The Best Pubs in Leicester
Leicester, the largest city in the East Midlands with a population nearing 390,000, boasts a pub scene as diverse as its history. From historic inns tucked beside the Grand Union Canal to lively riverside spots with decking and craft beers, you can find everything from a 1720 legend with vinyl nights to buzzing sports bars and dog friendly gastropubs serving seasonal British dishes. Whether you fancy a traditional real ale by an open fire or a bottomless brunch with live music, the city’s mix of cosy locals, modern brew houses, and sunny beer gardens ensures there’s a perfect pint waiting for you. Discover the variety for yourself and explore the best pubs in Leicester.


1. The Black Horse
65 Narrow Ln, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NA, UK
Tucked away on a quiet lane, The Black Horse is a charming traditional pub with a spacious beer garden perfect for relaxing with a pint of real ale, a glass of wine, or a cocktail. The calendar is packed with live music, comedy nights, and quizzes, while the separate function room and dog-friendly policy make it a welcoming spot for groups and locals alike. Whether you're stopping by for a hearty Sunday lunch or just a friendly chat by the open fire, this Everards gem offers a genuinely warm and unpretentious escape.
Photo by Mat Fascione — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


2. The King's Head
36 King St, Leicester LE1 6RL, UK
Step into a proper local treasure where a dozen cask ales, including Black Country brews, flow alongside wines and fresh pork pies in a setting that perfectly blends tradition with modern fun. This welcoming spot boasts a rooftop terrace with its own TV and retractable canopy, plus a garden area, making it ideal for groups, sports fans, and even well behaved dogs. With a crackling log fire, a function room, and a happy hour on select ales from 4pm to 7pm Monday to Thursday, it is a brilliant choice for a lively pint or a relaxed afternoon.
Photo by Mat Fascione — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


3. The Cradock Arms
201 Knighton Rd, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3TT, UK
Discover the irresistible charm of The Cradock Arms, a must visit gastropub in Knighton where award winning hand pulled ales, fine wines, and expertly crafted cocktails flow in a cozy, welcoming setting. Our talented kitchen team creates classic modern British dishes bursting with fresh, seasonal local flavours, perfect for catching up with friends, family, or colleagues. With live entertainment on bank holidays, regular quiz nights, a dog friendly policy, and outdoor seating, this stone country pub is an absolute gem for a memorable meal or a lively pint.
Photo by JThomas — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


4. The White Horse
1 White Horse Ln, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4EF, UK
Nestled beside the Grand Union Canal, The White Horse is a gorgeous 18th Century former alehouse that perfectly blends historic charm with modern comfort. As an award winning pub garden and dog friendly haven, it offers a fantastic range of perfectly served drinks, from crisp beers and fine wines to expertly crafted cocktails, alongside a menu of hearty, locally sourced food. With a leafy outdoor space, a separate dining area, and a welcoming bar, it is a brilliant all rounder for families, groups, sports fans, and four legged friends alike.


5. The Rutland & Derby Arms
21 Millstone Ln, Leicester LE1 5JN, UK
For a proper pub experience in the Cathedral Quarter, The Rutland & Derby Arms absolutely delivers with a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails in a beautifully updated space that still feels like a classic local. The spacious garden is perfect for sunny afternoons, while the cosy interior offers plenty of quiet corners for a relaxed catch up with friends or family. With live music adding to the buzz and a menu featuring standout loaded fries and a scrumptious Scotch egg, it is no wonder this independent gem is a firm favourite for groups and a must try spot in the old town.
Photo by Mat Fascione — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons


6. Soar Point Leicester
25 The Newarke, Leicester LE2 7BY, UK
Head to Soar Point for an unbeatable mix of craft beers, cocktails, and live sport, all served up in a buzzing riverside spot with a fantastic outdoor decking area. Whether you're gathering a big group for a legendary bottomless brunch or settling in to watch the match on one of the many HD screens, the service is consistently top notch and keeps the good times flowing. With pool tables, retro gaming, and plenty of regular deals throughout the week, this is the perfect go to for students and anyone looking for a fun, laid back pub right on the water.


7. The Old Horse
198 London Rd, Leicester LE2 1NE, UK
Welcome to The Old Horse, an iconic Leicester pub that has been a beloved local fixture since 1864, serving up a carefully curated selection of ales, craft beers, and an impeccable pint of Guinness. This warm and welcoming spot offers everything from classic pub snacks and toasties to Neapolitan inspired pizzas, all made with ethically sourced ingredients. With plenty of outdoor seating, live music, and a dog friendly policy, it is the perfect place to gather with friends, catch the game, or simply settle in for a relaxed and enjoyable evening.
Photo by Aethonatic — CC0 via Wikimedia Commons


8. O'Neill's Leicester
16-20 Loseby Ln, Leicester LE1 5DR, UK
For a cracking time in the city centre, O'Neill's is the ultimate spot to gather your mates for top notch beers, wines, and cocktails while catching the big game on plenty of screens. The outdoor seating is brilliant for sunny afternoons, and with live music adding to the lively buzz, it is a fantastic choice for groups looking for a fun and easy going pub. Whether you're diving into a bottomless brunch or just popping in for a bargain lunch, the service is always friendly and keeps everything running smoothly.


9. The Distillery
27 Market St, Leicester LE1 6DP, UK
The Distillery is a superb choice for a lively get together, offering a fantastic selection of beers, wines, and cocktails in a spacious setting perfect for groups and sports fans. The outdoor seating area is a brilliant spot to enjoy a drink, while the big screens ensure you never miss a moment of the game. It is an ideal destination for a fun and energetic outing with friends.


10. The Globe - Pub & Kitchen
43 Silver St, Leicester LE1 5EU, UK
The Globe is a true Leicester legend, a historic pub that has been serving locals since 1720 and still feels wonderfully cosy and full of character. With a fantastic range of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music, a pub quiz, and a brilliant Vinyl Night, there is always something to enjoy. The hearty pub grub is top notch, and with dog friendly policies, outdoor seating, and screens for sports, it is a brilliant spot for any occasion.
Photo by Pierre Marshall — CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons




