Holiday Inn Nottingham by IHG

You wouldn't normally think to head to a Holiday Inn for drinks, but this spot by Castle Marina Park has quietly become a decent shout for cocktails away from the Lace Market crowds. The bar overlooks the canal, and while the corporate hotel vibe is undeniably there, the drinks are properly made and reasonably priced for what you get. The real draw is the location – you're right by the castle grounds but without the tourist chaos, and there's something oddly satisfying about having a well-mixed Old Fashioned while watching narrow boats chug past. The staff know their way around a cocktail shaker, and the wine list isn't half bad either. It's become a go-to for locals who work around the Castle Marina area and want somewhere reliable that won't break the bank.