Rock City

You descend those familiar stairs knowing you're walking into proper music history. This basement has seen it all – Kurt Cobain's last UK show, countless future headliners playing to 200 people, and decades of Nottingham's finest losing their minds to everything from punk to metal to indie. The sound is phenomenal for such an intimate space, and there's something magical about being pressed up against the barrier watching bands who might be selling out arenas next year. Sure, you'll emerge drenched in sweat (yours and everyone else's), but that's half the charm. Between gigs, the upstairs bar does solid work too, though let's be honest – you're here for the music.