This is a great example of a proper pub, sitiuated on London Road in Leicester (directly opposite Victoria Park). It's an Everards house so the beer is their own range (Tiger, Beacon, Original, Sunchaser and seasonal varieties) but they do have one guest ale.
Warm and cosy in winter, with a varied clientele, it is in summer that the place comes in to its own. It has a lovely, enormous and enclosed garden at the back, with plenty of tables and grass to sit on.
On a recent visit, a new children's play area had been installed, and also a petanque court too.
It really is a lovely place to sit in the sunshine enjoying a beer.
198 London Road, Leicester, LE2 1NE
+44(0)116 2548384
Google map: bit.ly/hSyN1a
(Nearest Station: Leicester, 10 mins walk).
www.everards.co.uk/pubs/old_horse_98/
Voted number 12 on the list of the 50 greatest railway journeys in the world, the Great Central Railway is the UK's only double track, main line heritage railway. It runs between Loughborough, Quorn, Rothley, Leicester North (Birstall) stations.
A brilliant day out, and each station is restored to reflect a different period. A good place to stop off for lunch is the the Manor House pub in Quorn (right by the station entrance).
Regularly voted Leicester's CAMRA Pub of the Year, this is a fantastic real ale pub in the city centre.
Has regular beer festivals and live music, and the stonebaked pizzas that they serve (Tues-Sat only) are the best in the East Midlands (and very reasonably priced).
The range of beers is extensive and superb.
Pizza times: Tues-Sat
12-2pm & 5.30-9pm
The Criterion Free House
44 Millstone Ln, Leicester LE1 5JN
+44 (0)116 262 5418
www.criterionvenue.co.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/a4iAmj
Bar Roma is a great little Italian cafe in the City Centre.
Great pasta dishes, good coffee and an authentic cafe feel. The prices are fantastic too, with some great value meal deals available in the afternoons.
Not open in the evening.
Bar Roma
11 Halford St
Leicester, LE1
0116 251 5959
(5 minutes from Leicester BR)
Croques is a great place to stop off for a lunch in Leicester city centre.
It's situated in the heart of the Leicester lanes (just off the High Street) and serves a fine range of freshly prepared sandwiches, baguettes, melts, wraps, salads and jacket potatoes. Plenty of veggie options are available too.
The place is always busy (a good sign for any cafe/restaurant), is great value for money and is situated in one of the nicer shopping streets in the city.
19/21 Loseby Lane,
Leicester
LE1 5DR
0116 262 1101
www.croques.co.uk
This hidden gem serves the best cooked breakfast in Leicester.
Situated upstairs at The Barley Mow pub, the welcome is always warm, the service efficient and the food unpretentious and freshly prepared.
A full English with toast and tea comes in at around £4.25 and never fails to satisfy.
Highly recommended.
(Upstairs at The Barley Mow pub)
149 Granby St
Leicester,
LE1 6FE
(2 minute walk from Leicester BR)
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