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