Tilt is an intimate cocktail bar situated at 9 Pelham Street in Nottingham's city centre. Established over a decade ago, it offers a cozy, candle-lit atmosphere complemented by live blues music. The bar serves a diverse range of classic and innovative cocktails, with a focus on Southern American and Creole-inspired drinks. The interior features exposed brick walls and traditional wooden seating, enhancing its old-world charm. Tilt is known for its exceptional service and vibrant ambiance, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors seeking a unique drinking experience.
What each source says
- Google 4.6 505
- Tripadvisor 4.5 117
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
- Excellent Cocktails Tilt offers a wide selection of well-made, inventive cocktails using quality ingredients. The knowledgeable staff can also create classic or off-menu cocktails based on customer preferences, ensuring a personalized experience.
- Friendly and Skilled Staff The staff is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and skilled in mixology. They offer table service, provide recommendations, and are efficient even during busy hours, ensuring a pleasant visit.
- Great Atmosphere This bar provides a cozy and intimate setting with a quirky decor, creating a relaxed vibe. Patrons can enjoy live blues music on certain nights, enhancing the overall experience.
- Happy Hour Deals Tilt provides great value with happy hour specials on cocktails. This makes it an ideal spot for pre-dinner drinks or an affordable night out.
- Unique and Hidden Gem The bar's discreet location adds to its charm, creating a speakeasy-style experience. Customers enjoy discovering this hidden gem and appreciate the intimate and distinctive atmosphere.
Criticised
- Can be Crowded Due to its small size, Tilt can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. This can make it difficult to find seating and navigate the space.
- Inconsistent Music Preference While some reviewers enjoy the live music, others may find it too loud or not to their taste. The music style might not appeal to everyone, potentially affecting the overall experience.
- Limited Space The limited space can lead to queues at the bar when it's busy. Some reviewers mention being bumped or having to stand without seating due to the crowded conditions.
- Stairs Required Access to the bar requires climbing stairs, which may be an issue for individuals with mobility limitations. The unassuming doorway can also be easy to miss.
- Toilets Need Improvement A recurring issue is the state of the ladies' toilets, with some reviewers noting cleanliness issues or lack of soap. This can detract from the overall impression of the venue.
The longer read
Tilt is a popular cocktail bar in Nottingham known for its intimate, cozy atmosphere, friendly staff, and well-crafted cocktails. Many reviewers describe it as a hidden gem, noting its unassuming entrance and upstairs location. The bar is often praised for its extensive and inventive cocktail menu, including both classic and original creations, with staff willing to customize drinks to individual preferences. Reviewers also appreciate the reasonable prices, especially during happy hour. The service is consistently described as friendly, attentive, and efficient, with staff knowledgeable about the cocktails and quick to offer recommendations. A number of reviewers mention the complimentary snacks, such as popcorn, pretzels, and iced tea, as a nice touch. The ambiance is frequently described as relaxed, classy, and quirky, with dim lighting, unique decor, and a laid-back vibe. Live blues music is a regular feature, adding to the atmosphere, although some reviewers note that it can make the space crowded and conversation difficult. The bar's size is a recurring point, with many describing it as small and cozy, contributing to its intimate feel but also meaning it can get busy and crowded, especially on weekends. Several reviewers recommend arriving early or during happy hour to secure a table. The location is convenient, especially for those dining at its sister restaurant, Sample, located just downstairs. Despite its small size, Tilt is highly recommended for its unique atmosphere, quality cocktails, and friendly service, making it a must-visit destination for cocktail lovers in Nottingham. Some reviewers suggest keeping an eye out for the entrance, as it can be easily missed.
A synthesis of published third-party reviews. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 7386 713580
- Website
- tilt-bar.co.uk
| Mon | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tue | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Wed | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Thu | 17:00 - 1:00 |
| Fri | 14:00 - 1:30 |
| Sat | 14:00 - 1:30 |
| Sun | 17:00 - 1:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.6 against a median of 4.5 across the 11 venues we hold for St Ann's, where the most-reviewed is City of Caves.
Still deciding?
- What are the opening hours and days of operation for Tilt in Nottingham?
- Does Tilt host live blues performances nightly, and what are the typical times for the music?
- Which Southern American or Creole-inspired cocktails are considered must‑tries at Tilt?
- Do you need to book a table in advance at Tilt, especially for evenings with live music?
- What other nearby city‑centre attractions can I visit before or after a night at Tilt?
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.