Nottingham’s Summer Food & Drink Locations

With the recent spate of nice weather (though I wouldn’t be surprised if it was raining while you read this) plenty of al fresco diners and drinkers have emerged. It got me thinking about the best spots in Nottingham to eat and drink outside:

Riverbank

With the advent of good weather people tend to gravitate toward water. We may be miles from a beach, but the Trent is the next best thing. The sun coming down over the river, with a gin and tonic in hand, makes for a pretty nice evening in my book.

Riverbank – Nottingham

Broad Street

Both sides of this busy street have popular venues, a couple of bars in Rum House and Revolution run into the popular cafes of Edins and Lee Rosy’s. The raised seating on the opposite side is always

Fothergills

The area alongside the castle and Robin Hood statue is pretty, particularly in the sun when it does come out. I recently had a cured meat and bread Mediterranean and a pint of beer from a local brewery that was rather satisfactory.

Rocket at Saltwater

Come summertime there are few busier locations than the substantial terrace at the top of the Cornerhouse. Whether it’s a chilled out afternoon drink in the sun, or ‘out out’ with the resident Saturday DJ then this is the place of choice.

Saltwater – Nottingham

Market Square

When the concrete slabs of the square are bathed in light, you really get the urge to eat among the fountains. The new American burger spot, Five Guys, and the ever-present Shakeaway would be my favourites to visit. You can bet they will be doing a roaring trade.

The CanalHouse

I suppose you could call this a beer garden, maybe a beer jetty is most apt. The canal side in the city centre has a few seating areas at different venues, but my favourite is here among the hanging baskets.

Angel Row

One of the most bustling areas in the summer is the collection of establishments on this street, just a stone’s throw from market square. The food options range from the excellent North African of Marrakesh to the Latin influences of Las Iguanas. The bars too are popular, Sinatra’s wine bar a favourite of mine.

Sinatra on Angel Row – Nottingham

Jamie’s Italian

I tend not to be an advocate of the chain restaurants, but hidden at the back of this Low Pavement site lays a bit of a gem. The walled garden is a bit of a sun trap and there aren’t many better locations to enjoy a simple bowl of pasta and glass of wine.

The Victoria

This Beeston favourite is popular amongst locals and students alike the canopy provides some welcome shade whilst maintaining the al fresco approach. I had a great Mediterranean meal here last year; the gambas pil pil somehow tasting even better on their terrace.

Gambas – The Victoria – Beeston / Nottingham