Leicester pub and bar guide
Here's a guide to the pubs and bars of Leicester - good or bad, we bring you the most talked about venues and the places you have to visit at least once. We've included a few user reviews, to give you an idea of what to expect when you get there. Or you can follow the links to see full details and all reviews for each pub.
The Criterion, Leicester
Address: 44 Millstone Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5JN [map]
Phone: 0116 262 5418
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.6 miles), South Wigston (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Out of the Vaults, Leicester
Address: 24 King Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 6RL [map]
Phone: 01160797622
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.4 miles), South Wigston (3.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Am slowly warming to The Pub (see posts below). The interior is NOT at all like a pub, so the name is very misleading. It's a dimly lit corridor of a place. It used to be a pub many years ago named The Demontfort. Then it was knocked about and half of it became a burger bar.
Anyway, there is a great selection of ales including Oakham, Beowulf, Leatherbritches and loads of guests.
Jazz on Friday lunchtimes.
Closed Sunday evenings.
The food looks OK, but not the usual pub fayre.; a little pretentious maybe.
The business has transferred to The Pub, 12 New Walk, Leicester which is virtually across the road. It is run bu Paul and currently has 10 beers on. There are however 15 handpumps for when it is better established. Also great food and 20 continetal beers and lagers on tap.
Anyway, there is a great selection of ales including Oakham, Beowulf, Leatherbritches and loads of guests.
Jazz on Friday lunchtimes.
Closed Sunday evenings.
The food looks OK, but not the usual pub fayre.; a little pretentious maybe.
31 Jan 2010 21:14
This pub has closed.The business has transferred to The Pub, 12 New Walk, Leicester which is virtually across the road. It is run bu Paul and currently has 10 beers on. There are however 15 handpumps for when it is better established. Also great food and 20 continetal beers and lagers on tap.
23 Oct 2009 11:40
Jury's out for me on "The Pub" so far, but it's early days. It is a bit waiting room like and whilst there may be 15 handpumps, only 7 or 8 beers are on, of generally good standard to be fair. Always found the landlord fine. He wasn't around when I last visited, but his staff were continuing to serve drinks to a group of guys who were obviously seriously drunk which was concerning.18 Oct 2009 15:13
Swan and Rushes, Leicester
Address: Infirmary Square, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5WR [map]
Phone: 0116 2339167
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.6 miles), South Wigston (3.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Sad to lower my rating from a 10 as the quality of the ale has not been up to scratch of late. Served too warm. What's going on?
Friendly & cheerful barmaid.
Word of warning: Avoid this place pre-Leicester City or Tigers matches!
Very good ales and seven hand pumps on the go during our mid week visit. As well as the usual Oakham JHB and Bishops Farewell, and Batemans XXB, these included Microbrewery beers from Potbelly Brewery in Kettering and Crouch Vales Brewers Gold.
All beers tried were in excellent nick and although fairly early evening and not particularly busy, the barmaid was courteous and efficient and we encountered none of the service issues referred to below.
31 Jan 2010 20:55
Good selection of beers, but the decor could do with looking at (Green ceiling, plastic flowers in the external hanging baskets). Friendly & cheerful barmaid.
Word of warning: Avoid this place pre-Leicester City or Tigers matches!
24 Dec 2009 10:39
The Swan and Rushes is probably the best traditional real ale pub I have visited so far on my jaunts up to Leicester. Two bars either side of a central serving area, both with an assortment of comfortable wooden seating and one bar sporting an array of posters of previous Jazz events. Very good ales and seven hand pumps on the go during our mid week visit. As well as the usual Oakham JHB and Bishops Farewell, and Batemans XXB, these included Microbrewery beers from Potbelly Brewery in Kettering and Crouch Vales Brewers Gold.
All beers tried were in excellent nick and although fairly early evening and not particularly busy, the barmaid was courteous and efficient and we encountered none of the service issues referred to below.
28 Nov 2009 12:43
The Cow and Plough, Oadby
Address: Stoughton Farm Park, Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 2FB [map]
Phone: 0116 272 0852
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (2.7 miles), South Wigston (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Beer is generally ok, food overpriced. Be prepared to wait some time to be served when busy. The bar staff, mostly young ladies are ok, but have a tendancy to ask "who's next" when there is more than 2 people waiting to be served, when they either do know or like any good bar staff, certainly should!
18 Oct 2009 15:07
With a bar staff that seems to change at least as regularly as the generally top guest ales they serve here. An obvious "must" on the "Oadby barcrawl" much beloved by certain first year University of Leicester students living in Halls, which starts here, and continues on to (and finishes at) 'Spoons. Essentially an "old mans" pub, and a counterpoint to Steamin' Billy's more student-orientated "Western". Always friendly staff. 30 May 2009 16:14
Well said trainman! Called in on an all too rare visit last Saturday. Excellent pint of Spring Mild and polite service.12 May 2009 09:10
Barley Mow, Leicester
Address: 93 Granby Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 6FB [map]
Phone: 0116 2544663
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.3 miles), South Wigston (3.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I have used this pub over the last few weeks as I'm working in Leicester. I worked here the same time last year, and I must say..... What a change!! The pub looks cleaner and the new paint job and seat coverings look good and have really given some life back to the pub. The main thing was the beer!! As a real ale drinker it was great to see such clean and tasty ale. A real good selection and the "Forty Bob" is a real steal at £2.00!!! Very morish!! Ate at the pub a couple of times too and the food was good. Nice to see the pool table too, and a nice warm welcome from the staff. Nice to see a few pubs are still sticking to traditional values!! I would highly recomend a visit!!
27 Jan 2010 01:44
They had Wadsworth 6X on yesterday alongside the the usual Everards. Popped in for a quick one while waiting for a train.13 Oct 2009 11:05
everards beer,located close to the train station & advertising acoustic music on sundays30 Sep 2009 10:59
The Ale Wagon, Leicester
Address: 27 Rutland Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 1RE [map]
Phone: 01162 623330
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.3 miles), South Wigston (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Went in there on a Saturday, and the place was dead. No attempt to make (obvious) first-time visitors welcome and the decor's very dated.
That said, a decent little selection of beers, and an excellent cleavage from the barmaid
That said, a decent little selection of beers, and an excellent cleavage from the barmaid
24 Dec 2009 10:36
This is an excellent 1930's pub, its interior undergoing careful restoration. The hosts, the Hoskins family, have been brewing since 1895 I believe, though unfortunately this not the case now. However, they have confirmed that brewing will commence not far in the future, either at the pub or another location. The beer served is always in fine condition and with a good selection. I particularly enjoyed the recent beer festival (Winter 2009) with a wide range of well kept ales and ciders, particularly considering it was served from a stillage. Overall great beer and fine hosts.12 Dec 2009 10:00
Comments below are true. The beer is well kept but the atmosphere and service are dire. 19 Oct 2009 22:21
The Rutland and Derby, Leicester
Address: Millstone Lane, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5JN [map]
Phone: 0116 262 3299
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.6 miles), South Wigston (3.6 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
The new landlord is the same landlord as at The Hind and The Black Horse if you want an indication of how well-run things will be.
As for the beer, there was no Everards, strange when you think that the place is so close to the brewery.
It was obvious the R&D is in a state of turmoil, it was cold in there, the comfy sofas had been moved from the rear of the pub, some of the wall fixtures are missing etc.... I can only hope that the "new" R&D" will the worth the wait!
I really hope the new owners don't mess this pub up.
26 Nov 2009 11:30
I swung by here yesterday (9/11/09), and found it open, but not as pleasant as before. It was 12.30, so I asked for the menu, to which I was told that food was not served here, as there has been a new owner, and the kitchen needs new equipment. So a packet of crisps it was then.As for the beer, there was no Everards, strange when you think that the place is so close to the brewery.
It was obvious the R&D is in a state of turmoil, it was cold in there, the comfy sofas had been moved from the rear of the pub, some of the wall fixtures are missing etc.... I can only hope that the "new" R&D" will the worth the wait!
I really hope the new owners don't mess this pub up.
10 Nov 2009 08:41
I liked it on a previous visit, great selection of beers. however it was closed yesterday when i tried to visit - it was 5.30 maybve they don't open till later not sure 23 Jul 2009 09:32
Marquis Wellington, Leicester
Address: 139 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 1EF [map]
Phone: 0116 2555833
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.3 miles), South Wigston (3.3 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
A large open plan pub which has obviously had a refurbishment recently presumably to attract the local student population. Nothing wrong with that, it just seems a bit soulless to me. There's a good choice of ales, and its an interesting building, so a pleasant enough place to spend some time in.
When I come into an Everards house (which I generally try to avoid whenever possible) I don't want to be confronted by cream sofas, what appears to be laminate flooring (?!?!), beige and mushroom walls (all the wonderful Wellington quotes have been painted over) and pretentious, self-obsessed, student-type bar staff.
Equally, I do not expect to be charged £2.80 for a decidedly lacklustre pint of 3.8% York Guzzler and the "pleasure" of drinking in such a generic environment.
Still, at least the gents have been left in their pristine glory eh?
Popular with students apparently, and they're welcome to it.
3 Aug 2009 08:46
Walked up to this Good Beer Guide pub in March while visiting Leicester for the beer festival. Quiet and clean looking pub. 9 handpumps sounds great, but only a couple of Everards on. No problem with the Everards Original we had. Very good condition, but young lad said they were waiting for deliveries. This was not the first time we had heard that reason for lack of choice that day.10 Jul 2009 11:03
The latest refurbishment has utterly killed any vestige of character this place once had; where once was a pleasant, fairly traditional pub interior one now finds oneself faced with just another soulless, identikit bar.When I come into an Everards house (which I generally try to avoid whenever possible) I don't want to be confronted by cream sofas, what appears to be laminate flooring (?!?!), beige and mushroom walls (all the wonderful Wellington quotes have been painted over) and pretentious, self-obsessed, student-type bar staff.
Equally, I do not expect to be charged £2.80 for a decidedly lacklustre pint of 3.8% York Guzzler and the "pleasure" of drinking in such a generic environment.
Still, at least the gents have been left in their pristine glory eh?
Popular with students apparently, and they're welcome to it.
1 Apr 2009 16:36
The Globe, Leicester
Address: 43 Silver Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5EU [map]
Phone: 0116 262 9819
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.6 miles), South Wigston (3.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Very good pub, friendly staff and good beer in an interesting old building.
2 Aug 2009 11:05
I've already commented on this pub ,but it's worth another post. Went in there last weekend and had some superb Everard's Pitch Black stout. Who in their right mind would drink Guinness when this is on offer ? Great city centre pub.4 Apr 2009 08:12
Great pub with Everard's ales kept in tip-top condition. Friendly welcome and good, proper pub crowd - where all are welcome. Serves decent food at sensible prices. Well worth a visit.27 Mar 2009 17:28
The Shakespeare's Head, Leicester
Address: Southgates, Southgates, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5SH [map]
Phone: 0116 262 4378
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.7 miles), South Wigston (3.7 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Went through the door and nearly fell over the pub cat,chewing on a chicken bone. This place has probebly never been decorated since it was opened. The pint of mild i had was very good and at a price that was a giveaway. OK if you dont mind sitting in somewhere thats a bit dour.
2 Feb 2010 15:00
Agree with previous reviewer, the Barnsley was ridiculously cold. I went for the Old Tom just before leaving - a sensational beer, that I will drink next time. You almost feel embarrassed when buying a round in here, such are the low prices.9 Oct 2009 01:03
Interesting place. Frequented by bus drivers that have finished work. Well, I hope they've finished work and are not going back to their buses after drinking! Sometimes has scary rough-looking types in there due to the cheap prices I expect. The Barnsley Bitter can be a bit too cold, but once it's warmed up a bit it's rather splendid.28 Sep 2009 20:55
The Chandlers Arms, Lutterworth
Address: Fenny Lane, Shearsby, Lutterworth, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE17 6PL [map]
Phone: 01162 478384
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Reviews by BITE users:
To update my previous review and rating, following a few more visits I would stick my neck out and say this pub probably serves the best quality real ale in Leicestershire. Every pint I've had has been excellent, even from breweries that are not my favourite. I believe the quality is down to quick beer turnover (the landlord believes in going for quality not quantity) and the excellent cellar management.
The Chandlers has won awards from Camra and rightly so. Shame more pubs can't keep beer so well and deliver such high quality.
The Chandlers has won awards from Camra and rightly so. Shame more pubs can't keep beer so well and deliver such high quality.
1 Jan 2010 15:40
Fantastic country pub serving top notch real ales and food. Beer quality just about the best you can get. House beers Rev James and Dowbridge Acris along with 3 or 4 guests. 25 Oct 2009 15:21
Had an excellent pint and Sunday dinner here recently. Landlord seemed fine, will certainly return18 Oct 2009 14:59
Western, Leicester
Address: 70 Western Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE3 0GA [map]
Phone: 0116 2540056
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (1.1 miles), South Wigston (3.4 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Very pleasant little pub with some excellent beers that are not always easy to find.
24 Dec 2009 10:42
I don't tend to visit this pub very much nowadays on account of the large slobbering dog that hassles anyone and everyone eating crisps. The dog does not belong to the pub, but is almost always in the there. There have also been screaming kids in there when I've visited. 13 Dec 2009 19:34
Called in this Good Beer Guide pub in March while in Leicester for the beer fesrtival and enjoyed a couple of Steamin' Billy beers and a Beartown. A popular Everards pub run by the Steamin' Billy company.10 Jul 2009 10:48
High Cross, Leicester
Address: 103-105 High Street, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 4JB [map]
Phone: 01162519218
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.7 miles), South Wigston (3.9 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
I visited Leicester for the first time on Thursday and was surprised to find a lack of pubs in the centre of town serving real ale. Maybe I didn't look in the right places and ended up settling for a pint of Guinness in "The Market Tavern" which I couldn't finish. Later in the evening I found "The High Cross". Normally I don't seek out spoons pubs as they lack something in character and the staff are usually robotic and soulless. However, this pub is something of an exception. The service was efficient and overall the staff (and other customers) were friendly. It happened to be curry club night when I dropped in and I enjoyed a generous serving of lamb rogan josh and a pint of Ruddles ale in comfortable surroundings for £4.99. The High Cross is a clean well run pub but there is nothing about the place that would make me rush back. It lacks charisma and feels like it is missing a few heartbeats in terms of atmosphere. I'll give it 6.
5 Dec 2009 02:32
THIS PUB USED TO BE A HANG OUT FOR LEICESTERS INFAMOUS BABY SQUAD FOOTBALL HOOLIGANS. ITS STILL FREQUENTED BY A FEW TO THIS DAY. CHEAP RUBBISH THAT YOU WOULD EXPECT FROM WETHERSPOONS. 10 Aug 2009 16:41
Straight up what you see is what you get pub. Cheap and cheerful. If you're not expecting too much then you'll be happy!6 May 2009 08:31
The Hind, Leicester
Address: 49 London Road, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE2 0PD [map]
Phone: 01162550936
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.1 miles), South Wigston (3.5 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Agree with Sharp on this one. Loads of potential, particularly due to its location. Have you also noticed it's probably the most expensive pub in Leicester?
4 Mar 2010 19:10
Decided to slide into this ale house before my train home to Sheffield. Upon arrival, I was greeted by the young friendly barman who efficiently dispatched my Deuchars. Sadly the ale selection was somewhat limited - alongisde the previously mentioned pedestrian ale was Marstons Pedigree and Wells Bombardier. No guest ales available which was disappointing, even with a vast selection of pump climps adorning the walls. The pub was lacking in atmosphere - I represented one third of the clientel, with 1 drunk playing darts and another angry man from Hull shouting at the barman. The pub itself though is pleasant, and has plenty of potential, but I wouldn't visit again unless I was particularly thirsty.3 Mar 2010 10:49
Had Theakston's Best, Old Peculier, Greene King IPA, Bombardier and maybe some others on, OP being the only one I'd have had. 1 Oct 2009 20:41
Lloyds No 1, Leicester
Address: Corn Exchange, Market Place, Leicester, Leicestershire, LE1 5GG [map]
Phone: 01162 538533
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Nearest train stations: Leicester (0.5 miles), South Wigston (3.8 miles)
Reviews by BITE users:
Went in while up in Leicester for the football. Cheap beer didnt try the food.
Very dark interior a bit depressing. Decided i needed the toilet. Never been in one with such a smell of stale urine. Clearly management dont care about the comfort of the customer just the profits. Only good for a cheap pint.
Very dark interior a bit depressing. Decided i needed the toilet. Never been in one with such a smell of stale urine. Clearly management dont care about the comfort of the customer just the profits. Only good for a cheap pint.
2 Feb 2010 14:55
Had some Old Peculier that was decidely off but the barmaid replaced it with no questions and asked what I would like as a replacement. As the OP had been more expensive than any of the other ales they served I would have liked reimbursement of the excess but she was busy. The atmosphere isn't great here, although the doormen seemed very friendly. On a Thursday night the entire upstairs section was shut off. Handy for the later opening times than many other places, but really not a great pub.10 Jan 2010 17:54
Went in for the first time a couple of weeks ago albeit at 11am in the morning. Typical Wetherspoons pub and seemed okay. Worthwhile if you want a cheap one!5 Dec 2009 09:28
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I have 10 pins from Potbelly to put on back of bar each day if required.
Comedy festival has been a real hoot- lovely to see lots of new faces enjoying the venue & it's acts. Apologies to the gentleman that insisited the pub is on Newark St. and threatened to call the police if I called him back again with correct directions- I will change our address accordingly.
Please continue to make reservations for large parties. It is not very fair to remove the reserved signs from tables for your unannounced group to usurp.I've done a 12 hour AFD shift- nighty night! X
when will the beer list for the upcoming Northants/Warwicks beer festival be available?
All the best
... So this 'barman' is probably me, the manager, that does not have to serve constantly and collect glasses yet chooses to OVER his myriad jobs(see above) or have the inclination to watch you muse over the blackboard at the expense of your fellow punters that are gasping for beer & pizza. Ta.