bars in the west end
Leicester hosts some of the most trendiest independent bars and restaurants, all conveniently located in the West End, the heart of studentville!
There are things going on every nite of the week, so you're guaranteed a good nite - every nite! You don't even have to worry about what you're wearing, pretty much anything goes. There's something for everyone, day or night, mad or chilled, glam or casual...so check 'em out to find your ideal spot.
d'ice bar
Braunstone Gate
If you need to sit back and chill, watch the world go by (well Braunstone Gate anyway!) - then grab a sofa in the window and order yourself a few cocktails! If you start to get hungry, order yourself some food too - it's cheap, but good quality, meaning you've still got change for another drink!
Choice drink:
Pink Panther - Vodka, Creme De Cassis, Martini, Orange Juice and Lime
hogan's
Narborough Road
More traditional than the rest, good cross selection of people and generally quite busy. Regular drinks promotions and excellent food. Not forgetting the huge TV screen and live bands on Saturday nites!
Choice drink:
Kronenberg - drink 10 and you could win a TV!
leftbank
Braunstone Gate
The first bar to open on Braunstone Gate, it has a reputation for excellent food including the infamous 'Sunday Hangover Brunch!'. The atmosphere is always buzzing in here so it would be rude not to go in for a couple of drinks if you're passing.
Choice drink:
Bloody Mary - Pepper Vodka and Tomato Juice
lunablu
Braunstone Gate
This place stands out from the crowd - a grand entrance which houses an Italian restaurant, a bar and a games room in the cellar. Everything you need under one roof - sorted! If you want to be sociable or get intimate - do it all here.
Choice drink:
Hopscotch - Butterscotch and Bailey's Shooter
nasca
Narborough Road
This place is always buzzing! Very sociable bar which carries on into the chill out room in the back. Excellent mix of people - some dancers and some loungers, so whatever mood you're in, you won't feel out of place here!
Choice drink:
ORGASM! - Coffee Liqueur, Baileys, Amaretto and Milk
nine bar
Narborough Road
The original bar bringing a city lifestyle to Narborough Road, still extremely popular. Great place for music and a chilled out drink. The atmosphere in here pleases everyone, everynite! Another bonus - happy hour promotions running from 4-8pm everyday AND all day Monday's and Tuesday's.
Choice drink:
Nine Bar Joe - Bacardi, Martini, Triple Sec, Grenadine, Lime and Orange Juice
o bar
Braunstone Gate
If you need great music, comfy chairs and a good drink, this is the place to go! Serving a great selection of premium branded drinks and there's even a table service if you're feeling lazy! It's also the only bar around here with a 1am license (except Sunday 12.30) so make the most of it!
Choice drink:
Helsinki - Smirnoff Red, Stoli Raspberry, Grapefruit and Cranberry Juice
the polar bear
Oxford Street
Just outside the West End, but close enough to be included here. Recently refurbished, now the ultimate place to chill. The place is 'split' into zones, each with their own comfy sofas and TV screens and speakers with interactive sound selection, allowing you to toggle between music and TV! To keep you further entertained, they've even crammed in pool tables and arcade machines. Not forgetting the excellent food and drinks with discounted 'Yellow Card' (available with an NUS card) prices.
Choice drink:
Absinth - Try It!
quando
Hinckley Road
Small bar with a local feel. Made to feel welcome as soon as you go in, whether you fancy a drink or a bite to eat. Whatever your choice, you're unlikely to move from here - especially if you're already in relaxed mode.
Choice drink:
Peroni - good old Italian Beer
the quay
Western Boulevard
It's got the food, it's got the music, it's got the drinks and it's open till midnight! What more do you need?!? Well, it is lacking in the comfort stakes - but not for long. Currently undergoing refurbishment, I'm told the place will be a lot warmer AND have sofas to lounge on!
Choice drink:
Pitcher of SoBe and Vodka
russell's bar
Eastern Boulevard
Russell's has a varied music policy and a student friendly atmosphere, but also caters for the locals. Huge TV screen and good food. There's a basement floor which comes alive at nite, regularly hosting local and student DJ's. It's even available for free hire with a late license!
Choice drink:
4 Bottles 4 a 5'er!
the soar point
The Newarke
Every night is different here; sometimes cheesy, sometimes chilled. Whatever night you choose it's bound to be busy (term time) and have a great atmosphere. Regular drinks promotions, pocket friendly cocktails, and if you have a 'Yellow Card', they're even cheaper!
Choice drink:
Shake Your Own - mix your own cocktail!
