Bar Gaudi / Mosquito Coast
37 St Nicholas Place
Tel: 0116 299 0255

One thing you’ll notice about Bar Gaudi is the beautiful architecture that shares its name with Spanish architect, Gaudi.

Bar Gaudi

Once seated with your drink, you’ll can take the ornate décor and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.

Student night is on Wednesdays – so bring your NUS card and make the most of it in church-like Bar Gaudi.

Café Bruxelles
90-92 High Street
Tel: 0116 Café Bruxelles

Café Bruxelles has a real European flavour.

Cafe Bruxelles

A huge range of continental beers and classic European styling makes this a fantastic hang out for the pretentious.

There is a wide selection of baguettes and ciabattas, wraps, open sandwiches, soups and salads to choose from as well as delicious Belgian waffles and crepes. Not to be missed.

Court House
23 Wellington Street
Tel: 0116 255 2150

There’s a lurid paint job inside Court House and pop art prints of Coronation Street characters. Cheap drinks, massive portions and starchy food make it a great location for students, even if it does take itself too seriously. The filled ‘yorkies’ (puddings, not chocolate bars) are recommended.

Dry Dock
Putney Road
Tel: 0116 275 8711

Built into the side of a boat on top of a hill, the Dry Dock is an addition to the popular "it’s a scream" chain of student pubs. It houses games machines, pool tables, yellow card student discount (you simply need to show your NUS card and pay £1 and you’ll get discounts all year long at any scream pub). Even when the novelty factor has worn off, you’ll keep coming back because of the great prices and the jukebox.

Fat Cat Café Bar
41 Belvour Street
Tel: 0116 255 3610

There are leather seats, an exotic menu and lovely comfortable surroundings, plus an outdoor seating area - so you could be forgiven for thinking you were a fat cat yourself dining out on an all-expenses lunch break. But, the food is not too pricey, so students can afford to lounge about here too.

The High Cross
103-105 High Street
Tel: 0116 251 1218

Part of the JD Weatherspoons pubs, you’ll notice it’s the same as all the others - bright open spaces, no music, older clientele and best of all, cheap beer.

The High Cross

JD Weatherspoons actually compares its beers with its rivals. As you can guess, its prices are better, starting at 99p.

The two-pint pitchers of Carling, Kronenbourg, Blackthorn and Stella Artois are also on offer as well as Shooter Fever - double shooters or single shooters and jugs of cocktails.

And don’t forget the gammon steak, mixed grill, rump steak and surf’n’turf burgers or breakfast baps on offer. All in all, the lack of music and dim lights does make it feel like closing time, making your drink your pint quickly and head for the next pub.

Hogan’s Bar
58-60 Narborough Road
Tel: 0116 285 6565
95 Queens Road
Tel: 0116 270 8283

There are two Hogan’s Bars in Leicester - one near De Montfort University and the other near the University of Leicester.

It’s a surprise how many non-students these places attract - helped perhaps by the regular live music. With good food, good beer and a comfortable atmosphere, it’s a great place to visit.

The Litten Tree
87 High Street
Tel: 0116 253 9355

The Litten Tree

This is becoming a popular chain of pubs across Leicester. Offering an extensive menu all day and a ‘waitress served area’, it ensures you feel truly looked after.

There’s also a late licence and a DJ, so you can stay all day and night.


Lamplighter
Pocklingtons Walk, Milestone Lane
Tel: 0116 255 1228

Lamplighters is all about rock, so stay away if you’re not a hardcore fan. If you appreciate a great rockin’ night out, you’ll be heading to the right place with Lamplighter.

Lloyds No 1
Corn Exchange
Market Place
Tel: 0116 253 8533

Lloyds is handy for all, situated right in the heart of town. An impressive entrance - underneath the junction of two stone staircases - doesn’t give way once you enter.

There are comfortable armchairs and coffee, the usual bar fare and cheap food. It’s definitely worth a look-in.

Marz Bar
34 Belvoir Street
Tel: 0116 275 6800

No it’s not a chocolate bar. It’s a bright bar set on bustling Belvoir Street. It’s popular with those on a full-on night out and features drinks promotions and DJs. It’s a mix between a pub and a club that goes down well with its patrons.

NASCA
82 Narborough Road
Tel: 0116 254 9455

Don’t expect a seat at NASCA. It’s extremely popular among students seeking a decent drinking establishment with all the right looks. Its polished timber floorboards, modern prints on the walls and lighting make it a favourite haunt of style conscious students.

O’Neill’s
18-20 Loseby Lane
Tel: 0116 242 9911

A ‘genuine Irish’ pub in the middle of Leicester. No, don’t turn around! This is actually a pretty good pub.

Excellent Guinness and a great atmosphere, makes O’Neills a necessary port of call on nights out. O’Neills has taken over the vacant premises next door, so there’s plenty to eat as well.

Orange Tree
99 High Street
Tel: 0116 233 5256

A unique, independent and unpretentious pub that features exotic food and numerous cocktails simply means that all you have to do is decide what you’re going to eat and drink. Look out for its sister bar, O Tree on Braunstone Gate.

The Quay
Western Boulevard
Tel: 0116 204 4960

If you’re a De Montfort University student, you’ve simply got to come here. Situated close to the university campus, the Quay is a magnet for passing students.

Whether it’s a quiet drink you’re in need of (there’s a balcony for those lazy Sunday afternoons) and great food. There’s a huge choice of starters, including freshly made soups, potato skins and the Quay chicken combo.

All main meals are served with a choice of house fries, flavoured mash or minted new potatoes and range in price from £5.75 to £6.95.

To top it all off, there’s also the opportunity to people-watch, including the teenage skaters who regularly maim themselves on the square just outside.

Revolution
6b New Walk
Tel: 0116 255 9633

There’s so much vodka in Revolution that even the Russians would struggle here! This bar is part of the chain of Russian themed vodka bars that are becoming popular across Leicester.

The food is surprisingly cheap too, which makes Revolution a great place day or night.

Russell’s
Eastern Boulevard
Tel: 0116 233 3504

Russells is another surprisingly cheap bar. It is extremely close to the city and is always busy, owing to the student housing above it that provides a ready source of customers.

The place is noticeably quieter towards closing time though, as most patrons have already moved into town. A great location for watching the football.

The Soar Point
20 The Newarke
Tel: 0116 204 4911
This Soar Point would have to be De Montfort University’s ‘local’, given its proximity to the city campus. As it’s a scream pub, it offers yellow student card discounts as well as seating that overlooks the canal and great food. Just don’t end up in the water.

The Square
Hotel Square
Tel: 0116 251 6219
The Square is popular with students and Leicester locals alike. And, it can get really busy and loud. There’s a fantastic atmosphere helped along created by the superb cocktail menu and cost-effective prices. The Square is the right place to visit before heading on to a club. There are theme nights galore, rooms for private parties and food. It’s a great location for birthday parties or celebrations.

Clubs

Club City
Lee Circle
Tel: 0116 253 8837

Club City is described as Leicester’s friendliest underground nightclub. It is the place to be if you’re in no need of sleep and enjoy bangin’ tunes. Open from 10pm until 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, it’s a great location to dance to hard house. Take your NUS card to get a discount on entry.

Industria
57 Welford Place
Tel: 0116 233 4788

Industria was converted from the old Flaming Colossus into a club where superstar DJs belt out the right music for the seasoned clubber.

LIFE
Humberstone Gate
Tel: 0116 2511 331

Life is another converted nightspot. Previously the Palais, Life provides the most comprehensive mix of music. It’s usually packed out by those seeking cheap drinks and those not put off by the bouncers (no trainers).

Life is a welcome after hours haunt for students. Look out for students night - Tuesday.

M Coast
37 St. Nicholas Place
Tel: 0116 299 0255

Another city centre club offering a mix of punters and drinks promotions. Students’ night is Wednesday night, making it a favourite among Leicester students. Its popular ‘Goodbye Cruel World’ events on Saturday nights make it a regular haunt.

Zanzibar
Gravel Street
Tel: 0116 251 1442

Zanzibar is a back-to-basics club. It’s a cheesy and beered-up night club and is popular with students and locals alike.

It’s the place for those who like their nights out to be simple and a lot of fun - a few drinks, attempts at pulling and a kebab on the way home. Each room has its own tune, which makes for a great night out.