Dog Friendly — Pubs in Leicester

Parking

Thatched village pub in what is now a city suburb. Large single room that feels like a number of distinct areas for eating or drinking. Open mic and quiz nights held. The pub has won awards for its cellar.

Cricketers

1 Grace Road, Leicester LE2 8AD

Situated adjoining Leicestershire County Cricket ground. The interior consists of a public bar with pool tables at the front. an extended lounge bar with family/dining annex; and an upstairs function room with balcony overlooking the cricket ground. At the side and rear, the paved patio and lawn are furnished with picnic tables, and there is play equipment for the kids. A footpath at the side of the pub car park gives pedestrian access to the cricket ground. A guest beer or Everard's seasonal brew is sometimes available.

Globe

43 Silver Street, Leicester LE1 5EU

Until 2001, you entered into a congested irregularly-shaped lobby area with a small servery on the left-hand side. There was then a sympathetic remodelling which created a new island servery in the centre (retaining some of the features from the original bar), with small rooms around. The most interesting historic feature was the small snug to the right of the entrance, and this has been retained, albeit with some modernisation. Upstairs is a function room which has its own servery. There is a good collection of local photos and bricabrac displayed inside. It was the first Everards pub to return to real ale. It now serves a good range of beer and cider, and food is available most times. An excellent pub of great character.

King Richard III

70 Highcross Street, Leicester LE1 4NN

Reopened in June 2019 as the 'King Richard Pub and Chophouse' under the management of 'Beautiful Pubs'. This small Victorian pub is a long-established Everard's house. Previously a small basic local, a major refurbishment in 2017 has increased the food offering, whilst retaining much of its original layout. The front room has floorboards and large windows which can open to the street in warm weather; through an arched partition to a central small bar which has the main counter and a tiled floor, but the bar fittings here are modern. To the rear past a lobby with staircase to a separate room which was previously used for darts but is now the 'Chop House' dining room. At the side of the pub is an attractive narrow courtyard garden. Pub snacks and a choice of sandwiches in the bar.

Kings Head

36 King Street, Leicester LE1 6RL

This was originally a tiny traditional city centre local owned by M&B, which was extended to its current size in 1993. It was acquired by Black Country Ales in 2012 and was fully refurbished in 2017. 12 handpulls serve 7 regularly changing guest ales with 2 varying ciders. Its open fire and roof terrace make it popular throughout the year with real ale and cider enthusiasts and visitors to the local football and rugby grounds. Two changing "craft kegs" and a range of bottles are offered. Seasonal beer festivals are held. No meals, but filled cobs are often available. There is a rear access to the pub from New Walk. Sky and BT Sports shown. Leicester CAMRA pub of the year 2015/16.

Marquis Wellington

139 London Road, Leicester LE2 1EF

This historic pub with a richly decorated facade stands out on the London Road thoroughfare. A good range of real ales, ciders and quality food are available. The pub is popular with local workers, shoppers and students. The weekly quiz on Monday nights is £1 entry, all money going to charity (the charity changes from time to time). The garden features heated beach huts for cooler nights and shelter from the sun.Vegan menu available and hosts live music nights.

Old Horse

198 London Road, Leicester LE2 1NE

Nineteenth-century former coaching inn, handy for dog walkers, students and sports supporters. There are four monthly changing guest beers. They have a cider bar serving eight hand-pulled ciders, and the pub is a regular winner of Leicester CAMRA's Cider Pub of the Year. Tasty and good value food is served, including Sunday carveries. Behind the pub is the largest pub garden in Leicester complete with children's play equipment. Regular quiz nights, karaoke and special events take place.

Bowling Green

44 Oxford Street, Leicester LE1 5XW

It received a major refurbishment in the 1990s, when the interior was opened-out. After spells as the 'Fullback & Firkin', then Scream-branded 'Polar Bear', in 2015 it was given a makeover to return it to a more traditional pub which blended the older features with modern tastes. Two original fireplaces were uncovered during the refurbishment and the load bearing truss in the pub entrance area dates back to the 14th century. The front parts are old and beamed with panelling; the opened-out rear areas are modern with music, games and sports TVs. The pictures and wall displays feature scenes of Leicester or bowling. There is an enclosed courtyard area at the rear. The landlord is an enthusiastic cellarman committed to serving top class beer. Food is available all day. The pub may open at 10am for sporting events and during university terms.

Rutland & Derby

21 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN

Since a refurbishment in about 2010, this pub has an open plan interior with a contemporary ambience. The long servery bar is directly facing the front entrance while off to the left is akin to a lounge bar which in turn leads to a restaurant area on a raised level. Out back is a block-paved courtyard with a metallic spiral staircase leading upto a rooftop terrace. The food offering features uncomplicated, ethically sourced ingredients.

Salmon

19 Butt Close Lane, Leicester LE1 4QA

A small corner local, built in 1854. It came into the ownership of the City Brewery (Lichfield) in the 20c; and later to Banks's Brewery of Wolverhampton. It formerly had a tiny lounge on the left and a very basic bar on the right, but was refurbished by Banks's in 1992 as a single U-shaped room in bright traditional style. Reopened as a free house in 2004; then as a Black Country Ales leased pub in February 2016. It has a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, and a strong sports following. The pub offers a selection of beers and ciders from twelve handpumps, from Black Country Ales, guest breweries, and two real ciders. Cobs and pork pies are available most times.

Sir Robert Peel

50 Jarrom Street, Leicester LE2 7DD

An Everard's house since 1901 and refurbished by them in traditional style in 2013. There are two rooms across the frontage alongside the servery; rear-left is an attractive snug (a modern addition). At the back is a small covered alley with a few seats; then a very attractive new patio. Up to three guest ales are available, frequently including a dark beer. Pub classic snacks such as pork pies, Scotch eggs, samosas and freshly filled cobs are usually available. A short walk from Leicester's rugby and football grounds, and therefore very busy on match days.

Western

70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA

A traditional local in a residential location close to football and rugby grounds on the edge of the city centre; but now surrounded by high-rise student flats. After refurbishment, a comfortable bar remains, the lounge contains a smaller drinking area and a cafe, all in modern style, and open from 8am. There is a rear yard area. Sister pub to the nearby Sir Robert Peel. Up to two real ciders.

Black Horse

65 Narrow Lane, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NA

Dog Friendly

Welcoming traditional Victorian pub with distinctive bar servery in a village conservation area on the city's edge. Sympathetically refurbished in 2018. Up to eight real ales available and home-cooked food is served. Coaches are welcome by prior arrangement. The skittle alley and function room can be hired and comedy features regularly. Beer festivals and community events are regularly hosted. Quiz night is Sunday. There is a large beer garden. There is a customer loyalty scheme.

Sir Charles Napier

Glenfield Road, Leicester LE3 6AR

Disabled Access

The pub consists of: a public bar with darts board & skittles table; a good sized lounge bar with a small entertainer’s podium in one corner; a larger than customary snug with a warm ambiance enhanced by timber clad walls.

Parcel Yard

48a London Road, Leicester LE2 0QB

Traditional Pub Games

After entering through a single shop front on London Road, going down the stairs takes you into the spacious former sorting office and parcel yard for the adjacent railway station. This is a modern bar with a strong beer focus with four hand pumps and craft keg taps. A decent range of cocktails and wine. At one end of the bar is a restaurant area where the menu includes tapas, pizzas and burgers. Level access is available from Station Street.

Union

27 Middleton Street, Leicester LE2 8LU

Cask Marque Accredited

A two-roomed traditional drinkers’ wet-trade only pub. On the left is a plain but boisterous public bar with darts, pool, TVs and music. A quieter lounge bar is on the right, but as part of a refurbishment, the traditional bench seating has been replaced by free-standing furniture. Out the back is a large split-level patio furnished with picnic tables.

Black Horse

1 Foxon Street, Leicester LE3 5LT

On the corner of busy Braunstone Gate, the only remaining traditional pub in a street of youth-oriented bars. There are two rooms separated by a central bar. The wood-panelled walls and practical furniture provide a comfortable setting for any event, a real community pub. There is live music four nights each week and Wednesday is quiz night. The guest beers are sourced through Everards and the cider is Westons Old Rosie. A roof terrace for open air drinking accommodates forty people.

Dove

48 Downing Drive, Leicester LE5 6LH

Real Fire

Built by Everard's Brewery in about 1957 to serve the large housing development based around Downing Drive. Refurbished early 2016. The entrance leads into a bar-lounge area on the left-hand side. At the rear is a large conservatory-style extension used mainly as a dining area. Outside is a large lawned garden with picnic tables. Food is served every day, with an offer at lunchtimes. Traditional Sunday lunch is available 12-5. A real cider is available from Weston's; and occasionally an Everard's seasonal beer or guest beer may substitiute for one of the regular beers. Live music is staged on the last Friday of the month. Buses 22, 22A, 22B to the city centre stop just across the road.

West End Brewery

68-70 Braunstone Gate, Leicester LE3 5LG

Located near the junction of Braunstone Gate and Narborough Road, this is Leicester's original brewpub, opened in March 2016. The brewer likes to experiment with his recipes and take on board customers' suggestions. Four house beers are available with at least three guests from quality local microbreweries or further afield. The brewery is behind the pub and can be visited by customers. Live music nights twice a month. The owner / brewer aims to produce innovative beers the range of which will increase over time.

Knighton & Clarendon Park Conservative Club

125 Clarendon Park Road, Leicester LE2 3AJ

Smoking Area

WiFi

Admission to the club is available to club members, member’s guests and ACC (Association of Conservative Clubs) affiliated members. The club was founded in 1886 in a purpose built premises and comprises of a large bar with an adjoining games room and a small lounge, known as the blue room, on the ground floor. On the first floor a large snooker room has three snooker tables and a small annex room furnished with tables and chairs. In the basement, next to the beer cellar, is a skittles long alley. A dumbwaiter traverses both up and down from the bar replenishing drinks for snooker players and skittlers.

West Leicester Conservative Club

55 Westcotes Drive, Leicester LE3 0QU

Unaffiliated private members club established in an impressive late Victorian building formerly known as Westcotes Lodge. The Lodge was one of two large residencies built opposite each other for Leicester textile magnates, the Harris family. The Harris family sold Westcotes Lodge in 1915 but it remained in private hands until 1950 when founder members bought the building for £3000 with a loan from The Leicester Brewing and Malting Company, and so the West Leicester Conservative Club was born. Facilities include a bar and small dance area, separate snooker and pool rooms, a function room and a pleasant garden. Access to the club is permitted for CAMRA members showing a valid CAMRA membership card.

Real Ale Classroom

22 Allandale Road, Leicester LE2 2DA

Classroom themed micropub ran by career change teachers in a converted suburban shop. The furniture includes reclaimed desks with original graffiti and the beers are written up on a blackboard. Cask, key-keg ales and ciders are served from a home made chiller cabinet behind the high bar. A log burner warms the rear room. In both rooms seating around large tables encourages conversation between regulars and visitors. They serve crisps, nuts, scratchings and sell take-away cans.

Blue Boar

16 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN

Micropub opened in 2016 on the ground floor of a building in a conservation area previously used as offices. There is a single light airy room with a bar opposite as you enter. Behind the counter, through a glass partition, the cellar may be viewed. Board games and reading material may be found on shelves, and there are displays of old maps of Leicester around the walls. Guest beers are sourced from microbreweries around the country and include many rare beers. A full range of Samuel Smith's bottled beers is also available. Oversize glasses ensure customers get a full pint. No meals, but local pork pies and well-filled cheese or ham cobs are sold.

Humberstone Royal British Legion Club & Institute

13 Main Street, Leicester LE5 1AE

Smoking Area

Access to the small front bar is open to one & all, whilst other areas of the club are restricted to members and their guests. Other areas consist of a very large bar/function room, which subdivides with shutters to form two still fairly large rooms, one of which has a stage. Off of the large bar there is a sports room.

Westcotes Constitutional Club

124 Wilberforce Road, Leicester LE3 0DG

Smoking Area

WiFi

Access to the club is restricted to member, their guests and ACC affiliated members; although on match days, the club welcomes non-member supporters (both home & away) attending the relatively nearby City & Tigers stadia. The Club was founded in 1911. The ground floor consists of a large L-shaped main bar, with a small stage in the corner, for entertainers to perform each Saturday evening. Adjacent to the main bar, and named after Charles Wilton, (a prominent past member) is the Wilton Lounge, which is used as a function room and additional seating for the main bar at busy times. Situated on the first floor, with its own bar, is a large L-shaped games room, with darts boards and three full size snooker tables.

Wygston's House

12 Applegate, Leicester LE1 5LD

The best preserved medieval house in Leicester opened as a bar/restaurant in March 2017. The central entrance leads into a stone-flagged passage, and on each side is a small separate elegant room. The corridor opens out at the back into the medieval part of the house; here is a bar area with an old beamed ceiling, and a long medieval timber-framed window on the right. The ground floor is furnished with chairs and settees. There is an extensive and very attractive outside patio area looking out onto Jubilee Square. Upstairs there is a light airy room with an old beamed ceiling and good views over an historic part of the city. This is a formal restaurant with a high end menu. Simpler food is available downstairs.

Ale Stone

660 Aylestone Road, Leicester LE2 8PR

Micropub

Micropub in a converted shop opened in July 2017. Sister pub to the Blue Boar in Leicester. The nicely-furnished interior has wooden benches and dados all round. Upto five real ales, plus four ciders and perries, stillaged in a temperature-controlled glass-fronted "cellar". Ham and cheese cobs and coffee are available. This, and the Blue Boar, are the only pubs in the city using over size glasses to guarantee a full pint.Regular tap take-overs and beer bus trips with the Blue Boar

Castle

8-9 Castle View, Leicester LE1 5WH

Close to Railway Station

Close to Bus Routes

Opened as a pub in June 2018. Conversion into a micropub of two tiny historic cottages close to the site of Leicester Castle. The building had been unused since it was an antiques shop in the 1990s. It is operated by De Montfort Students Union for the University, but is open to all. It aims to support local businesses and be plastic free. Last orders are 30 minutes before closing time.

Two-Tailed Lion

22 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN