These are the most underrated pubs in Notts that you need to try

If you’re a student in Nottingham, you’ll already be familiar with the staple pub options on offer: Rose & Crown, Sheaves, Waters Edge, Ye Olde Trip, and, of course, the numerous Spoons options.

However, if you ever tire of the electric atmosphere of Lloyd’s No.1 or the TV tunes in Mooch, Notts is also home to a number of lesser known spots that offer just as good of a pub visit, if not better.

So, here are some of the best pubs in the Nottingham city centre that deserve more recognition:

Six Barrel Drafthouse

Starting off in Lace Market, just across the road from the legendary Lloyd’s, is the small but mighty Six Barrels.

If you’re a fan of funky interiors, good music and delicious drinks, this pub is definitely worth venturing into. It offers a huge range of craft beer, wine and spirits, and the atmosphere is unmatched.

Ye Olde Salutation Inn

If you’re a Notts student, you’ll already be familiar with Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem – claimed to be the “oldest pub in England”, its exteriors would definitely make you think it could be the oldest.

However, because it’s so well-known amongst students, Nottingham locals, and tourists alike, it can get very crowded. Ye Olde Salutation Inn offers a very similar vibe if what you’re looking for is a classic old English pub, but much less busy.

The Barrel Drop

Another definitive “hidden gem” of Nottingham is the Barrel Drop.

Located down Hurts Yard, literally 30 seconds away from Mega Munch, the Barrel Drop offers a great range of craft beers and cask ales in its micropub. Plus it has board games.

The Angel Microbrewery

Just round the corner from Lace Market, the Angel Microbrewery boasts a rustic, exposed-brick interior, and is home to its very own brewery – hence the name. It offers a selection of ales which are made on site, as well as a wide range of other beers and spirits.

Unfortunately, due to Covid, their usual live gigs, DJs and events have been on hold for the time being, but the playlist they have on the speakers is still packed with bangers.

Lost Property

Lost Property can be found just across the road from Six Barrels. Technically more of a bar than a pub, but definitely fitting under the title of a hidden gem, Lost Property boasts a large array of cocktails and a very cool interior.

The bar is tucked away down an alleyway and behind a wall of suitcases that – if you’re doing what I did and visiting it three stops into a pub crawl – can definitely be a challenge to locate. However, once you’ve found the entrance, you’ll know it’s definitely worth it as the atmosphere and drinks are amazing.

Boilermaker

Boilermaker is another of Hockley’s very literal “hidden gems”. It offers strictly table service and a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, beers, wines and more, in a spacious bar with a variety of seating options.

It’s definitely worth the ten-fifteen minutes you’ll probably spend up and down Carlton Street trying to find it.

Old Dog and Partridge

If you’re a fan of “proper” pubs where you can sit back, relax and watch a game, the Old Dog might be for you. This cozy pub offers table service and an extensive array of beers and spritzes, as well as a number of TV screens to watch sports.

Definitely underrated among students, but very conveniently located down the road from Pryzm – the perfect pres location.

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