Set on the banks of the River Trent, Nottingham Forest's iconic City Ground has one of the most traditional matchday settings in English football.
Whether you’re an away supporter looking for a welcoming pub or a Forest fan soaking up the atmosphere in West Bridgford, there are plenty of solid food and drink options within easy reach of the stadium.
FootballGroundGuide takes a look at the best options to save you a bit of time:
Best Pubs For Fans Near the City Ground
For home supporters, The Larwood & Voce is a Forest favourite. It combines a strong matchday buzz with gastropub-style food and excellent Sunday roasts.
Just as close is The Trent Navigation Inn, known for its proper pre-match atmosphere, solid pub food and large outdoor area that fills quickly on matchdays.
Away fans are usually well catered for around Meadow Lane and West Bridgford. The Broken Wheelbarrow is a popular choice for travelling supporters, offering a relaxed atmosphere close to transport routes.
Classic Matchday Food Spots Near the City Ground
If you’re after something simple and traditional, West Bridgford delivers. Tasty Café is hugely popular with match-going fans thanks to its classic English breakfasts and fast service on busy days.
For lighter bites and good coffee, Bread & Butterflies offers a quirky, independent alternative with homemade cakes, while Costa Coffee is a reliable chain option if you just need a quick caffeine hit before kick-off.
Restaurants and Cafes Near the City Ground
If you want a sit-down meal within walking distance of the stadium, West Bridgford has several strong choices. Café Olive is ideal for breakfast or a lighter pre-match meal, while Portello Lounge is family-friendly and versatile, serving burgers, brunch and tapas-style plates.
For something a bit more refined, Escabeche offers upscale Spanish small plates, perfect if you’re not rushing to the turnstiles. The Refinery rounds things off with modern British dishes, cocktails and a relaxed pre- or post-match vibe.
Fast Food Options Near the City Ground
If you don’t mind heading into the city centre, Nottingham has some highly-rated fast-food options. Jollibee Nottingham is a standout for Filipino fried chicken and burgers, while Five Guys Nottingham is a familiar late-night option after evening matches.
For halal and late-opening spots, Chickandos and Popeyes Nottingham are both popular and consistently busy well into the night.
FGG Verdict: Where Should You Go?
Forest supporters should head straight for The Larwood & Voce or The Trent Navigation Inn for peak matchday atmosphere.
Away fans will feel most comfortable around Meadow Lane or West Bridgford pubs like The Broken Wheelbarrow or Stratford Haven.
For food, West Bridgford’s cafes and restaurants make it easy to grab anything from a full sit-down meal to a quick breakfast before heading to the City Ground.