The Bell Inn: Nottingham’s Historic Tudor Pub and Cultural Landmark
Step into Nottingham’s oldest pub where 15th-century beams, historic caves, and traditional ales create an unforgettable medieval atmosphere in the city’s heart.
The Bell Inn, located at 18 Angel Row in Nottingham, is one of the city’s oldest pubs, with timber dating back to 1420 and a rich history tied to the Carmelite friary. This Grade II listed building features original Elizabethan beams, historic interiors, and sandstone caves used as beer cellars. Known for its traditional ales and vibrant atmosphere, it offers cellar tours, live jazz, and a glimpse into Nottingham’s medieval past in the heart of the city’s Market Square.
A brief summary to Bell Inn
- 18 Angel Row, Nottingham, NG1 6HL, GB
- +441159475241
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 11 am-11 pm
- Tuesday 11 am-11 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-11 pm
- Thursday 11 am-11 pm
- Friday 11 am-12 am
- Saturday 11 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Join the Tuesday evening cellar tours to explore the atmospheric sandstone caves beneath the pub and learn about its brewing history.
- Try the local Green King IPA in the Tudor Bar, which retains original 15th-century features and historic wallpaper.
- Visit the Snack Bar to experience a traditional Nottingham gathering spot with a long-standing connection to the University of Nottingham.
- Enjoy live jazz music in the back bar, known as a local jazz hub, for a lively and authentic cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus
Take Nottingham City Transport buses 10, 11, or 12 from the city center to stops near Old Market Square; the journey takes about 10-15 minutes with frequent service. Tickets cost approximately £2-£3 for a single ride. The stop is a short walk to The Bell Inn.
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Tram
Use the Nottingham Express Transit tram to the Old Market Square stop, about 5-10 minutes from Nottingham railway station. Trams run every 7-10 minutes, with single fares around £2. The pub is a 3-minute walk from the tram stop.
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Taxi
Taxis from Nottingham railway station to The Bell Inn take approximately 5-10 minutes depending on traffic, costing around £6-£10. Taxis are readily available but may have limited availability during peak hours.
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Walking
From Nottingham city center, The Bell Inn is a 10-15 minute walk over mostly flat terrain. The route is accessible for most mobility levels and offers a pleasant stroll through the historic Market Square area.
Bell Inn location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Bell Inn
Roots in Medieval Nottingham and Monastic Heritage
The Bell Inn’s origins trace back to around 1420 when the timber framing was constructed as part of a Carmelite friary’s guesthouse and refectory near Beastmarket Hill. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, this building transitioned into a secular alehouse, making it one of the oldest pubs in Nottingham. Its location on Angel Row is historically significant, possibly linked to the De Angelus bell of the Carmelite friary or the nearby bell founding works. The Bell Inn occupies two 15th-century buildings and has witnessed centuries of Nottingham’s evolving urban fabric.Architectural and Historical Significance
The Bell Inn is a Grade II listed building recognized for its special architectural and historic interest. Original Elizabethan timbers support ‘Lizzie’s Bar’, a standout feature dating back over 500 years. The pub’s interior preserves many historic fittings, especially in the smaller first-floor rooms with décor from 1928. The main bar incorporates a glass-covered old well, and the sandstone caves beneath the pub serve as natural beer cellars, maintaining the cool conditions ideal for ale storage. The building narrowly escaped damage during the 1831 Goose Fair riots, preserving its medieval charm.A Living Tradition of Ale and Community
The Bell Inn has been a family-run establishment for over a century, notably under the Jackson family until 2002, before becoming part of the Greene King brewery portfolio. It is famed for its traditional ales, including local Green King IPA, and its role in establishing Nottingham’s ‘Market Dinners’. The pub’s three bars—the Tudor Bar, the Snack Bar, and the lively back bar—offer varied atmospheres, from historic ambiance to vibrant live jazz sessions. The Snack Bar holds a unique tradition of presenting a silver tankard annually to the University of Nottingham’s Student President.Exploring the Caves and Cultural Experiences
Beneath the pub lies an extensive labyrinth of sandstone caves and old bonded warehouses, a hallmark of Nottingham’s subterranean heritage. Cellar tours are offered every Tuesday evening, inviting visitors to explore these atmospheric caves and learn about their historic use in brewing. The Bell Inn’s caves add a mysterious and quirky dimension to the pub experience, often linked to local legends and reputed hauntings.Location and Atmosphere in Nottingham’s Heart
Situated on Angel Row at the edge of Nottingham’s bustling Old Market Square, The Bell Inn is central to the city’s social and cultural life. Its historic timber façade and warm interior welcome locals, students, and tourists alike. The pub’s ambiance blends historic charm with lively entertainment, including regular live music and jazz nights. Its proximity to Nottingham’s shops, theatres, and landmarks makes it an accessible and memorable stop for those seeking authentic local character.Legacy and Cultural Importance
The Bell Inn’s connection to William Clarke, who developed the nearby Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, adds to its local significance. The pub is commemorated with a Nottingham Civic Society plaque and remains a symbol of Nottingham’s rich heritage. Its survival through centuries, including wars and social upheavals, reflects the resilience and continuity of community gathering spaces in the city. Today, The Bell Inn stands as a treasured cultural landmark, preserving Nottingham’s medieval past while offering a vibrant present-day experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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George's Great British Kitchen
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Las Iguanas - Nottingham
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No.Twelve
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Bar + Block Steakhouse Nottingham
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The Soulville Steakhouse
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Casa Italian & Seafood Restaurant
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Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill Nottingham
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French Living
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Restaurant Bar Gigi
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Bead Shop (Nottingham) Limited
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Shop Zero
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White Rose Nottingham WR6
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Vivienne Westwood
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Primark
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Lively
- Quirky
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
