The Alchemist

Step into The Alchemist Nottingham and you’re entering something rather different: part cocktail theatre, part dinner destination, part immersive bar experience. Located in a striking listed building at 11 King Street (NG1 2AY) in the city centre, the venue occupies a historic space with the kind of grandeur that the brand leans into heavily. From the moment you arrive you can feel the drama: gothic architecture, richly textured interiors, and cocktails served with pyrotechnics, fog, smoke and “lab-themed” presentation. For example, the famed “Cherry Poppins” (raspberry gin, citrus, strawberry topped with a cherry fog bubble) gets rave reviews for its spectacle. The menu matches the visual showmanship. It’s all-day dining, meaning you’ll find brunch (weekends from 10am), lunch, dinner and late-night eats. Dishes include playful takes on familiar favourites — black charcoal-battered fish & chips, katsu curry, smoking boards of chicken/salmon/lamb, and more. Drinks are central. You’ll find a wide selection of cocktails (many of them dramatically presented), themed brunch drink packages (such as “Icons Cocktail Brunch” where you pick 3 cocktails + a brunch dish) and an atmosphere that encourages exploration. The building itself has a story: described in a trade article as a “copper-cased wonderland” inside the former Prudential Assurance building (1893, by Alfred Waterhouse) on King Street. The heritage fits the brand’s aesthetic of “alchemy”, mystery and performance. If you’re in Nottingham for a celebration, a quirky night out or just want something beyond the standard bar, this is a strong pick. Expect lively music, a stylish crowd, and service that leans into the theatrical. If you prefer a quiet pub vibe, this forsees more flair than your average corner bar.