It’s taken an embarrassing amount of time for summer to reach us over here in the Midlands, but as soon as the sun made a rare appearance? I found myself on the hunt for a gorgeous outdoor bar where I could make the most of it. One place that seemed to tick all of the boxes was The Magic Garden in Nottingham, so of course I had to check it out on this particularly balmy evening.

Phwoar - can you think of a better place to be on a summer's day?

You'll find this pretty perch located in a Grade II-listed Georgian building (anyone remember the old Jamie’s Italian? RIP) on the cobbled streets of the ever-popular Lace Market. On arrival, you're greeted with an Instagrammable floral archway over the entrance - pop through to discover a vibrant dining room showcasing an oasis of shrubbery and silk flowers hanging in almost every corner. But that's not where it stops; it's also home to an idyllic garden. This luscious landscape comes complete with colourful umbrellas and lanterns overhead, as well as fairy lights and gigantic disco balls – because why not? 

The Magic Garden Nottingham's happy hour offers 2-4-1 cocktails from Sunday to Friday.

Being the most indecisive person ever, it was difficult to choose what to order, but with the help of our friendly waiter, our decision-making was made a little easier. We chose the Lily Pad (£10.95), an intensely green concoction made up of gin, lychee, Lillet Blanc, kiwi, foam and lime, adorned with pink and purple edible flowers (naturally). The Cherry Blossom (£9.95) then arrived tall and well-balanced, mixing Campari, amaretto, cherry, lemon and soda. But we weren’t stopping there – the sun was out, after all - so we got another round in, and this time went for a Rosy Cheeks (£11.95) to satisfy my need for pink drinks. This beautifully presented tipple was certainly my favourite of the evening; marrying tequila, raspberry liqueur, rose water, pineapple, coconut and lemon, it was the ultimate flavour combination. Next up, The Tiki One (£10.95) – a mojito-style drink packed with coconut rum, pineapple, coconut syrup, lime and mint that really packed a punch.

Fronting burgers, small plates, salads and more, there's something for everyone here.

Cocktails glugged, we needed a bite to eat and opted for a roasted aubergine flatbread (£13.75). The hand-stretched sourdough base came topped with harissa, cheese, pickled shallots and a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. We also had to try the baked Italian meatballs (£8.95); rich, saucy and so full of flavour, it was the ideal accompaniment to dip my generous portion of skin on fries (£4.95) into.

The DesignMyNight Digest

Whether you're a cocktail lover, looking for a date night spot or a place to chill out with friends, The Magic Garden is for you. Not only is the venue a total stunner, from the interior to the outdoor area, but it also has a fantastic lineup of creative mixes that will keep you on your toes. As for the food - the options are there if you're peckish, but personally I think the drinks completely steal the show. Like me, you'll most likely annoy your pals by refusing to let anyone take a sip 'til you have the perfect picture for the 'Gram.

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