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Canalhouse

Iconic canal-pierced pub blending Grade II heritage, world-class craft beers, and waterside vibes in Nottingham's vibrant core.

4.5

The Canalhouse stands as an iconic Nottingham pub in a Grade II listed former canal museum, where a genuine canal stretches right through the interior, complete with resident narrowboats and a footbridge to the bar. Renowned for pioneering the city's craft beer revolution, it boasts over 250 bottled beers from around the world, up to six real ales, ten keg lines, and 13 real ciders alongside a versatile food menu of pub classics, specials, and Sunday roasts. The spacious beer garden overlooks the water, offering a perfect waterside retreat, while an upstairs events space hosts gatherings for up to 200. Dog-friendly and family-friendly, it's a vibrant hub blending history, exceptional brews, and canal charm in the heart of the city.

A brief summary to Canalhouse

  • 48-52 Canal St, Nottingham, NG1 7EH, GB
  • +441159555060
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Mixed
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-12 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-12 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-10 pm

Local tips

  • Cross the footbridge carefully when the canal-side gets lively—it's a unique vantage point over the narrowboats.
  • Ask staff for rare beer recommendations; their knowledge spans 250+ global bottles and rotating cask ales.
  • Head upstairs for events space bookings or comedy nights—perfect for groups up to 200.
  • Visit the beer garden in summer for canal views; dogs welcome on leads.
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Canalhouse location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Canalhouse

Maritime Marvel in the City Heart

Housed within a Grade II listed building that once served as Nottingham's canal museum, the Canalhouse transforms industrial heritage into a living spectacle. A narrow canal snakes directly through the ground floor, its dark waters lapping gently against the stone edges as resident narrowboats bob serenely amid the hum of conversation. Patrons cross a wrought-iron footbridge to reach the bar, evoking the era when canals were the lifeblood of Britain's trade networks. This seamless integration of waterway and watering hole creates an immersive environment unlike any other pub, where the murmur of water mingles with the clink of glasses.

Craft Beer Pioneer's Bounty

Since opening in 2000, the Canalhouse has led Nottingham's craft beer renaissance, earning accolades like Ratebeer's Best Beer Bar for the city in 2016 and 2017, plus Visit Nottingham's Tourism Pub of the Year in 2018 and silver at the 2025 Nottinghamshire Tourism Awards. The bar showcases up to six rotating real ales, ten keg beers, and over 250 bottled and canned varieties from global breweries, spanning German lagers, Belgian ales, and local East Midlands gems. Real ciders number up to 13, complemented by wines, spirits, and alcohol-free options. Knowledgeable staff guide selections from an ever-changing menu, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts seeking both rarity and reliability.

Gastropub Fare with Flair

Food service runs daily, featuring unfussy yet elevated pub classics alongside up to 15 rotating specials. Expect hearty pies brimming with meat, veggie burgers with perfect chips, Sunday roasts, and vegan-friendly dishes. Kitchen hours extend from midday to 8pm or 9pm most days, with last orders signaled clearly. Meals pair seamlessly with the beer lineup, whether savoring a brisket burger by the canal or a pie of the day in the lively bar. The versatile menu caters to diverse tastes, emphasizing quality ingredients in a casual setting.

Seasons of Canal-Side Revelry

Summer brings crowds to the expansive waterside beer garden, where sunlight dances on the canal and outdoor seating fills with laughter. In cooler months, the interior's cozy nooks and sheltered spots draw visitors to linger over pints. Upstairs, a dedicated events venue accommodates up to 200 for corporate functions, weddings, or comedy nights like NCF Comedy on select Wednesdays. Dog-friendly policies extend to leashed pets in most areas, while family-friendly vibes welcome all ages until evening. The pub pulses with live music, tap takeovers, and seasonal promotions like student discounts or January draught deals.

Legacy of Lace and Waterways

Nestled on Canal Street near Nottingham's Lace Market and railway station, the Canalhouse embodies the city's industrial past. Nottingham's canals once fueled lace production and trade, and this pub preserves that narrative through its architecture and ambiance. Beer mats adorn walls like eclectic artwork, while the canal's resident boats hint at narrowboat life. It's more than a pub—it's a portal to Nottingham's working-class heritage, where history flows as freely as the ales.

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