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Pit & Pendulum

Descend into Poe-inspired gothic splendor on Nottingham's Victoria Street, where shadowy cocktails, rock anthems, and British bites fuel an alt-nightlife legend until 2am.

4.5

Nestled in a Grade II listed building on Nottingham's bustling Victoria Street, Pit & Pendulum is a gothic masterpiece inspired by Edgar Allan Poe's chilling tale. This multi-level venue immerses visitors in a shadowy realm of medieval arches, alchemical motifs, and dungeon-like nooks. Savor British pub classics alongside wickedly themed cocktails like the Seven Deadly Sins, amid rock and alternative tunes that pulse through dimly lit alcoves. Open daily from noon, it transforms into a lively nightlife hub on weekends, drawing alternative crowds to its eerie embrace until 2am Friday and Saturday.

A brief summary to Pit & Pendulum

  • 17 Victoria St, Nottingham, NG1 2EW, GB
  • +441159506383
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 pm-12 am
  • Thursday 12 pm-12 am
  • Friday 12 pm-2 am
  • Saturday 12 pm-2 am
  • Sunday 12 pm-11 pm

Local tips

  • Seek the basement restrooms behind the bookcase wall for a thrilling hidden discovery.
  • Opt for Seven Deadly Sins cocktails or Valhalla specials to match the venue's thematic flair.
  • Visit Monday for pub fave and drink deals under £8, ideal for budget gothic indulgence.
  • Explore all three levels to uncover unique nooks, from pendulum bar to dragon-carved rear rooms.
  • Students: flash ID for 20% off food and 10% on drinks to amplify your haunt.
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Gothic Origins in Poe's Shadow

The Pit & Pendulum draws its name from Edgar Allan Poe's 1842 short story, evoking the torment of a prisoner beneath a swinging blade in the Spanish Inquisition's depths. Housed in a Grade II listed edifice on Victoria Street, this Nottingham haunt channels that macabre narrative into a physical realm. Dark timber beams twist like tormented souls, while faux stone arches and gargoyle sentinels guard hidden passages. Enter and feel the veil between reality and Poe's nightmare thin, as candle-like lighting flickers over velvet drapes and iron chandeliers.

Multi-Level Labyrinth of Shadows

Spanning three atmospheric levels, the venue unfolds like a gothic labyrinth. The street-level bar greets with a pendulum motif swaying ominously, leading to a lower bar where cask ales from local breweries flow alongside keg classics. Venture deeper to basement realms, where restrooms lurk behind a rotating bookcase wall—a playful nod to secret chambers. Rear rooms boast gothic stained-glass windows and dragon carvings, creating intimate pockets amid the sprawl. Each floor pulses with its own energy, from cozy alcoves to expansive spaces primed for crowds.

Culinary Sins and Alchemical Elixirs

British pub fare anchors the menu, with daily deals like a pub classic and pint for under £8 on Mondays. Indulge in small plates—sticky BBQ pork meatballs, beer-battered onion rings, katsu chips—perfect for sharing in the dim glow. Themed cocktails steal the spotlight: Seven Deadly Sins brews tempt with sinful flavors, Valhalla potions evoke Norse fury, and Contrary Virtues offer redemptive twists. Cask ales rotate from Nottingham brewers, paired with gluten-free, vegan, and hearty options that fuel late-night revelry.

Rock Reverberations and Themed Nights

A soundtrack of rock, alternative, emo, and death metal throbs from speakers, curating an emo heaven for devotees. Jukeboxes brim with rare Korn tracks and goth anthems, while live DJ sets and music events ignite weekends. The vibe shifts from daytime lounge to nocturnal frenzy, with 18+ videos and Hammer Horror aesthetics amplifying the thrill. It's a haven for black-clad souls, piercings glinting under low lights as the crowd sways in unified darkness.

Nottingham's Nightlife Nexus

Positioned in the city center, Pit & Pendulum bridges Nottingham's historic lace-market heritage with modern revelry. No dedicated parking eases entry, though nearby streets fill fast. Students score 20% off food and 10% on drinks, making it a staple for alt scenes. Outdoor smoking areas and a beer garden extend the haunt outdoors, blending indoor mystique with urban pulse.

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