Cleaver and Wake, Nottingham – 24 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Cleaver and Wake -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 24 user ratings

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1 The Great Northern Close, Nottingham NG2 3JL

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: Closed, Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Nestled in Nottingham's vibrant nightlife scene, Cleaver and Wake stands out as a popular venue for students looking to unwind and have a great time. Located at The Island Quarter development, this establishment combines a lively atmosphere with a focus on quality food and drinks, making it an ideal spot for pre-drinks or a night out. The venue is known for its buzzing energy, with students frequently mentioning how it sets the perfect mood for a fun evening. With a diverse crowd and an inclusive vibe, it's a place where everyone feels at home, and nights here are often filled with laughter and good company.

The atmosphere at Cleaver and Wake is one of its strongest points, as students consistently rave about the vibrant and energetic environment. Many reviews highlight the fun and lively ambiance, making it a great spot to kick off your night. However, it's worth noting that it can get quite packed, which might leave you feeling a bit squished at times. This is something to consider if you prefer a more spacious setting. Overall, the venue’s atmosphere is described as buzzing and lively, perfectly suited for students looking to connect with friends and meet new people.

When it comes to music, Cleaver and Wake does not disappoint. The venue features a DJ who knows how to keep the energy up, with students often mentioning how the music makes it hard not to dance. Many reviews express that the music is a big highlight of their nights, contributing to the overall fun and lively experience. The combination of great tunes and a packed dance floor creates an exciting environment that makes every night feel special.

In terms of drinks, Cleaver and Wake is praised for its affordability, making it a solid choice for students on a budget. The drinks are reasonably priced, allowing you to enjoy a few rounds without breaking the bank. Students appreciate this aspect, as it makes for a more enjoyable night out without the stress of overspending. The venue is also noted for its varied crowd, which adds to the fun atmosphere, as you’ll find a mix of people all there for a good time.

The queue experience at Cleaver and Wake is generally regarded as manageable, with students noting that the wait is not too long and definitely worth it once you're inside. The venue has received high ratings for its queue management, which is a significant plus for those who want to get in and start enjoying their night without unnecessary delays. This efficient entry experience contributes to the overall smoothness of the night, allowing you to relax and enjoy yourself from the moment you arrive.

Students who frequent Cleaver and Wake often describe their nights as memorable and filled with laughter. Many express that they always have a blast here, and it’s common to see groups of friends enjoying each other’s company while soaking up the lively atmosphere. It's also a popular spot for students looking for a chill place to unwind after a long week, although the vibe can change depending on the crowd. The venue is often described as a perfect starting point for a night out, setting the mood for what’s to come.

While Cleaver and Wake has many strengths, there are a few caveats to keep in mind. The venue can get quite crowded, which might not be ideal for everyone. If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, you may want to visit during off-peak hours or consider it as a pre-drinks stop rather than the main event. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, personal preferences for music can vary, so it’s worth checking out a night that aligns with your tastes.

In summary, Cleaver and Wake is a highly rated venue for students looking to enjoy a fun and affordable night out. With its vibrant atmosphere, great music, and inclusive crowd, it’s a place that many students return to time and again. Whether you’re looking to kick off your night or simply enjoy a laid-back evening with friends, this venue is sure to deliver a memorable experience.

For those considering a visit, Cleaver and Wake is best suited for students who enjoy a lively atmosphere, good music, and affordable drinks. It's a great place to socialize and have fun, making it a must-visit in Nottingham’s nightlife scene.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for socializing.
  • Affordable drinks, making it budget-friendly for students.
  • Great music that keeps the energy high throughout the night.
  • Efficient queue management, minimizing wait times.
  • Inclusive crowd that fosters a fun and friendly vibe.
  • Perfect starting point for a night out with friends.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get crowded, leading to a squished feeling.
  • Atmosphere may vary depending on the crowd.
  • Not ideal for those seeking a quieter or more relaxed setting.
  • Music preferences may not suit everyone.
  • Limited opening hours on Mondays, which may affect plans.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, energetic night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, but smart-casual is recommended for a night out.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
  • Check the music lineup in advance to ensure it matches your taste.
  • The venue can get busy, so be prepared for a lively atmosphere.
  • Consider visiting during the week for a slightly quieter experience.

❓ Common Questions

What is Cleaver and Wake like?

Cleaver and Wake offers a lively and energetic atmosphere, perfect for students looking to socialize and have fun.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable and not too long, making for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, drinks are affordably priced, making it a budget-friendly option for students.

What music does Cleaver and Wake play?

The venue features a DJ who plays a mix of energetic music, keeping the atmosphere lively.

Reviews
Overall
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It's got a nice atmosphere but it can get a bit packed sometimes, so you might feel a little squished
By user976225 on Mar 25th 2026
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Looking back, it was a good spot. affordable drinks and always buzzing with energy.
By user939026 on Mar 18th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. service is solid and it makes for an easy night out.
By user602814 on Mar 15th 2026
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Always a varied crowd which makes it fun. felt right at home there
By user596767 on Feb 26th 2026
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Atmosphere is always buzzing, exactly what you want on a night out.
By user580873 on Feb 12th 2026
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Music was so good, couldn’t help but move the whole night. just a really fun place to be.
By user348304 on Jan 30th 2026
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Each night feels like something special. the atmosphere makes it easy to connect with others and enjoy the moment.
By user683456 on Jan 20th 2026
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Had a wicked time and can't wait to go back. the atmosphere just hits different.
By user242177 on Jan 13th 2026
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A chill way to wrap up a long week, just depends on the crowd sometimes 😌
By user532721 on Jan 4th 2026
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Perfect spot to kick off the night before heading elsewhere. sets the mood for what’s to come.
By user942078 on Dec 27th 2025
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Had some proper laughs here with mates. always seems to be a good time when we're together.
By user237127 on Dec 18th 2025
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Crowd's pretty laid-back and drinks are priced well. it's a solid spot to hang out with mates.
By user337103 on Dec 8th 2025
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Really inclusive atmosphere which was cool. nice to see everyone getting along.
By user887302 on Nov 28th 2025
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Nights out at cleaver and wake are always a blast, never a boring moment.
By user880228 on Nov 17th 2025
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Such a good laugh, everyone was just there for a good time!
By user790238 on Nov 2nd 2025
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Really enjoyed the night – will definitely be going back.
By user118231 on Oct 28th 2025
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The music's a big highlight. the DJ really knows how to keep the energy up.
By user464730 on Oct 24th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user188557 on Oct 21st 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user940039 on Oct 17th 2025
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Exactly what you want for a night out – fun, easy and affordable.
By user255308 on Oct 14th 2025
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Perfect spot for student nights, had a blast and would tell my mates to check it out.
By user804226 on Oct 11th 2025
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user752270 on Oct 6th 2025
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user232701 on Sep 30th 2025
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user855788 on Sep 25th 2025
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user850295 on Sep 18th 2025