I'm new to Nottingham but I reckon this could be the best pub crawl in the city centre
It's been eight swift months since I made the leap across the A52 upon my transfer from a job at Derbyshire Live to a job here at Nottinghamshire Live. Despite having grown up in Derby, which feels like a stone's throw away, I soon realised after my move that my knowledge of nearby Nottingham was in short supply.
Importantly, there were two key facets I needed to learn, and quickly: places names and pubs. Fast forward a couple of seasons and I'm just about there - knowledge comes surprisingly quickly when you're out and about for work.
As a result, I feel I've reached an experience threshold that allows me to determine my ideal city centre bar crawl. So here we go.
For context, I'm a 26-year-old man and I'm not much into craft ale. These rankings are based on a variety of factors, including atmosphere, aesthetic and outdoor seating availability, but I've capped it at seven locations - for health and safety purposes - which means a fair few honourable mentions are regrettably excluded (that doesn't mean they aren't great, though).
And finally, before we get into the important stuff, please remember - it's just an opinion.
Canal House
The Canal House, on Canal Street, scores highly across a number of categories. Brimming with character, it's an old canal museum inside a Grade-II listed building, and includes the quirk of having a waterway - with a canal boat in it - run straight through its centre (although anyone who's ever been and told you about it has probably mentioned that fact already).
The spacious outdoor area by the water seats dozens and dozens, and as such, I've never struggled to find a seat there. There are round tables, square tables, rectangular tables...you name it, the Canal House has got it.
There are tons of beers behind the bar too, for those interested, although I'll stick to my lager and be on my way. It's on the more expensive side, but for all its perks, it's a price worth paying.
Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem
The country's oldest drinking establishment is now run by Greene King but that doesn't make it any less attractive. A massive tourist hotspot, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem - the Trip for short - is built into the side of Castle Rock on Castle Road, and is overshadowed by the castle itself.
Its breezy, shaded outdoor beer garden scores it points, but its really attractive features are inside. If at first you didn't believe it was established in 1189, you certainly will once you get indoors, as you're transported straight back to the Middle Ages with low ceilings, jaggedy sandstone walls, stone floors, tight spaces, a snug and even a get-the-ring-on-the-horn game.
Sir John Borlase Warren
The Sir John Borlase Warren, at Canning Circus, is positioned in close proximity to a number of closed establishments. The Dancing Dragon Chinese restaurant has been shut for years and the Ropewalk pub next door met its sad demise in 2020.
From the outside, as a newcomer to the area, the JBW perhaps looks like an old locals' pub in a run-down, unpopular area of the city. But that couldn't be more incorrect.
It's actually a thriving, welcoming boozer, enjoyed by students and elders alike. Its regal, old-fashioned-sounding name should not put off any would-be punters.
Inside it's cosy and welcoming, with multiple rooms and a whole heaped selection of craft ales and beers. But perhaps its defining feature is its Center-Parcs style back garden, with wooded seats under canopies and a modern, decked-out upstairs with umbrellas and even cushions to sit on. With food on offer as well, it's well worth a stop.
The Gooseberry Bush
The Gooseberry Bush, which sits within the vicinity of Nottingham Trent University, is one of Nottingham's four-strong selection of JD Wetherspoon pubs within the city centre. Each has its pro points - my second favourite would be the Roebuck, tucked away on St James St - but the Gooseberry, on Peel Street, swipes the top spot.
Its homely interior with floor-to-ceiling windows is reminiscent of a living room in an expensive suburban home, and its outdoor balcony could have been lifted from a Mediterranean villa (OK, that's pushing it a bit). But it's Spoons - so you'll save a few pennies.
The Dragon
The Dragon is a no-nonsense, straight-to-the-point boozer. Perhaps that's its appeal.
Unlike the others on this list, there's no carpet - it's all wood - and there are creaky floorboards, and it's long and thin. Far from unappealing though, its Victorian nature is part of the charm. It's a throwback to pubs of days gone by. Admittedly more recent days than those evoked by Ye Olde Trip, mind.
The Angel Microbrewery
With its unique name and fringe location on the corner of the Lace Market, you might not even notice the Angel when walking down Carlton Street. But the spot could argue to have perhaps the most to offer out of this entire list.
There's something fascinating about the cramped nature of the tiny smoking area, while a bar at the front and back means that everyone is catered for. They do food, with some cracking midweek deals, and the pub even brews its own beer on-site.
Brick walls and leather sofas contribute to a cool, rustic vibe in the main seating areas, where a DJ often plays, and there's enough space for a boogie. But hidden up a short staircase is the Angel's most fascinating feature - its Chapel, which hosts live music and events to a 110-capacity audience.
The Bodega
Bar? Pub? Call it what you want, but the Bodega on Pelham Street really does deserve its place in a prime spot on this list. With its late-night opening hours and musical offering, and its indoor and outdoor bars, the venue opened in 1999 and is still going strong, for many, many reasons.
But it's the unmistakeable garden which earns it so much kudos. Even in the winter, heaters will keep you warm, and the arrangement of the super-size benches encourages neighbourly chat.
In summer, it hosted watch parties for England games, and after hours, there are DJs and club nights to keep the youth satisfied. And it's never really empty - a perfect place to finish the night.