Nottingham’s Nine Best Music Venues

“Nottingham’s acclaimed music scene and nightlife is as eclectic as its venues. Artists – reflecting just about every genre you can think of – perform in all manner of the venues from art galleries to cinemas and ex-fruit and veg shops. From Market Square in the city centre, there’s a plethora of venues within walking distance, making it exceptionally easy to hop between them. But if you’re overwhelmed by the sheer number to choose from, we’ve whittled the list down to nine of the best. And they are…

#### Capital FM Arena

Bolero Square

Playing host to the world’s biggest pop stars, what is locally known as just ‘the Arena’, is a shining star of Nottingham venues. This indoor space has capacity for 10,000 people and is located in the city’s Lace Market district. Every big, international name that comes to Nottingham is likely to put on an unforgettable show here.

Past acts: Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Meat Loaf, Kings of Leon, Ed Sheeran and many, many more.

#### Rock City

8 Talbot Street

This independent nightclub is all about live music and has a reputation for getting internationally-successful boy bands on its bill. This year will mark its 35th anniversary, and while (as the name implies) the venue favours rock gigs, it does hosts acts from a wide array of genres – Kodaline, Kiesza and Portico are playing there in coming months, for instance.

Past acts: Nirvana, David Bowie, Gun N’ Roses, Two Door Cinema Club, Bastille, Foals

#### The Bodega

23 Pelham Street

Club, bar and music venue, the Bodega has a penchant for booking rising musicians in its small, intimate space. They have a knack for picking the next big thing, just before they do get big. The crowd at this social club are knowledgeable music fans, so you know they’re at the Bodega for a reason – it puts on exceptional gigs.

Past acts: the Strokes, White Stripes, Coldplay, MGMT, Mumford & Sons, Haim, Snow Patrol

#### The Chameleon

17A Angel Row

This DIY venue is an old classic favourite here and has had hordes of talent come through its doors (including the unknown Jake Bugg back in the day). Thankfully avoiding closure last year, The Chameleon continues to host an eclectic mix of up-and-coming artists. No matter what your taste, you’ll find a performer that you’ll like.

Past acts: The Wharves, Islet, SPLASHH, Spectres, Forest Fire, Hhymm, Fists

#### Jamcafe

12 Heathcote Street

In the heart of Nottingham, you’ll find this trendy little café with a continental vibe. It’s an unfussy, casual venue, which on any given night of the week will see music fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder, eager to witness the next up-and-coming artist. Their open mic nights showcase the best of Nottingham’s unsigned talent.

Past acts: Haggard Cat Bothday Present, Bowman and Hull, Joy Mumford

#### Stealth

Masonic Place, Goldsmith Street

This clubbing institution is a magnet for dance fans and regularly hosts international DJs and bands at the top of their game. An unbeatable party atmosphere and an exceptional mix of brand new and well-known artists on the bill, Stealth is the place to go for a big night out.

Past acts: Annie Mac, Disclosure, Duke Dumont, Hannah Wants, Jamie XX, MK, Skream

#### Rescue Rooms

25 Goldsmith Street

Here a mix of critically-acclaimed bands and a selection of top tribute acts always give audiences a stellar show. With top line-ups on the bill and with an ever-friendly atmosphere, Rescue Rooms guarantees a good night out.

Past acts: Rudimental, John Murray, London Grammar, John Newman, Indiana

#### The Maze

257 Mansfield Road

According to Jared Wilson, editor of Nottingham’s arts, entertainment and culture magazine LeftLion, the Maze is “a bastion of the Nottingham music scene”. Live music has been streaming out of this venue for over 15 years and it has been voted the city’s best loved underground music venue.

Past acts: Dog Is Dead, Jake Bugg, Natalie Duncan, Bonobo, Bad Manners, Chuck Prophet

#### JT Soar

Aberdeen Street, NG32DG

Keeping the same name as the fruit and veg warehouse that used to fill this venue, JT Soar is a music and arts space on the outskirts of the city centre. With a recording studio and rehearsal room on site, JT Soar is a DIY venue open to experimentation. Gigs here possess a grungy, warehouse vibe full of energy and verve.

Past acts: Native, Bayone, Alright The Captain, Bear Makes Ninja

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