As Leicester expands to become a bigger and better city, many new bars, restaurants and clubs are opening. But with so many to choose from, it is difficult to know which ones to try. So Soar Magazine’s Amy Bennett has compiled a guide to the best new establishments in town to make the choice a little easier.

New Clubs…

Basement

Opened on July 1st, Basement has been taken over by The Orange Tree Group and given a new lease of life. The group already own Orange Tree, O Bar and The Lansdowne within Leicester so are experts at pleasing the city’s residents. Open till 6am, this club is for everyone from the couple wanting a casual drink while listening to live music to the dance lovers who want to party till sunrise. Throughout the week they hold a variety of nights for different tastes so why not pop down to a crowd pleasing favourite disco floor anthems set on a Saturday. Free entry on Tuesday and Wednesday and only up to £4 on the weekends, this is the perfect place to relax with a cocktail or dance the night away. You can find Basement at 1 Wellington Street, Leicester, LE1 6HH.

Club Republic

Club Republic, the £5 million super club, has landed in Leicester and there’s no doubt that it’s hit the ground running, attracting thousands of party lovers every week. Complete with five different rooms each playing a different kind of music and ten bars to cater to all your drinking needs, the club is far bigger than anything else the city has to offer at night. At £7 entry on a Saturday night, the club has a high entrance fee compared to some of the smaller clubs in the city, but there is no question that it is worth every penny. Head straight to the Retro Disko Room to sing your heart out to all the hits from the 80s or, if you want to be impressed, the Republic Club Room features a enormous dance floor where you can practice your best dance moves to the chart hits. Club Republic can’t be missed on Gravel Street, Leicester, LE1 3AG.

New Bars…

Hakamou

Hakamou Bar is the fresh new bar located in the centre of the city. Cocktails served in pineapples and coconuts are just some of the exciting experiences created at this new Hawaiian themed bar in the heart of the city. Only opened a short time ago, the bar is thriving with visitors from far and wide wanting to be part of the atmosphere. A huge choice of beverages including wines, champagnes, beers and more cocktails than anyone could dream of, gives this bar a special quality. With friendly and fun-loving staff it gives people a chance to escape to Hawaii and just enjoy each other’s company. They also now offer private hire packages and birthday cocktail lessons so it really is a bar that caters for all your needs. Visit Hakamou Bar at 8 Bowling Green Street, Leicester, LE1 6AT.

Exchange Bar

Located in the centre of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter opposite Curve, Exchange Bar brings something new and fresh to the city. A bohemian style, featuring live bands, swing dancing, comedians and being known as a great place to meet people; this bar ticks all the boxes. Winning Best New Venue at the Leicester Comedy Awards has put the bar on the map and more and more people are visiting to see for themselves. Go to Rutland Street, Leicester, LE1 1RD and pop in to Exchange Bar.

New Restaurants..

Memsaab

Opened around the Christmas period, Memsaab restaurant is a new shining star at Highcross Shopping Centre. Combining an Indian fine dining restaurant with a champagne & piano bar, you are guaranteed an excellent evening. Incorporating luxury interior, excellent service and exquisite dishes it is no wonder that the company won Best British Newcomer 2010 at the British Curry Awards. If you fancy splashing out for a birthday or business party, why not take part in the ‘Chef’s Table experience’. If there is between 6 and 10 of you and your friends, book in for the ‘tailored to you night’ which starts off with a champagne reception. Throughout the night you will be served 8 courses cooked in front of you by the head chef at Memsaab. Simply tell the chef your likes and dislikes and a menu will be created for you and your group to indulge in. at £40 a head the opportunity is worth every penny. Memsaab restaurant can be found at 59-59a Highcross Street, Leicester, LE1 4PG.

Horse & Groom

If you fancy a relaxing Sunday afternoon filled with good British food, real ales and a relaxing atmosphere take a trip out into the countryside to visit the Horse & Groom pub in Queniborough. A ten minute drive out of the city, this gem has to be visited. Doing a great Sunday Lunch as well as Karaoke every last Saturday of the month this really represents a British local pub with the friendly atmosphere, comfortable and homely interior as well as friendly staff. Type 45 Main Street, Queniborough, Leicester, LE7 3DJ into your satellite navigation and take time to relax.

With these being just a select few of the new and exciting places to eat and drink around the city, Leicester seems to be making a move in the right direction to cater for all of your socialising needs and wants.

By Amy Bennett