COOL AS LEICESTER

First date locations can be tricky to choose so here’s our lowdown on where to go in Leicester to make sure that you get that second date in the bag!

1. St Martin’s Coffee

   

   Hands down, St Martin’s Coffee do the best coffee you’ll get in Leicester, not to mention great deli boards and cakes to break the ice, so it’s a brilliant place for a daytime date. If you prefer to take out your new date in the evening then why not check out their range of events including tea & coffee tasting, the St Martin’s Quiz, beer and meat tastings and more. See their upcoming events on the St Martin’s Coffee website.

2. Cosy Club

   

   Situated on Highcross Street, Cosy Club is the new hotspot in Leicester. The big warehouse conversion transports you to a world away from Leicester once inside and is the perfect setting for a cocktail, a coffee or a slap up meal. The restaurant gets hugely busy on the weekends so make sure you book in advance, but if you’re after a lunchtime bite or an afternoon drink then whisk your date down there and enjoy the range of cocktails including Salted Caramel Chocolate Alexander and a Cherry Bakewell! Menus and info available on the Cosy Club website.

3. The Criterion

   

   The Criterion is a cornerstone of the Leicester pub scene and a must visit for everyone. This is definitely one for your more relaxed date. If your lady is dressed up to the nines then you may want to rethink your plan, but if you want a chilled out midweek date then you can’t go wrong here! Firstly, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays they host their quiz nights and nothing breaks the ice like arguing over quiz answers, but secondly The Criterion is home to the absolute best pizza in Leicester. If you don’t believe us go and try it. Now. Go. More info and pizza menu available on The Criterion website.

4. Phoenix

   

   I’ll be honest, we wouldn’t normally recommend the cinema for a first date but if you’re going to do it then make sure you’re heading down to The Phoenix. With a great selection of films, they also have a lovely cafe/bar that not does fantastic food but also serves drinks which you’re allowed to take into the cinema. Not that we’re suggesting you get your date drunk, but it’s nice to be able to have a glass of wine with your movie! Check out the latest listings on The Phoenix website.

5. Gelato Village

   

   There have been a few dessert places pop up around Leicester lately, but Gelato Village in St Martin’s Square is by far our favourite. Flavours galore, you’ll be spoilt for choice! Nobody can resist ice cream, right? Maybe keep this one for summer! They’re even open until 11pm on the weekends. More info on the Gelato Vilage website.

6. Maiyango Glass Bar

   

   It’s a bit of a secret that not many people know but Hotel Maiyango’s rooftop terrace and bar is actually open all the time and you don’t have to be a hotel guest to drink there! Take the lift to the 3rd floor and enjoy rooftop views across Jubilee Square and over the the cathedral. They have a 24 hour license up there so you won’t be in any danger of being booted out at closing time either! Note, the venue is sometimes closed if a private function is booked in but just call ahead to double check! Full info on the Maiyango website.

7. Taps

   

   Another one of our favourite places in Leicester is Taps on Guildhall Lane because you get a private beer tap on your table to help yourself from. They do great food and cocktails too, but there’s a beer tap… on your table… what more reason do you need to go? Save time queuing at the bar and enjoy more time with your date as you pour your drinks at the table. Visit the Taps website for more.

8. Cocoa Amore

   

   If you like chocolate or your date likes chocolate, which is 99% likely I’m sure, then be sure to consider Cocoa Amore as a date option. Situated in the beautiful Silver Arcade these luxury chocolatiers run great workshops where you can do tastings along the Cocoa belt, truffle making and put together your own box of chocolates to take away. Check out the Cocoa Amore website for details and to book.

9. Eskimo Blue

   

   Everyone has seen Ghost, right? The pottery making scene… You know where we’re going with this! Get creative with your date and take them out to Eskimo Blue in Silver Arcade for a pottery making workshop. With a range of taster sessions workshops and classes there’s bound to be something to suit your date and you’ll both get a memento to take home afterwards, or keep on the mantlepiece if it all goes well! Class information can be found on the Eskimo Blue website.

10. 33 Cank Street

    

    Cocktail bars are a plenty in Leicester, but few do it as well as 33 Cank Street (the address is in the name). The bar is only little keeping it very intimate but their drinks won’t disappoint. Truly unique cocktails are always a talking point and you can even have a go at making your own with one of their cocktail making masterclasses. The bar does get busy so if you’re heading down on a weekend make sure you book a table and always book ahead for cocktail classes. Further info is on the 33 Cank Street website.