Leicester new openings Summer 2025

Over the last few months we have seen a number of new openings and expansions in Leicester city centre, from new independent shops to fantastic restaurants and cafés. In this blog we’re running down some of the fantastic new names coming to (and in some cases returning to) the city!

One of Leicester’s best kept secrets is the fantastic Italian eatery Maurizio’s on Belvoir Street. They’ve become so popular that they are opening a new venue on Hotel Street in the former Sommar unit. Their existing Belvoir Street site will continue to focus on takeaway and deliveries, with the new larger venue concentrating on eating in.

The closure of Dom Restaurant in Blaby, which had featured on Man vs Food star Adam Richman’s tour of the UK was a sad day for Leicestershire. But their loss is our gain and the team behind Dom have joined forces with Gadabout to create Hive & Honey on Silver Street. This brand new independent bar & restaurant can be found in the former Ask restaurant and offers a fusion menu with Asian flavours plus a small pizza selection.

At Highcrosssushi and noodle bar, Maki & Ramen, has opened in St Peters Square. Offering diners a taste of authentic traditional Japanese food, this will be the very first Maki & Ramen branch in the East Midlands and joins locations in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Manchester. Diners will be welcomed by the traditional sounds of the Taiko Drum and sakura cherry blossom branches hanging from the ceiling. The old Bodega unit in St Martin’s Square has been fully renovated for a brand new and vibrant Tapas bar Casa Casa. They’re currently advertising for staff and should be opening soon. 

There’s something really special on Market Street with fantastic high class dining at Peara, which has opened up on the corner of the Gresham building. They offer a fantastic fusion of European and contemporary Asian cuisine which draws inspiration from family recipes passed down through generations. This is an independent family-run restaurant, a far cry from the chain eateries to be found elsewhere.

Café 805 is a brand new Pakistani inspired eatery that is due to open on Granby Street. They already have a branch in Evington, but they’re now expanding into the city centre, bringing fantastic Thali, Lassi, Pani Puri, Chaat and other flavours of the country alive! A brand new brunch spot with a fully Halal menu, luxurious desserts and their viral Dubai chocolate inspired cups, Lumere are open on Cheapside right near the Market Place. And ready to go into the former gaming café on Horsefair Street is Naan Staap. Adding to a number of London-based eateries, this is their first venture outside the capital and their filled Naan, rice bowls and selection of Chai and Lassi look amazing!

Welcome to the jungle at Bar Tropicia which recently opened in St Martins Square. With Instagram friendly decorations, you won’t know whether you’re in Leicester or Laos as you sip on delicious cocktails plus a whole range of other bar drinks. With special events, karaoke nights, open mic and DJ sets, Club Tanzanite on Friar Lane is Leicester’s latest late night addition. Come in for chilled vibes or to party the night away.

A brand new roller-skating rink has opened in the city! SpinPin, in Navigation Street, near Burleys Flyover, is the idea of local Mohammed Khan and it has taken him almost 15 years to find the right venue. The venue offers roller skating, six bowling lanes plus arcade machines. Slots for the roller-skating rink will normally cost £9.95 for an hour, plus £3 to hire roller skates if visitors do not bring their own.

A couple of high class retail outlets have come to Highcross recently. Leading international fashion brand Mango recently opened a store in Highcross. The new store offers a popular, exclusive line of womenswear, with their Mediterranean-inspired retail concept an exciting addition to the centre. It will be the only Mango store in Leicestershire. Another big name which has reopened in the centre is Boss Menswear, the David Beckham endorsed brand opened its doors on 23 May.  The Love of Colour on King

The centre also teased the arrival of luxury home and body cosmetics retailer Rituals in July. They will be offering body and care products, organic cotton ware, scented candles, perfumes and more. And finally, beauty specialist SpaceNK is to open a new branch in Highcross this June. The store is one of three new locations.

There have also been a number of additions to the Haymarket, with Little Angels selling kids clothing, accessories and toys, Royal Oud offering a variety of personal and home fragrances, RKD offering mens and ladies clothing and accessories and a place to get everything you need for your house at Homestyle.

On the corner of King Street and New Walk, a new art gallery and store The Love Of Colour has recently opened, you can pop in then grab a coffee or snack from one of the great nearby cafes or restaurants.