Summer is here and if you’re wondering where you can enjoy some outside drinks of an evening in Leicester, here’s our guide to the best beer and cocktail gardens and terraces in town.
••••
Brick & Beam
This roof terrace is such a little hidden gem. Tucked away on Queen Street in the Cultural Quarter, Brick & Beam is a perfect spot for after work drinks or to start your night out. A great cocktail selection and look out for their latest live music events.
The Villare Hotel
The old Maiyango Hotel has now been rebranded as the Villare Hotel and they’ve made a few changes, however the terrace remains as good as ever. So if you want to enjoy cocktails whilst looking over Jubilee Square, this is the place to go!
Knight & Garter
Enjoy after work drinks and cocktails on the terrace at Knight & Garter as well as brunch and bites. As New Market Square nears full completion and we look forward to the big fancy screen going up there, this terrace is only going to get more in demand.
Bruxelles & Apres Lounge
If you’re looking to keep the outdoor drinks going well into the night then Bruxelles and Apres Lounge is the way to go, with their joint courtyard at the back of the neighbouring venues. With an outdoor bar and outdoor DJ booth open into the early hours it’s the best place to head for an outdoor party, but get down early if you want a table as later on it’s full of people dancing.
The Soundhouse
The Soundhouse has music fans sorted this summer as they’ll be running the Summer Sessions every Saturday and Sunday afternoon until September. Yes, this means there’ll be acoustic acts on their outdoor stage in the garden all weekend with free entry. The garden is just undergoing a full spruce up too, so we’re looking forward to seeing what’s in store!
Queen of Bradgate
You might not be able to tell from the entrance but there’s a great garden at the back of the Queen of Bradgate, just tucked away from the hustle and bustle of High Street.
Rutland & Derby
Whether having something to eat at the start of the evening, or grabbing a seat for drinks through the night, the 2 level terrace at the Rutland & Derby is perfect. Find yourself a table outside or head up the spiral staircase to their astro-turf covered roof terrace. (Also pictured in feature image)
Wygston’s House
We love this spot for a few afternoon and early evening drinks. Watch over Jubilee Square with a scotch egg and a gin. Keep an eye out for their Fizz Friday offers too.
Tønne Bar
Nestled in St Martin’s Square with outdoor seating at the front, head down to Tønne for the finest selection of craft beers and draft cocktails. One of our favourite places to have opened this year.
The King’s Head
Just at the bottom of New Walk, this unsuspecting pub offers a little more than you realise. Grab a gin or a beer and head up the stairs to their roof terrace where you can even watch sport on the outdoor telly.
King Richard III
A new addition to the list. King Richard has undergone a full refurb under the new owners, including the garden area, which now comes complete with it’s own wall decoration. Find it just a stone’s throw from the shops on Highcross Street.
Tamatanga
Can we class this as a terrace? Well they do 2 for 1 cocktails every day so we’re going to! Head down to Tamatanga on Shires Lane at Highcross and grab one of their outdoor tables at the front to enjoy their tasty cocktail menu with double the fun, as happy hour runs from 12pm – 7pm every day of the week.
Firebug
Of course we couldn’t forget Firebug. The garden that never sleeps. Well, not until after 4am anyway. The garden where you’re most likely to run into someone you know and stays open way after we should have all gone to bed.
Where’s your favourite spot for outside drinks? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.