Pretty much what Benjii and stkev7 have been saying.
Oceania is normally the best club on a night out.
Lace Market nowadays, lots of places closed now. However Pitcher and Piano still pretty good, Dogma still going, also recommend Tantra.
Would recommend BZR opposite Nottingham Castle entrance.
For live bands The Approach is by far the best place, just down from BZR opposite Walkabout close to Market Square.
Matchday, obviously Hooters is more or less next door to Meadow Lane!
Southbank as someone has already mentioned.
Have the Navigation and Globe nearby. The old Casa has now re-opened, think it is called RiverBank, not been there yet, good food I hear though.
Other nice pubs ye old trip to jersulalem below the castle.
Any of the ones near the canal are pretty good, Via Fossa, Canal House, Fellows Morton and Claymore.