Pub review of the month: The Hockley Rebel

Hockley Rebel
The Hockley Rebel is building a fine reputation for good beer. Photo: Notts Night)

NottsNight is all about great places to drink for grown ups. They love a good pint of real ale, attentive service and no silly gimmicks. Here every month, you’ll find one of their hand-picked reviews, including the unique Notts Trumps, giving you essential information about each venue. Explore more on the Notts Night website and follow them on Twitter.


The Hockley Rebel

Address: 14 Broad St, Nottingham NG1 3AJ

After years serving up all manner of overpriced nonsense, the site of the former Rum Bar (one of its many incarnations) has redeemed itself in its latest guise as The Hockley Rebel. And like many rebellious characters, this one doesn’t give a fig about some of its more pretentious neighbours.

Real ale is the star of the spacious open plan bar, with the counter sensibly moved from the side to the back of the main room. There’s also a healthy selection of craft beers on offer.

Most surprising of all, though, was the decision to refurbish upstairs, recreating one of its prior lives as a Tiki bar, serving shots and cocktails. Still, at least the place has a late licence.

Music? Live acoustic sets at the weekends in the main bar. If you want anything louder, go upstairs later.

People? A real mix of real ale lovers, trendy young things and everything in between. It’s entirely possible you’ll slip on both beard oil and Brylcreem if you’re not careful.

Opinion? An enormously welcome addition to the Hockley circuit – the boss has a real passion for well kept beer and and – at the time of writing – has employed a healthy number of staff so you shouldn’t be queuing for too long.

© NottsNight 2018