I came to Leicester to study for my Master's and have been living in and around ever since (that's almost 6 years!). Not exactly the most glamorous place on earth, not exactly the place I would chose if I could go anywhere, but sometimes in life you have to make compromises and unfortunately often that depends on the day-job requirements.
But if you look a little closer, it has a lot going for it. It has some incredible architecture, a beautiful train station (currently in redevelopment), some lovely parks, and if you look that little bit closer again, quite a few really lovely bars and shops!
So here are my favourite bits...
New Walk...
I will admit and maybe make many readers very jealous, but this is where I live - and it is the absolute best part of Leicester! Fair enough I live in a flat on the side of New Walk rather than a huge Victorian house, but to me it doesn't matter!
New Walk is a solely pedestrian way/path (even bikes are not allowed), now a Conservation Area, which links the town centre to Victoria Park where Leicester university is. It is lined with trees and rather large, very well looked after houses, with a few parks, the New Walk museum, and in general very content-looking people walking on it. There is nothing more relaxing that to walk up and down New Walk and forget that you are in the middle of a city.
... leading on to Queen's Road and Clarendon Park
and this is where I used to live... (yes I know, I am very lucky in that way)
A quiet little area, just beyond Victoria Park, and has so many great delis, charity shops and bar, and the feel of a very small and tight community. If you haven't been there yet, I would highly recommend it!
The Criterion
From the outside, it doesn't look like much, and from the inside, it looks a bit odd. BUT, it does have an impressive amount of real ales, quizzes, darts, etc (for the drinkers) and the yummiest stone-baked pizzas at ridiculously low prices (for the foodies like me!)
Their website is here
Phoenix Square
Leicester's independent cinema, with lots of amazing films, really good homemade food and great people.
I must admit since they moved to the Cultural Quarter, I have become a complete addict, so much so that I don't remember when was the last time I went to a large cinema like the Odeon. Plus the seats are so much comfier - an absolute joy!
Visit their website here
Manhattan 34
Very near the Curve, this opened in September last year and has become my hide-out place, I absolutely adore this bar! Cocktails, bagels and jazz - what else could I possibly need?!
Website and menus over here
Mrs Bridges
Over on Lowesby Lane, this is the cutest tea rooms with the loveliest afternoon tea.
If you can sit outside, it's even better! Absolute delight!
Summer Sundae Weekender
Maybe not as big and well renowned as T in the Park or V festival, but this is a small festival which is really worth going to. It is family-friendly with activities, and is set in the beautiful Victoria Park.
The Maccabees were headlining last year and I discovered the oh so amazing Portico Quartet.
Find out more here
Vintage shops and fairs
Not that I am myself a fan of all things vintage (they always look stunning, but never quite right on me!), Leicester has an unconditional love for it, or so it seems. It is probably due to it having two universities and plenty of young people about... but nonetheless, if you are looking for vintage and alternative clothing and general items, Leicester is a pretty good please to be!
There a vintage fair at Market Square ever last Saturday of the month, which seems to be ever so popular, and there is also a fair which takes place inside the Cathedral a few times a year, which is always great too. On top of that, there are quite a few vintage shops such as the great DollyMix Vintage and the famous Dolly Anna Does (well to me she is famous!).
I'd love to hear about little gems you know about Leicester...if you feel like spreading the word!
**What are you doing on Sunday?**
If you are in Leicester this coming weekend, don't forget to come to the
Clarendon Park Summer Fair on Queen's Road on Sunday from 11am to 5pm.
This is third fair now and they have all been ever so popular. It is so lovely to meet everybody who lives around, meet local talents, try some amazing food and realise how creative this little 'hidden' area of Leicester is!
Most importantly of course, *Paris in a bottle* will have a stand there; don't forget to come and say hi and treat yourself to some fabulous jewellery! :)
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