| The diversity of ethnicities and cultures in | | | | the city centre, there is the Opera House, which |
| Leicester makes it one of the most varied and | | | | is by the Cathedral in Guildhall Lane. This is well |
| vibrant cities in the country. The substantial Asian | | | | known for its imaginative menus and the |
| community has brought with it many interesting | | | | sumptuous building in which it is housed. Alongside |
| events which the city enjoys supporting. | | | | the market in Hotel Street is The Case, another |
| Complementing the traditional Christian festivities | | | | stylish and contemporary restaurant, which also |
| Leicester now also celebrates festivities such as | | | | has a champagne bar in which you can order |
| Holi, Diwali, Eid-ul-Fitr and of course the Chinese | | | | snacks and light meals. Although technically a bar |
| New Year. | | | | and restaurant, Mobius, on Braunstone Gate, |
| Bars and Pubs: | | | | serves an excellent mix of Mediterranean and |
| Partly due to it having two large universities close | | | | Thai cuisine. It's a relaxing place to eat and |
| by the city centre, Leicester city's bars and clubs | | | | produces authentic flavours for the regional food |
| are numerous and give a thriving and pulsating | | | | it produces by using only the best produce. |
| feeling to it. Bar and club names can change quite | | | | Entertainment: |
| frequently, but this helps to keep the sense of | | | | The De Montfort Hall is probably the best known |
| vibrancy in the city in that there is always | | | | venue Leicester has, almost a 'trade-mark' venue |
| something new on offer. The Firebug is probably | | | | for the city. Built in 1913 and recently refurbished, |
| as complete a pub experience as you can get | | | | it can accommodate an audience of 1500 seated |
| anywhere. The NME student guide for 2005 | | | | or up to 2200 standing. As well as the indoor hall |
| described it as "A real find for blinding food, beer, | | | | there is an outdoor amphitheatre that can house |
| tough pub quizzes and lots of live music." Here | | | | up to 5000. It has played host to classical, jazz, |
| there is food to complement the 157 drinks lines | | | | blues, folk, rock and pop music as well as being a |
| they sell, regular live music, access to 'WiFi' | | | | venue for touring musical shows. In recent years |
| throughout the premises and Pub Quizzes. Firebug | | | | it has also been increasingly used for conferences |
| is on Millstone Lane between the Council Offices | | | | and exhibitions. |
| and the old Town Hall. The Bambu, on the | | | | The Haymarket theatre in Leicester was one of |
| Welford Road below the Council Offices, describes | | | | the well known repertory theatres in the country. |
| itself as a relaxing café lounge bar blending | | | | Closed at present, a new theatre is currently |
| mystery and sophistication without pretence. The | | | | being built on Halford Street which is due to open |
| Aqualounge on Wellington Street, more or less | | | | in spring 2007. However, complications in the |
| opposite the Council Offices is a bar, club and | | | | building programme look as if that opening date |
| restaurant on 3 floors in one building, with | | | | will now be postponed. |
| Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights being the | | | | The Phoenix Arts Centre on Newarke Street is a |
| club nights. Moving away from the area around | | | | small community venue providing a wide variety |
| the Council offices, in Braunstone Gate, there's | | | | of entertainments. It is mainly used for showing |
| the Loaf which styles itself as a pub to 'loaf | | | | films and hosting touring comedy and musical acts. |
| around in', slow-down, have a drink and let the | | | | However, it can also be used for theatrical plays |
| world go by. If you want a traditional city centre | | | | and musical productions. There is, of course, a |
| pub, then head for the Globe on Silver Street. | | | | café/bar, which also hosts musical |
| Built in 1720 it serves fine draught ales, decent | | | | performances. |
| food and has a warm and charming atmosphere. | | | | For live music, apart from at the De Montfort Hall, |
| Restaurants: | | | | The Charlotte on Oxford Street is probably the |
| There is in Leicester what is known as the 'Golden | | | | biggest and best known. A fledgling Oasis played |
| Mile' of Asian food, to which people are drawn | | | | here many years ago! This is the venue in |
| from miles around for a truly authentic Asian | | | | Leicester where you'll first see the up and coming |
| eating experience. The Golden Mile is centred along | | | | 'Indie' bands. |
| the Belgrave Road, leading north out of the city | | | | There are currently some 13 nightclubs to choose |
| from the Haymarket bus station. Some people | | | | from in Leicester. Worth mentioning here is the |
| would say the nearer to the bus station a place is, | | | | Po Na Na, which apart from its interesting name, |
| the better the restaurant will be. Friends is an | | | | is well known for being the place to go for Funk |
| award winning Tandoori restaurant with main | | | | and House music. Two floors with two separate |
| courses ranging from only £5 to £12. | | | | sound systems make this a savvy and party |
| Nearby is Sanjay's Curry Pot which specialises in | | | | spirited place to be. Po Na Na is in Carey Close |
| the Indian/Portuguese cuisine of the Goa region in | | | | near the Jewry Wall. |
| India. It is one of the oldest established Asian | | | | Leicester has three comedy clubs; Jongleurs |
| restaurants in Leicester; prices for a main course | | | | (Granby Street), Ship of Fools (using a variety of |
| are typically between £5 and £13. | | | | stages including the Phoenix Arts Centre, and |
| Moving away from the Belgrave Road and into | | | | Bottle Rocket (at the Firebug bar). |