Welcome to Nottingham! Once the industrial capital of the Midlands, the smog has lifted and this vibrant and bustling city is now known for something a lot more exciting than lace-making.

Home to over 40,000 students and a lively young professional population, you're never far away from a great bar in this city. From classy and elegant to dark and cosy, there's something for everyone.

Lined with modern bars and an array of restaurants, Carlton Street, just east of the city centre, is a great place to start. The down-to-earth feel of the I Bar sometimes offers customers free shots, so is a good place to get the party started. Nearby, Lloyds Number One Bar is part of the ever-expanding Wetherspoons chain, so you'll know just what to expect; lively, bright and with plenty of drink promotions.

Ready for a touch of classy Nottingham? Then head further into the Lace Market area. Known for its elegance, style and upmarket eating and drinking venues any wannabe superstar will love it here, but watch your high heels on the quaint cobbled streets!  The Brass Monkey is one of Nottingham's trendiest bars, and is situated at the end of High Pavement. Enjoy a chic cocktail as you listen to the groovy beats slipping effortlessly from the DJ's fingers.

Drink up and let's go! There's plenty more bars to explore around the Lace Market. The Pitcher and Piano occupies a stunning converted church building, or try Bluu bar, which definitely deserves its title as one of the best venues in Nottingham. If you're feeling peckish you can grab some great food here, or descend to the basement where party tunes and strong cocktails will get your feet moving and your hips dancing.

If a traditional pub is more your cup of tea, then the Canal House (on Canal Street) is a must on the pub hit list. Quirky and unusual, the canal actually runs through the middle of this pub. It also has a great beer terrace outside, which makes it perfect for lazy sunny summer afternoons, watching the colourful boats float by.

The Lincoolnshire Poacher on Mansfield Road is one of Nottingham's traditional, down-to-earth pubs. The quintessential and aged décor is exactly what you imagine inside a proper pub, and all adds to the friendly, laid back charm. Cask conditioned ales are a speciality here, so real ale lovers will be in heaven as they regularly change the guest ales.

If you're still standing after all that ale, then you need some late night drinks and live music. Head back towards the Lace Market and check out Wax Café on Broad Street. Open till 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, the DJ sets and live music will always get your boogie shoes moving, and is as noisy, fun and as unpretentious as bars come. Bodega Social Club on Pelham Street is also an absolute must visit for music lovers. Run by Heavenly, a local independent record label, the venue has seen gigs from some chart busting acts, from the Scissor Sisters to Bloc Party and lesser known bands in between.

There are so many great bars and pubs in Nottingham, it's impossible to list them all here, but we do know that you're going to have a blast discovering your favourites. Cheers!

About the Author:

John Tarr is the writer of Stag party night and stag weekend in the UK.

Author: John Tarr