please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This place is now called Sloanes. It was very quiet on our Sunday afternoon visit with only one other customer. I'm not 100% sure, but the wife and I guessed it was a gay friendly bar, unless everybody refers to one another as 'duckie' around these parts! There are no real ales on offer any more. The keg selection was Stella, Budweiser, Guiness & Gaymers Cider. Not our kind of bar. Try the Pub, just up the street.
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The Pub now has it's own page................
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Just to update, have received a PM from Paul at The Pub advising that the Leicester Morris Men are still very much a part of the new venue, the support for Leicester Tigers fans remains solid and there are indeed plans for a Beer Festival in the pipeline.
Great news, and nice to have a direct response from a licensee!
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As a huge fan of the old Out of the Vaults I was very much enthused at the prospect of this place opening, and after a shaky start there are some indications that this might become a cracking little place - but there are some aspects that seem to be putting a lot of people off.
Initial teething problems (such as having brand new lines fitted for the draught ale but not seasoned prior to opening, resulting in all the beers tasting of rubber for the first week or so) have been ironed out, and the full 15 handpumps are now in use, reflecting a steady increase in trade.
What seems to be lacking however is the feel of OOTV; yes, the old place leaked when it rained, and yes, there were sometimes mushrooms growing out of the window panes, but there was an easy charm and comfort to the establishment which is sadly lacking from the new place ... gone are the CAMRA publications, and most of the Leicester Tigers paraphenalia has failed to make its way on to the walls of the new venture; nor have I seen any sign of the Leicester Morris Men who used to frequent OOTV.
The problem (I think) is that the guys running it are trying to court a different type of customer - the wealthy business and legal types, rather than the serious ale drinkers and rugby fans who made up the core trade base of The Vaults, and that's a shame.
Rather than recreating a traditional pub feel they have opted for subdued (gloomy) lighting in a building that still feels like a mid-eighties wine bar, and an emphasis on over-priced and slightly pretentious food.
Sadly the range of real ale seems to have gone downhill too (plenty available, but not as many rare and exciting brews), with condition being somewhat hit and miss (beers coming on while still hazy, others hanging around for a week or more) and, rather disturbingly, I have yet to hear of any plans for a beer festival - once a regular mainstay of OOTV.
As a result, a lot of people have not taken to the new venue, and it's a shame - the potential is there, but there's still a way to go; it is perhaps unwise to forsake the custom base that has made you a success, and perhaps a little arrogant to adopt a monicker like "The Pub" for the new venture.
Having said all that, kudos to the guys running the place for trying something new and not being afraid to take a risk - I sincerely hope it pays off!
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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.
Slake - 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.
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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.
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Yes, a superb range of continental beers, shame the same cannot be said of the real ale range. Sadly still the same old, same old range from across the road and lacking in taste. 'Mein Host' has said it's down to the new pipes, unfortunately having heard the other regulars, it seems to be more than that. Lacking in atmosphere, I have heard it compared to the waiting room at Luton bus station, the barstaff too busy texting to serve, and the Landlord is still as rude and self opiniated as he used to be at the Vaults. If this is the future of real ale.....
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Sharp is correct "Mein Host" Paul & the brains of the operation have moved over to the other side of New Walk. Its now called The Pub. OOTV had the best beer in Leicester and now THE Pub has the best beer at the best venue. It's the first real ale pub in Leicester to offer some style in addition to great beer. Its always busy on rugby and association days and now with the great range of continental draft and bottled beers could be viewed as one of the best pubs in the midlands. Go to it if you are local but also worth a special trip if you are not.
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"The Pub" has now opened on New Walk and is a trendy ale bar next door to what appears to be a closed down burger joint. The listing here needs to be edited though. Same bloke running the place by the looks of things - there are indeed 15 handpumps - but only 6 or 7 ales are on (not that this is a bad thing!). Unbelieveable selection of European beers on draught - I counted 13! I never went into Out of the Vaults but I really hope this place catches on, as I think it is the future of real ale establishments. 8/10
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Sad but true this has now closed. It had really turned around in the last year and become a great convivial pub again. The beer quality was excellent and the chillie pickled eggs were knock-out!!! They'd even proudly hung their Pub of the Month awards etc on the walls. I somehow doubt the new venture The Pub won't have the same cosy atmosphere. We will have to see. Best of luck anyway.
Slake - 28 Sep 2009 20:24 |
Reopening today as "The Pub" just along the street at 12b New Walk, LE1 6TF with 15 handpumps.
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Well closed when visited a couple of weeks ago and looked like it had been for awhile. There seemed to be a few other pubs closed in the area as I walked to this place from the football ground
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Best choice of real ale and best quality of ale to be found in Leicester. Landlord is an ale fan and it shows. Very much a rugby themed pub, appears that opposition fans are welcomed as much as the home.
Limited, if any food (rolls are on sale sometimes) but if you like your real ale this is the place for you for choice and consistant quality.
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Excellent pub, great range of ales. Very minor quibble - there is a dartboard but you have to bring your own darts!
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Popped in yesterday, great place wonderful range of draught and bottled beers, wished I'd had time to stay longer
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Can concur with the recent comments below, this is an excellent no frills pub focussing on the Ale.. It�s not very welcoming from the outside, but have the courage of your convictions to enter to find a rectangular bar supporting 12 real ale hand pumps. Unfortunately no frills also means no food, and as the wife was starving and didn�t take too kindly to my suggestion for a liquid lunch, we could only stay for the one Oakham JHB. But next time we�re up in Leicester I will give her free reign in the HighCross and then I will return on my terms.
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In Leicester on unsuccessful rugby related business, you sometimes tend to hide in pubs, but I really want everyone visiting Leicester to drop in even just for one and see Paul and his staff at 'The Vaults. Yes, it's a Real Ale Pub (cue the chin scratching and the Camra members possibly??), and on a saturday you have to like sport - rugby in particular - but allow Paul to lead you through some of his beautifully kept beers and you're definitely on a winner even if your team hasn't done it at Welford Road (or the Walkers...). A wonderful welcome, a big smile and a handshake when you're not at home, gives us a wonderful lift to anyone and changed our view of the area. I hope we're back in Leicester soon, because Paul and his lovely staff are on our map and we'll be back!! Just hope Tom and the crowd got home safe!!
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Great range of beers. Popped in here whilst the six nations was on and the pub was packed with rugby but the staff were still able to get everyone served in a reasonable time. Superb beer and a great atmosphere.
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Excellent little pub catering very well for the beer scooping community; 12 handpumps generally in use, usually comprising an Oakham Ale, a (dark) offering from Beowulf, one from Leatherbritches and at least one from their LocAle brewer of choice, Belvoir, with the remainder dedicated to ever changing guests - Fernandes, Salamander, Salopian, Sheffield Beer Works and Elland have all been recent visitors.
Staff and management are both friendly and knowledgable, and the regular beer festivals (every 2 - 3 months generally) attract serious ale afficionados from the length and breadth of the country - expect to see the likes of Brian Moore and Mick the Tick in attendance.
The ales are well complemented by a strong selection of bottled ciders and a steadily developing continental and world bottled selection.
Ever popular with rugby fans (and sporting some rather fine memorabilia), the pub recently made the move to install a dart board and has now has its own team on the go.
Beer quality is consistently good to excellent, and it's very rare that I go in without finding something new and interesting to sup on.
Along with the Swan & Rushes and the Criterion, this is one of the three Leicester pubs that any serious beer head should visit while in Leicester.
Criticisms about the decor are valid to a degree, but this place is about beer not appearances, and should be judged accordingly.
If there is a criticism then it must lie in the decision to revert to former monicker VIN IV ... it'll always be Out of the Vaults to us!
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Had an extensive range of around 12 beers on during my visit.Has joined the LocAle scheme. Found the staff to be both friendly and efficient. Shame there were not more in to enjoy it.
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Great time had at the beer festival on Saturday. 21 ales on and all 14 sampled in tip top condition. Lovely sarnies to help the ale go down, and friendly knowledgable staff and a good mix of customers. It is now called VIN IV. Not to be missed by any lover of real ale in Leicester.
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Not much to look at, but they have got the most important thing right.... the Beer!! Had an extensive range of around 12 beers on during our visit and was much taken by some of the Dark Ales on offer. Found the staff to be both friendly and efficient.
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Appears to have reverted back to previous name of Vin IV.
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There are three superb real ale pubs in Leicester city centre. Out of The Vaults, Swan and Rushes and The Criterium. I was in the Vaults a couple of weeks ago and I counted 11 or 12 handpumps, half a dozen tap beers (mainly imports), a fridge full of bottles and cider on draft ! Come on, what more could you want ? I can't understand the comments about beer quality. It's always been spot-on for me. The only only negative is the cramped gents toilets. They were probably designed for the volumes associated with wine sippers rather than ale guzzlers.
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I am warming to this place rapidly - I was in three times over the weekend just gone and got to sample two great ales from Milk Street, plus an almost perfectly kept pint of Oakham JHB. It is a barn though, albeit one full of mirrors.
No food served, but they do stock an amazing array of snacks... More pubs should sell Bombay Mix!
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Getting better. Massive improvements on beer quality the last few times I've been. Actually tastes as it should, not of cardboard. Smells like a barn, but you get accustomed to it after a few minutes. Recommended.
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Aimed at real ale enthusiasts this is a friendly venue serving quality beers. Went there for a friend's StagFest, as he lives in Bedford the fact he had his celebrations here says the Vaults must be doing things right.
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Don't let the smell of wet dog as you enter put you off. Great selection of about a dozen handpumps very well served.
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I think the photo here has a �wine-bar� look to it, but the interior is nothing like that. Wood floor, sturdy wood tables, chairs, benches, long-ish L-shaped bar offering 12 handpumps, all on and in good nick Sat pm. Beer emporium that may cater for rockers, I wasn�t that keen on some of the metal soundtrack, but it did at least vary. The barman (owner?) knew his stuff, chatted about beers, sold us some homemade pickles, perfect for the subsequent dash to Melton Mowbray � I hope he enjoyed the Thompson�s pie we brought back for him. Stapleford Full Mash (5.9%), Bees Navigator, Acorn Chinook IPA, Oakham JHB, No Bully Dozer, Bishops Farewell, Doc Mortons Brainwash, Abbeydale Matins, Leeds Old Accomplice, Beowulf Dragon Smoke, Holdens Night Train, Loddon Wowzer. Impressive line-up.
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Beer is always good. Upto twelve handpumps on but often as not just 5 or 6. LL can be a bit of a surly bugger but who can't on occasions. He knows his beer and his fest are legendary. See scoopgen on yahoo for details.
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The decor not up to much,but the great selection of beers made up for it.
We found all the beers to be of good quality,(that we tried too many for one vist)will be back soon to try some more!
Staff friendly and helpful.
lotus - 30 Mar 2008 11:36 |
Came to Leicester for the various pub beer festivals, and enjoyed the selection of beers and the company in this pub. I had no problem with any of the beers served from the stillage, or with the staff serving the beers. Enjoyed the cheese and onion bap too.
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I like this place, came in for my second visit on Saturday following Saints. Lots of good beer, the Potbelly Beijing Black was excellent, and the barmaid was very pleasant.
Will be back.
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Got to concur with the opinions that this place is in decline. There's quite a bad vibe in here now, seemingly coming from the owners/staff. That would be bearable had the keeping of the ale also not degenerated. And yes, it's a filthy, filthy pit of a place.
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Superb choice of unusual ales from all over the place, and all in superb condition. Very knowledgable staff and, despite some of the corniest jokes from the gaffer, a good bit of banter at the bar.
The decor is somewhat basic, bare wood, old church pews, and dimly lit. Ideal as most ale drinkers aren't too pretty!
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The standards in this pub have not so much slipped of late as gone into freefall. The emphasis sadly now appears to be on quantity rather than quality; with an ever-changing range of micro brewery ales to please the tickers, but served in poor condition. Quite how they manage to make the beer have a taste somewhere between tasteless and cardboard is inexplicable.
I recently bought a pint that smelt of dirty socks and had bits floating in it. Why bother taking it back to get it changed, when the replacement would be just as bad? I left it and went elsewhere.
The wooden floor looks like it has never been cleaned, and the toilets are disgusting.
A crying shame to anyone that has fond memories of the original Vaults on King Street in Leicester. If the place was spruced up, the beer lines cleaned, and some breweriana was hung on the walls this place could get back to the �pub of the years� status it once had.
anonymous - 15 Sep 2007 15:54 |
Beer's not been that great quality of late and certain staff members are exceptionally surly! I'd rather go the Criterion for a friendly reception and clean taps!
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Fantastic beer
range (2 dark ales to keep me happy and a Belgium fruity thing for my
non-beer drinking friends!) and a no-frills pub with a very chilled out
atmosphere for a lazy Saturday afternoon.
pinga - 19 Jun 2007 21:35 |
A fine pub well worth the drive from Kent for. had 4 of the 12 beers on offer.Very friendly place
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the best drinking pub in the city
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Wot a good new local for me! Interesting ales on every visit.
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Superb ales and always a friendly welcome and good atmosphere.
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I fear for the score of this fine, fine alehouse as soon as it hits 15 ratings. I sense a sad act sabotage on the horizon...
Vaults' Winter Beer Festival is on 8th-10th December & a great place for a first sample of new winter brews from across the land.
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Best selection of ales in the city. Basic and to the point pub, friendly and knowledgable bar staff, a great placed to hammered on fine ale.
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visit this pub every time I watch footie in Leicester, friendly bar staff unusual decor and furniture but the place to be for a real selection of good cask ales (over 10 on display on last visit). Well worth a visit
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This place has REALLY grown on me. Good beer choices and often some unusual ones. Bishops Farewell is always a safe bet. Great staff too and a handy location. Second only to The Criterion in Leicester I vouch.
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Excellent real ale outlet in a beautiful location (well at the New Walk end anyway), has a lot to choose from and the prices are very cheap too.
I prefer the Criterion for atmosphere though if I'm out for a beer early on, I think this place is better later in the day.
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An excellent pub. A bit on the trendy side for my personal taste, although prices were very reasonable, especially as it appears to be pitched towards the young professional crowd. My pint of Oakham Harlequin was perfect.
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am not a local to the area but on a recent outing this was easily the best place visited, excellent choice of ales plus a decent wine list.
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Best Ale pub in Leicester by a mile, and Id be hard pushed to name a better one anywhere else in the UK (or abroad for that matter!). With up to 12 different ales, there's always something for everyone, and I've never been disappointed. Would recommend to anyone and everyone!!
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Amazing place. Up for the most recent festival and beer coming out of my ears!. Next time i'll make sure i'm booked on a later train as i did'nt want to leave.
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Quite simply the finest drinking hole in the land. An outstanding range of ever-changing fine, rare ales, stouts & porters from the corners of the country, almost all no more than �2 a pint. For the lager buffs among you there is an impressive selection of continental & flavoured beers.
The atmosphere at any time of the day is terrific. As enjoyable to have a quick, lunchtime pint as it is to session it up on a Friday evening. Barstaff & clientale are a cut above the rest, customers are encouraged to try samples before they purchase.
Decor is simple & traditional. Darkwood bar & church pews combined with the gothic fittings of the previous snooty wine bar. Good, affordable food available from a personable chef who will come round & ask you how your meal was when you finish. Regular in-house beer festivals with as many as 30 beers served from kegs around the bar.
The Vaults has its own computer-stored soundtrack, a real mixture of genres from 70s-90s, all relaxed & a welcome break from the mainstream. Merchandise like Tshirts & pint glasses are available & it's very easy to get sucked in & become a fanatic! Brilliant because it's so unique but makes you mad that there's not a pub like this everywhere. A perfect 10.
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If you are not a real ale fan you might find this place somewhat 'basic' but it is undoubtedly Leicester's preimer real ale pub. Used to be a wine bar and now has one long wooden floored and tabled interior which can be entered from either King Street or New Walk. There is always available a cracking range of ales from independent breweries, often around a dozen on offer and all kept in top-notch condition. Leicester is fortunate to have a handful of very good real ale pubs but this one is the King of Kings
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