It seems like every pub and bar in this new Covid-proof new world has an outdoor drinking area.
But there are some who are head and shoulders superior to the rest. If you feel like it, these Nottingham rooftop decks are the height for an alfresco summer vacation.
Alchemilla
Probably the prettiest of all Nottingham’s rooftop bars is located above the Michelin-starred Alchemilla restaurant.
You don’t need a reservation in the restaurant to enjoy a drink in the “secret” garden, in which the raised plant beds serve as the basis for the seating areas.
The outdoor bar operates on a first come, first served basis and serves award-winning Nyetimber English sparkling wines by the glass and bottle, as well as a cocktail menu that gives guests a taste of what’s going on in the kitchen by making a selection of ingredients is used on the tasting menu.
Summer sips include gin, elderberry cucumber and plum sake or thyme tequila, fig and sparkling wine.
For those who appreciate horticulture and design, this garden is very special, created by British artist Wolfgang Buttress, famous for The Hive at Kew Gardens. Anna Bond, the wife of Chef Alex Bond, takes care of the planting.
In addition to the social side of the garden, there is also a practical side with a greenhouse that grows herbs and shell vegetables for the restaurant’s dishes.
The bar is open Wednesday through Saturday.
Location: 192 Derby Rd, Nottingham NG7 1NF
Restaurant Six
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Just outside the city in West Bridgford, the rooftop terrace of Restaurant Six offers unparalleled panoramic views of Nottingham from both the inside and the balcony.
Even better if you are a cricket fan because there is a bird’s eye view of the field.
The bar on the sixth floor of the Radcliffe Road stand in Trent Bridge, home of the Notts County Cricket Club, offers an incredible selection of whiskeys and exquisitely prepared cocktails such as the fragrant daisycutter, a combination of gin, daisies, white wine, elderflower and fresh grass and summery white rose with notes of strawberry and rose.
The restaurant, in which guests can enjoy dishes made from mackerel, rhubarb, wasabi emulsion and dill, as well as Packington chicken and asparagus with a morel and cream sauce, also overlooks the barbecue area.
Location: Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford, Nottingham NG2 6AG
Old
The roof terrace in the Alto
(Image: Alt)
First it was Saltwater, then Rocket, and now it’s Alto, the bar opened by boxer Carl ‘the Cobra’ Froch that has the privilege of having the best rooftop terrace in downtown.
Here night owls can enjoy the high life, celebrate under the starry sky and laze on large comfortable sofas.
Take the elevator or escalator to Level 2 in the Cornerhouse for beers and cocktails while overlooking the city skyline.
In one of the more noticeable places, dress up after 6:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights when sportswear, hoodies, and baseball caps are not allowed.
Location: Cornerhouse, Forman Street, Nottingham NG1 4DB
Golden fleece
The rooftop beer garden of the Golden Fleece on Mansfield Road, Nottingham
(Image: Joseph Raynor / Nottingham Post)
The Golden Fleece not only has some of Nottingham’s deepest caves under the pub, but is one of the few with a beer garden on the roof.
The hidden spot in the popular pub known for its meaty, vegetarian and vegan Sunday roasts has a real rustic feel to it.
Take the colorful stairs to reach the sunny urban sanctuary, adorned with “living” picture frames filled with succulents, a whimsical entrance made of mismatched antique mirrors, and “electric shock” benches that have been scorched with electricity.
That’s the aesthetic, but what about the alcohol? There is a wide selection of craft beers and beers from the sister pub, the Angel Microbrewery in the Lace Market.
Location: 105 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3FN
Sir John Borlase Warren
Sir John Borlase Warren’s roof garden
The pub on the edge of the city center offers not only all its rough edges, but also a roof garden for eating, drinking and sunbathing.
Like most pubs with rooftop terraces, they’ve opted for a casual but colorful look with wooden benches (be sure to grab a pillow, otherwise it can get numb after a while) and decorated beer kegs to sit on.
A stroll down Derby Road is worthwhile for the real ales with 12 hand-pulls, the Lincoln Green brews and guest beers from near and far, as well as more than 100 different gins to try.
Bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
Location: 1 Ilkeston Road, Canning Circus, Nottingham NG7 3GD
Organ grinder
On the roof by the organ grinder
And when you’re on a rooftop pub crawl at Canning Circus, don’t go into the Organ Grinder and enjoy the sun-drenched rooftop garden and award-winning beers.
Here you will find draft beer from the Blue Monkey Brewery as well as the occasional guest beer, real cider and an interesting selection of draft beers.
The Giltbrook Brewery’s range of gins is on sale – try the new sugar- and lime-coated shots from Blue Monkey’s Summer Berries Gin, served with a fresh local strawberry for an authentic taste of summer.
Location: 21 Alfreton Road, Radford, Nottingham NG7 3JE
Six barrel drafthouse
Six Barrel Drafthouse on Mansfield Road
Not the Hockley Pub, but the other of the same name on Mansfield Road, has a rooftop terrace on the first floor with a view of the city, which is reached via a spiral staircase.
In terms of decor, the graffiti is a bespoke design by Nick Dwyer, Creative Director of Beavertown Brewery, there are ubiquitous wooden benches to sit on, artificial grass underfoot, and garland lighting.
Although small, it offers a breath of fresh air on warm summer days and nights and offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy street below.
Choose from one of the many craft beers – from Lagunitas IPA on tap or the ingeniously named spicy Chili Tonka And The Chocolate Factory from the fridge.
Breakfast is served on the weekend from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., otherwise there are burgers, hot dogs and fries for your stomach.
Location: 14 Mansfield Road, Nottingham NG1 3GX