Daytime Drinking in Nottingham

Nottingham's most famous rooftop secret with a split-level terrace that's been described as the city's finest outdoor drinking spot for years. Lincoln Green took over in 2015 and transformed it into a craft beer destination without losing the traditional pub soul. The upstairs rooftop catches sun all afternoon—locals know to arrive early on sunny days to claim the wooden benches and colourful cushions. Real ales, craft beers, gins, and whiskies flow alongside proper pub atmosphere where day drinking is actively encouraged. Short walk from city centre means it feels like discovering something special rather than just another chain. Perfect for groups settling in for extended afternoon sessions or solo drinkers happy to chat to regulars. This is where Nottingham students and locals unite over cheap pints and brilliant views.

Legendary Nottingham pub hiding a secret rooftop terrace that only the locals know about. Brewing their own beers on-site gives afternoon sessions genuine craft credentials—you're not just drinking, you're supporting independent brewing. The ground floor buzzes with music and food, but those in the know head straight for the hidden rooftop escape. The secluded spot catches sun perfectly while keeping you away from the street-level chaos. Perfect for when you want outdoor drinking without the crowds that plague more obvious choices. Tables out front work for people-watching, but the rooftop terrace is where afternoon magic happens. This is Nottingham pub culture at its finest: proper beer, proper atmosphere, zero pretension.

Beautiful terrace overlooking Nottingham Castle and the Robin Hood statue, proving that sometimes the best outdoor drinking spots hide in plain sight. The seamless flow between indoor and outdoor seating means year-round viability, while the rotating real ales and crowd-pleasing cocktails keep afternoon sessions interesting. Bistro-style menu available but absolutely not required—this is a proper pub where ordering just drinks is standard operating procedure. The historic backdrop adds gravitas to your afternoon pint without demanding you dress up or behave yourself. Gets a mix of tourists discovering it and locals who've made it their afternoon drinking home. Perfect for when you want outdoor space with actual views rather than just staring at other buildings.

Multi-level pub with a fantastic rooftop garden that's a rare find even in rooftop-rich Nottingham. The spacious layout means it never feels cramped even when packed, perfect for groups who want guaranteed seating for their afternoon session. Proper pub atmosphere where downing pints on a weekday afternoon is actively encouraged rather than quietly judged. The rooftop garden catches sun beautifully while maintaining that casual pub vibe—no pretentious cocktails or overpriced nibbles, just good beer and outdoor space. Perfect for after-work sessions that start suspiciously early or weekend afternoons that blur into evening. This is unpretentious day drinking in the best possible way.

Lace Market legend with happy hour running from opening until 10pm EVERY SINGLE DAY. Yes, you read that right—all day, every day. £5 Long Island iced teas make afternoon sessions dangerously affordable and potent. The generous timing means you're never paying full price unless you're still drinking after 10pm, at which point you've earned it. Underground location creates that hideaway atmosphere where day drinking feels like your little secret. Gets busy with locals who've figured out this is possibly Nottingham's best value drinking. Perfect for when you want maximum alcohol for minimum money with zero time restrictions. This is happy hour taken to its logical extreme: just make it permanent.

Named one of the UK's top 30 beer gardens in 2025 and it's easy to see why—this Grade II listed former canal museum has a full-size canal boat extending INSIDE the building. The massive covered outdoor space by Nottingham Canal combines the best of city and country pubs: waterside views, fairy lights, flowers, and the gentle hum of passing boats create that escape-from-reality vibe. Afternoon sessions here come with proper credentials: huge selection of international beers, real ales, and ciders from a pub that won RateBeer's Best Beer Bar award. The covered space means British weather can't ruin your plans. Gets packed with beer enthusiasts and tourists, but the sheer size means there's always room. Perfect for groups settling in for long afternoon sessions or canal-side contemplation with a quality pint.

Grade II listed beauty with three floors and a huge outdoor area overlooking Trent Bridge. The city-side location means you get river views without leaving Nottingham, while the Castle Rock real ales and local craft beers attract serious drinkers who appreciate quality. The sprawling outdoor space fills on sunny days with everyone from cricket fans to groups just wanting outdoor drinking with actual scenery. Proper pub grub available but absolutely not required—this is a traditional boozer where ordering just pints is standard practice. The historic building adds character without the stuffiness, while the generous outdoor seating means groups can claim territory for extended afternoon sessions. Perfect for when you want beer garden vibes with riverside location and zero pretension.

Traditional Castle Rock Brewery pub where serious drinkers come for great ales, impressive whiskey selection, and zero nonsense. The rear garden with brick walls and vintage enamel signs creates proper old-school pub atmosphere—this isn't trying to be trendy, it's just consistently excellent at being a pub. Cosy booths inside work for rainy days, but the outdoor space is where afternoon sessions shine. Regular outdoor food events add variety, while the welcoming crowd of regulars always up for a chat makes solo drinking feel social. Often a friendly dog or two wandering about confirms this is proper pub territory. Short walk up Mansfield Road from city centre means it feels like discovering something local rather than just another tourist trap. Perfect for when you want traditional pub culture without the chains.

Blue Monkey Brewery pub with a two-level beer garden where part sits on the rooftop—hanging baskets, benches, and a relaxed sun trap perfect for working through their fine ale selection. The rooftop element adds that elevated drinking experience without the premium pricing or pretentious atmosphere. Traditional pub snacks like pork pies and Scotch eggs keep things properly old-school, while the brewery credentials mean the beer selection is genuinely excellent. Roaring fire in winter, lush garden in summer proves this pub understands all-season drinking. The split-level layout means finding a spot never feels impossible even when busy. Perfect for afternoon sessions that start with "just one" and end several hours later because the vibe simply works. This is brewery-owned pub culture done right.

Multi-level speakeasy accessed through a narrow alleyway and up fire stairs—finding it feels like joining an exclusive club. Three distinct spaces create different afternoon drinking experiences: Stockholm's Scandinavian-inspired leather sofas on the ground floor, the Blue Rooms' intimate booths on the middle level, and the crown jewel Electric Garden upstairs with Japanese cherry blossom displays making it one of Nottingham's prettiest bars. The Art Deco styling and soft golden lighting from ornate chandeliers create sophisticated atmosphere where afternoon cocktails feel cultured rather than questionable. Signature serves arrive with little surprises (no spoilers), while the relaxed speakeasy vibe welcomes everyone from couples on date afternoons to groups celebrating something. Open until 3am weekends means your afternoon session has serious staying power if needed. This is Nottingham's premium cocktail experience without the London prices.

Elegant Grade II listed building that was once a gentleman's club and casino back in 1913, now serving sophisticated cocktails in grand surroundings with original and new features paying homage to its heritage. Dark wooden panelling, winding staircases, golden chandeliers, and quirky ornaments create atmosphere where afternoon cocktails feel appropriately upscale. The largest Cosy Club in the country means space is never an issue for groups claiming territory for extended sessions. Happy hour runs 4-8pm Sunday to Thursday with cocktails for £11.95, making premium drinking surprisingly affordable. The historic setting adds gravitas to your afternoon martini without demanding you dress up or behave like you're in a museum. Perfect for sophisticated afternoon drinking that still welcomes real humans rather than just Instagram influencers.