Bank House, Hathersage

apres ski style bar under canvas with log burner

Cosy up around the log fire, Aperol spritz in hand, in this cool new canvas-covered Après Bar (open until the end of Jan). Overflowing with après-ski vibes and winter cheer, this joyful meet-up spot has been done well, with twinkling lights, neon signs and toasty log burner. Head inside for the pick of the cocktails – the mixologists here know their stuff and the festive Frosted Berry Spritz sounds divine.

Binary Bar, Mickleover

So swanky we snapped up this gorgeous cocktail bar and restaurant as the stylish venue for our Muddy Awards bash. Binary has done an incredible job of transforming a boxy building into a super-stylish, contemporary cocktail bar that oozes city vibes. The cocktails here are a total treat – Flossy Fizz anyone (gin, candy floss and prosecco)? And we especially love the cocktail flight of three mini cocktails for when you can’t make up your mind. The perfect place for a buzzy festive catch-up with the girls.

The Hockley Arts Club, Nottingham

This legendary Hockley hideaway (and Muddy Award-winner) has a cool new speakeasy entrance behind the bustling backstreets to add to its air of mystery. Find its iconic neon sign on Warser Gate and ring the secret buzzer. Once inside, pick your bar depending on your mood. It’s set across three Instagrammable floors of a grade-II listed former lace showroom and dishes up dee-licious cocktails. On the party-vibe ground floor ‘Stockholm’, it’s disco-inspired tipples like Dancing Queen (sloe gin, blackberry, lavender, pineapple, prosecco). Up in the more intimate laid-back, leather-clad Blue Room, opt for a Kiss in the Dark (gin, raspeberry, white win, lemon and tea) or head to the floral top floor bar the Electric Garden to share some bubbles around the big tables.

The Parlour, West Bridgford

A lively, disco ball-adorned cocktail lounge that serves up some great cocktails a gorgeous gin infusions. Disguised as a traditional terrace house, inside it’s vibrant and friendly. Stay ‘til late and you get bust out the moves when the dancing gets going too.

The Cavendish Hotel, Baslow

Feeling fancy? Hotfoot it to the edge of the glorious Chatsworth Estate for a quaff and a catch-up in the ever-so-elegant new 1950s-style bar at The Cavendish Hotel. Sophisticated but relaxed surroundings for a gathering surrounded by an eclectic collection of 21st century photography and Devonshire family photos. Sublime.

400 Rabbits, Nottingham

Oozing pitcher-loads of personality, this quirky tequila bar is a fun place to swing by for a catch-up. This little slice of Mexico is the city’s only Mezcaleria, Tequila and cocktail den – and they pack a punch. Stacks of character, it’s a lively place to come, with the added bonus of comfy seating.

The Pepperpot, Derby

Elegant, art deco vibes are where it’s at with this decadent Derby bar and restaurant housed in one of the city’s most iconic, and beautiful, buildings. Stylish and sophisticated, it’s a classy space with a great atmosphere. Cocktails get good reports too.

inside of bar restaurant the beeston social

Gather the gang around one of the generous tables at this hip hangout. You’ll find good vibes-a-plenty, excellent cocktails and a very cool retro games area, always fun after a cocktail or two. Heading here at the weekend? Bring your dancing shoes.

Barca Bar at Casa, Chesterfield

Not your standard hotel bar, this one has plenty of atmosphere and stylish surrounds. Bagsy a circular booth for your group for an intimate catch-up where the goss can take centre stage. Cocktails are really good, with all the classic on offer, plus some more out-there offerings like Bakewell Sour and Walton Fizz (bourbon Whiskey, cassis, brown sugar, topped with Gremillet).

The Bank, Ashbourne

Entrance to the bank cocktail bar ashbourne

A two-time Muddy Award winner, The Bank is brilliant at constantly reinventing itself and putting on new gladrags. Rocking urban city bar vibes, this high street bar is cool and cosmopolitan inside, with a brilliant menu of cocktails to choose from. The Pornstar Martini is spot on.

Amalfi White, Melbourne

well stocked bat at amalfu white melbourne

A two AA Rosette restaurant and cocktail bar, this place is Scandi bright, all candles and airy decor. The Prosecco bar is compact but gorgeous – perfect for a small gathering of close pals.

Bottle & Thyme, Chesterfield

In light, bright new premises, this family-run, indie bar and organic restaurant is going from strength to strength. The vibe is friendly and chill, and the cocktail menu is tempting and long. One of the best cocktail menus in Derbyshire, from golden mojitos and long island iced teas to chilli and mango margaritas and fig and thyme (rum, thyme syrup, fig jam, maple, apple juice, lime and plum bitters). Chin chin!

Coco Tang, Nottingham

Secret, speakeasy vibes at this one. Squeeze through the slim doorway tucked away behind an old-style Hong Kong alley and head down to a full-on underground cocktail bar with club-style ambiance. Gather around one of the luxe-looking onyx tables backed by illuminated wrought iron radiator grills and ring the buzzer for service. The cocktail menu is fun and extensive.

Ice & Slice, Swadlincote

the bar and restaurant at ice and slice swadlincote

Cosy warm wood surrounds and an intimate atmosphere at this cool little cocktail bar and pizzeria. From bellinis to negronis, there are plenty of cocktail classics along with swanky signature sips like Blue Raz Bubble T (blue raspberry vodka, rum, lime, blueberry boba tea) and the decadent festive Chocolate Orange (marmalade, chocolate sauce, orange gin and chocolate liqueur).

Not My Monkey, Newark-on-Trent

gold monkey ornament and christmas tree candle

A cracking cocktail menu to get the festive vibes going at this buzzy Newark bar. Pick from sweet treats like a whiskey-based Toffee Softee or Baby Guiness (Baileys and Kahlua feature), or opt for festive fizz cocktails like a Negroni Spritz.

15 stylish bars for festive cocktails in Notts & Derbyshire

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