Tap & Tumbler is a lively pub located at the heart of Nottingham, famous for its eclectic live music scene and welcoming ambiance. The venue hosts various performances, showcasing local and touring bands, making it a popular spot for music enthusiasts. The interior features a casual bar setting, perfect for enjoying a drink with friends or unwinding after a day of exploring the city. With a range of beverages and occasionally themed events, Tap & Tumbler is a favored gathering place for both locals and visitors.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 1,581
- Tripadvisor 4.5 46
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-26.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Convenient Location Situated near the tram station, Theatre Royal, and Rock City, it's easily accessible and ideal for pre- or post-gig drinks. Its central location makes it a convenient choice.
- Friendly and Welcoming Staff The staff are consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. They go out of their way to ensure patrons have a great experience.
- Good Selection of Drinks at Reasonable Prices The pub offers a decent selection of ales, lagers, and beers, including themed options. Drink prices are considered reasonable, making it an affordable option.
- Great Rock and Metal Atmosphere The Tap & Tumbler is a haven for rock and metal fans, offering a welcoming environment with music to match. It's a place where you can feel at home among like-minded people.
- Live Music Venue Enjoy live bands and performances, especially on weekends and Wednesdays. The venue provides a platform for young musicians and offers free entry for many gigs.
Criticised
- Can Get Very Busy and Noisy The pub can get extremely crowded, especially during live music events and on weekends. The noise level can be quite high, which may not be suitable for those seeking a quiet atmosphere.
- Limited Seating Due to its popularity, seating can be scarce, particularly when the pub is busy. This might be an issue for those who prefer to sit and relax.
- Music Not for Everyone The focus on rock and metal music means it might not appeal to those with different musical tastes. If you're not a fan of the genre, you might find the atmosphere unappealing.
- Potentially Unpretentious Environment While some appreciate the 'dive bar' feel, others may find the pub unpretentious, lacking luxury or modern amenities. If you prefer a more polished setting, this might not be the place for you.
- Small Performance Area The area where bands play is rather small, which can make it hard to see the band's performance when the pub is busy. This can detract from the live music experience.
The longer read
Tap & Tumbler is a highly-regarded rock and metal pub in Nottingham, particularly noted for its proximity to Rock City, making it an ideal spot before or after gigs, with discounts often available upon showing venue tickets. The pub is celebrated for its live music, featuring both bands and DJs, with free entry on many nights. Reviewers consistently praise the friendly and welcoming atmosphere, often highlighting specific staff members like Jack, Kamara, Megan and Tommy for their exceptional service and for making patrons feel at home. The bar offers a wide selection of drinks, including non-Green King beers, real ales, and themed cocktails, all at reasonable prices. The music selection, spanning rock, metal, and punk, is a major draw, with a well-stocked jukebox available when live bands aren't playing. The pub's decor is described as quirky and traditional, creating a unique and interesting environment. While it can get crowded, especially during live performances, the friendly crowd and lively atmosphere compensate for the limited seating. Many reviewers express a strong sense of loyalty to Tap & Tumbler, considering it a must-visit location whenever they are in Nottingham, emphasizing its role as a hub for the rock and metal community. The pub is also commended for supporting young musicians and hosting charity events. Overall, Tap & Tumbler is recommended for those seeking an authentic rock pub experience with great music, friendly service, and a welcoming atmosphere, whether for a quiet afternoon drink or a lively night out.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 115 941 3414
- Website
- greeneking.co.uk/pubs/nottinghamshire/tap-and-tumbler?utm_source=g_places&utm_medium=locations&utm_campaign=PL_pubpage
| Mon | 12:00 - 0:00 |
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| Tue | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 1:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 0:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 15 venues we hold for Arboretum, where the most-reviewed is Ye Olde Trip To Jerusalem.
Still deciding?
- What is the overall atmosphere and vibe at Tap & Tumbler in Nottingham?
- What are some signature or popular drinks served at Tap & Tumbler?
- Does Tap & Tumbler host regular events or live music performances?
- Does Tap & Tumbler offer any food options or is it drinks only?
- What type of crowd or visitors does Tap & Tumbler typically attract?
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.