named as one of the top 40 cocktail bars in the UK…what an achievement hey?!

From our experience, we know this place is worth it. So trust us if you’re booking this for your next night out!

Customer Reviews

“Best atmosphere ever, food is lovely, plenty of cocktails, staff are stylish and very helpful, love the music too! RECOMMEND! Also great with food requests!”

“Friendly staff, great atmosphere and really good cocktails menu. Would recommend.”

5. Penny Lane

9 Fletcher Gate, Nottingham NG1 1QQ

seaside arcade theme bar with ice hockey tables

@pennylanenottingham – Instagram

If you’re a competitive individual at heart, then Penny Lane will certainly be a bar you need to visit whilst studying in Notts.

Prepare to feel nostalgic with its seaside theme running throughout, from classic arcade games to the magnificent ice hockey tables. 

It’s free entry to get in, however, to access all the amusements it’s just a small fee which is exchanged into tokens. 

Fancy yourself as a camel racer? If so, you and your pals can hop on the Arabian derby and compete against one another to win! 

Obvs you don’t just have to visit here for the amusements, there’s also a delectable food and drink menu for you to devour.

When it comes to cocktails tho, Penny Lane is on another level. 

They offer a fab range, with some of the coolest names you’ll ever hear. Our personal favourite has to be 99 Problems But The Beach Ain’t One…so relatable. 

Customer Reviews

‘Amazing staff and amazing venue. The staff were so lovely and welcoming. The machines are from the 80s and add so much character to the bar! One took the token and didn’t work and one of the staff members come over like here’s some tokens for the inconvenience which was so lovely I didn’t even expect that and felt bad taking them! What a lovely lady. Drinks were amazing and tasted great too.’

“Very cool place, not busy and has cheap prices. The music was on point, really liked the variety of games and the nostalgia effect. Wish we had one in my home town as would venture here regularly. Cocktails were tasty and 2 for 1. Order via the website.”

6. The Magic Garden

24-26 Low Pavement, Nottingham NG1 7DL

magic garden nottingham

@themagicgardennotts – Instagram

Nestled in Grade II Listed Georgian building, The Magic Garden is undoubtedly one of the top student bars in Nottingham.

Not only is it pleasing to the eye with the natural and contemporary theme, but they also offer the most delicious drinks ever that you need to taste ASAP.

Like any bar, they have your classic draught, bottled beer, spirits and wine menu. However, when it comes to cocktails, they go above and beyond to keep you satisfied. 

Priced under £10, there is a range of different styles to choose from depending on your mood.

What makes them so unique is the way they’re presented. There’s one which comes with a Fab lolly, or another which is served in a fishbowl…we’re in love!

Customer Reviews

‘What an amazing place. Quirky, friendly, spacious, relaxing, modern, light, spacious a hidden gem. If you’ve been here – get back there. If you haven’t- what are you waiting for. Amazingly decorated different rooms. Great spacious garden (covered) areas. Funky lighting too. The team are so friendly and it’s a great central location. Check out the caves too in the toilets….another cracking feature! Simply amazing every day. They even do bottomless prosecco lunches and high tea! A-MA-ZING!!’

‘The garden here is done so nicely and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. A very picturesque place with the old building too. Loved it. Cocktails were very nice too – I tried the Eye Candy, very nice!’

7. Olivia’s Townhouse

5 Chapel Bar, Nottingham NG1 6JQ

Cocktail tree Olivias townhouse

@olivias_nottingham – Instagram

Looking for a boujee night out in Nottingham city centre? If so, Olivia’s Townhouse is the place to be.

It’s a relaxed venue, styled with modern décor and plush furnishings. 

If you’re heading here for your Saturday night outing, then you’re in for a treat! Expect a busy bar with both locals and students looking for a great night

They offer a range of tables for you to book and we suggest you do, ‘cos this popular bar gets super busy on student nights. 

With a resident DJ and flowing drinks, you’re guaranteed an excellent night here!

Customer Reviews

‘Had a great meal and a great night will be back’

‘Excellent service and drinks, food is tasty’

8. Revolucion De Cuba

26-28 Market St, Nottingham NG1 6HW

student bars in Nottingham you need to visit

@revdecubanotts – Instagram

Last. but certainly not least has to be Revs De Cuba, the best authentic Cuban bar experience right on your doorstep.

It’s one of those clubs in Nottingham that you NEED to visit during your time here at uni. 

They have so many good drinks deals and cheap food to keep you going through the night!

On student nights and the weekend, there’s a dance floor that is usually heavinggg. Expect a great night, that’s all we’ve got to say 🙂 

Customer Reviews

‘Great place, good vibes, great service and lovely food.’

‘Happy hour between 3 pm-7 pm, would definitely recommend as it’s two for one on cocktails which makes the prices much more reasonable. All freshly made, and a great range. Would come again for “cocktail happy hour”.

 

Are you just as in love with these student bars in Nottingham as we are? It’s crazy, for some reason we’re itching to book a night out here asap…we wonder why?! If you’re looking at staying in our student accommodation in Nottingham, we have a blog on what style of the room is best for you. Check it out here!