Leicester, a city shaped by over two millennia of history, offers a varied collection of venues that reflect its lasting character. From its Roman beginnings as Ratae Corieltauvorum, through its time as a Danelaw borough, and its later growth as an industrial and academic centre, each period has contributed to the built environment. Many spaces have been thoughtfully adapted, turning former guildhalls, old textile mills with their unique brickwork, and structures built on medieval foundations into places to gather. These venues retain a strong sense of the past, having witnessed centuries of city life, while serving modern needs for assembly and activity. This mix of history gives Leicester’s public and private spaces a distinctive character, blending heritage with contemporary use.
Whether exploring the academic and cultural offerings around De Montfort Campus, appreciating the architectural details near Blackfriars with its connection to monastic history, or discovering the diverse options in the urban heart surrounding Highcross, the character of each area adds to the city's overall atmosphere. These local listings are carefully updated daily to capture the city’s current rhythm, ensuring they reflect the ever-changing cultural and social landscape. They offer a clear view into Leicester’s civic life, from its long-held traditions to its modern expressions, shaped by its unique historical story and the diverse communities that live here.
Featured places are selected local venues we recommend or that partner with The City Brief.
Cinema And Art Centre
PhoenixPhoenix is an independent cinema and art centre located on Midland Street within Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. The area has a relaxed atmosphere and creative energy. Known for its world-class independent film programming and free art exhibitions, Phoenix is a go-to for locals and visitors wanting daytime coffee in the café bar, evening film screenings, and events.
View Info →Food & Drink
Flavours of AsiaFlavours of Asia is a restaurant on Evington Road, an area of Leicester with a diverse range of places to eat. The venue has an extensive pan-Asian menu, with dishes from Thailand, Malaysia, and China. People visit Flavours of Asia for relaxed evening meals or to try a wide range of tastes.
View Info →Live Music Venue
Bistro LiveBistro Live is a live music venue on Leicester Square, adding to the area’s energetic nightlife. The venue is known for its full-service party experience, with guests eating, drinking, and dancing on the tables. Locals and visitors choose Bistro Live for celebrations and group gatherings.
View Info →Performance Venue
The Corn ExchangeThe Corn Exchange is a performance venue on Market Place in Leicester. Its central location means it's easy to reach many of Leicester’s attractions, adding to the lively city atmosphere. The Corn Exchange hosts cultural events like music, comedy, and theatre.
View Info →Food & Drink
Café BruxellesCafé Bruxelles is a bar on Granby Street in Leicester, in an area known for its nightlife. It's known for its extensive beer selection, especially its Belgian and Trappist offerings. Locals and visitors go to Café Bruxelles for late-night drinks and casual socializing.
View Info →Pizza Restaurant
Queens Square PizzaQueens Square Pizza is an Italian-style pizzeria in Leicester, located on Queens Square. The area has a lively, modern feel and is easy to reach. The pizzeria is known for its unique combination of pizza and Turkish doner kebab flavours, especially the BBQ Della.
View Info →875 total places
Flavours of Asia is a restaurant on Evington Road, an area of Leicester with a diverse range of places to eat.
View Info →Live Music Venue
Bistro LiveBistro Live is a live music venue on Leicester Square, adding to the area’s energetic nightlife.
View Info →Café Bruxelles is a bar on Granby Street in Leicester, in an area known for its nightlife.
View Info →Pizza Restaurant
Queens Square PizzaQueens Square Pizza is an Italian-style pizzeria in Leicester, located on Queens Square.
View Info →Restaurant
Bobby'sBobby's is a restaurant on Belgrave Road in Leicester, within the Golden Mile.
View Info →The Green Bowl is a cafe on Loughborough Road in Leicester.
View Info →98 total places
476 total places
Performance Venue
The Corn ExchangeThe Corn Exchange is a performance venue on Market Place in Leicester.
View Info →The Western is a pub on Granby Street in Leicester.
View Info →Bar
Queens Road TapQueens Road Tap is a craft beer tap room on Queens Road in Leicester’s Clarendon Park.
View Info →Dover Castle in Leicester is a pub on Dover Street, adding to the city’s nightlife.
View Info →The Mini Monocle is a cocktail bar on Silver Street in Leicester.
View Info →The Two Tailed Lion is a pub on Queen Street in Leicester, an area seeing renewed interest from residents and a growing evening economy.
View Info →158 total places