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Nottingham Post

Entertainment

Lynette Pinchess

These are Nottinghamshire's best bars - according to you

Nottingham's buzzing bar scene is no secret - but do you know the best spots for imaginative cocktails and premium spirits?

Whether it's a chilled after-work drink or a big night out at the weekend, the city boasts a good mix of small locally owned bars and lively chains.

As nominations pour in for the best drinks venue category in Nottinghamshire Live Food and Drink Awards, we take a look at some of the entries so far.

Hockley bar 31K has brought a new lease of life to the far end of Goose Gate, building up quite a following for cleverly crafted cocktails at reasonable prices, not to mention the build your own meatball boxes and DJ nights.

Fast approaching its first anniversary, the bar's latest menu has no fewer than eight Mojitos in flavours such as chilli and cucumber and watermelon, and four coffee-based cocktails, including Gold Blend, a combination of coffee-infused Frangelico, with Jameson Caskmates Srout, cardamom bitters and a flamed orange wheel..

In her nomination Lisa Murphy said: "Amazing venue, brilliant staff. So friendly, exceptional service. Always go the extra mile to accommodate you.

"Drinks are divine, always something new on the cocktail menu and they can aways recommend something new to try."

Kirsty Foster said: "Fantastic service, amazing staff, great atmosphere, great drinks, great prices. Whether I'm on my own or with 10 people I feel welcome and they're always happy to have a chat.

"The food is also great and menu is vast and changes often, as does the cocktails and drinks menu. The outside area is nice and they have a lively upstairs area and regular events. Never had a bad night there."

Another popular spot is Pepper Rocks, a hidden bar slap bang in the city centre, in Pepper Street, off Bridlesmith Gate.

With three floors, including a tropical living room, cosy sofas and board games, they're onto a winner before you even get to the house cocktails costing £5 up until 10pm. Drinks cover the whole raft of flavours, from sweet or sour to fresh or creamy.

One fan said: "The design of the bar itself is unique to any other bar in Nottingham. It's very cosy, and has a welcoming and warm atmosphere. However, it also has a great little balcony to sit out at in the summer.

"The service is always fast and friendly, and their cocktail menu is great - along with their happy hour deal. It's great value for money with the drinks being a reasonable price, and is easily my go-to bar when I fancy a drink after a heavy day at work, a chilled Sunday afternoon catch-up, or a Saturday night out."

Stylish Cocktail bar Cottonmouth has attracted nominations praising its quality, class, innovation and craft.

Victoria Hayward hailed it "simply the best drinks venue in Nottingham.

She said:" It treads a fine line between being classy and chic, and cosy and welcoming - and it does it with style and panache.

"The cocktails are innovative but not gimmicky - the focus is on top notch ingredients. You will find outstanding versions of classic drinks here made lovingly. You can also explore some more innovative drinks and ingredients - including milk punch for example!

"Everything is made with care, and everything is delicious. You cannot beat the drinks here, because each drink is simply the best version of itself it could be and made with a lot of passion and expertise."

Lauren Oliver is also a fan of the bar in Goose Gate, saying: "Beautifully decorated, often feel like you are in London, not Nottingham. A go-to venue that not enough people know about it.

"Would love to see them grab an award they really do deserve by FAR the best drinks in Nottingham the Queensbury Rules, Ponygirl and Sakura being a few of my favourites not forgetting the Espresso Martini."

Specialising in tequila and mezcal, 400 Rabbits rocks a Mexican vibe. Tucked away in Hurts Yard, it has been hailed a hidden gem with a friendly welcome.

One nomination said: "There is always a great atmosphere, whether you go on a Tuesday evening or a Saturday night.

The bartenders are so friendly and helpful, if you go alone they will make you feel welcome and talk to you all night, if you have a group they’ll make sure you all have the best night and give you loads of new knowledge about drinks too.

"I always bring friends to 400 to show them how great it is, and to try the verdita shot, and they are never disappointed."

Mike Swann described the drinks intriguing, adding: "The fact its vegan (which I am not) is great for some of my friends."

Cocktails don't come more theatrical or mysterious than at The Alchemist, in King Street. The master of magical mixology uses smoke and tricks to wow drinkers.

"The Alchemist is an experience in itself, the cocktails are the best in the city and are served with fire, magic and passion throughout," said one entry.

"The Alchemist never disappoints. Every cocktail is served in the most extraordinary way and really makes you feel like something magical is happening! Would recommend to everyone," said another about the bar, which won best new venue at last year's awards.

It's not just cricket spectators who are bowled over by the exquisite drinks at Six, the new rooftop bar adjoining the elevated fine dining restaurant at Trent Bridge, the home of Notts County Cricket Club, in West Bridgford.

Drinkers can enjoy panoramic views while sipping a mouthwatering cocktail created by Nottingham's world-class bartender Dan Warren or a premium whiskey from a wide selection - the spirit library towers to such heights, there's a ladder.

A nomination read: "Stunning views and cracking cocktails really helped round off the banging meal in the restaurant.

"What I didn't know was that you can go just for drinks in the bar as well. After this I've been for drinks a couple of times. Always a treat and the team are more than calm while handling my terribly indecisive nature. Six is becoming my new favourite 'local'.

Over in Chilwell, The Berliner is a lively bar bringing a buzzing European-style nightlife to High Road. Sophisticated cocktails with a fun twist - such as Long Eaton Ice Tea - and an abundance of gin, wine and draught beer keeps customers coming back for more.

Paul Howard said: "Being a small venue out of the city centre it manages to contain a huge amount of character. With very friendly and welcoming staff a good rotating selection of cocktails and events, hosting a bespoke quiz night with free pizza (if your team is big enough) or even a lively live music venue with a fantastic atmosphere.

"And as I believe is essential for any drinking establishment dogs are welcome!"

Sherwood boasts entries for two bars, both recent newcomers to Mansfield Road. One of the nominations for Jenkins said: "The cocktails are so so good. The bar area looks great, the service is excellent and really friendly. A nice little outside space - perfect in the summer months.

"I highly recommend the I Sure-Wood wood cocktail especially if the head bar man makes it for you - unbelievably well balanced," it said about mix of Woodford Reserve, Jim Beam Rye drink, vermouth, Lillet Blanc and morello cherry juice."

The second is Hugo's, a new cocktail bar. Roxie Smith praised her friend Katharine Shaw, who opened the drinks venue towards the end of last year.

"I know how hard she has worked to get Hugo’s to where it is now. She hasn’t even been opened a year and transformed the old Blockbuster store in Sherwood into a trendy cocktail bar.

"She has put her blood sweat and tears into this and everyone who goes there always leaves happy. Her staff are amazing and so welcoming. If anyone deserves this it is her!"

Nominations for Nottinghamshire Live Food and Drink Awards close on September 6.

Nominate here