Leicester’s Best Bar None 2026 Winners Announced

Last night (4 November), Leicester top nightlife spots were celebrated and rewarded at the BID Leicester Best Bar None Awards. The annual awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that help make Leicester’s evening economy such a vibrant part of the city’s appeal.

Best Bar None is a national scheme celebrating the best pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants, recognising excellence in the hospitality industry, and promoting safer and more welcoming nights out through the venues that work hard to maintain high standards of safety, customer care, management and hospitality.

For visitors, that’s excellent news. Whether you’re enjoying a pre-theatre meal, discovering Leicester’s independent pub scene, watching live music, enjoying competitive fun with friends, or experiencing the late-night atmosphere, these venues represent some of the very best experiences Leicester has to offer.

A Leicester institution, Firebug has long been at the heart of the city’s independent nightlife scene. Combining live music, great food, creative events and an inclusive atmosphere, this fantastic venue rightly took home the Best Overall Venue title.

Selected by the Leicester’s visitors and residents, this award went to one of the city’s great indoor entertainment venues. With bowling, arcade games, cocktails and plenty of social fun under one roof, Lane7 is hugely popular with groups looking to make a night of it.

Following a massive recent  refurbishment and new food offer, The Old Horse on London Road continues to be a firm favourite on Leicester’s nightlife scene. Now owned by the Beautiful Pub Company, it has a welcoming atmosphere, quality food and drink, and a commitment to great customer experience.

Set within one of Leicester’s most iconic buildings, The Corn Exchange is a go-to destination for everything from after-work drinks to weekend celebrations, combining historic surroundings with a contemporary food and drink experience.

Taking home a double award, Firebug was recognised for its exceptional live entertainment programme. With club nights, live music and comedy which helps support local talent and bringing exciting touring performances to audiences throughout the year.

An iconic Leicester night out, Mosh continues to draw crowds with its energetic atmosphere, late-night entertainment and packed dance floors, making it one of the city’s most popular destinations after dark.

Winning its second award of the evening, Lane7’s unique mix of games, competition and socialising inside a beautiful historic location has established it as one of Leicester’s most exciting leisure destinations.

Offering vibrant flavours, stylish surroundings and a memorable dining experience straight from the streets of Buenos Aries, Sonrisa claimed the title of Best Restaurant and continues to cement its reputation as one of Leicester’s must-visit dining destinations.

After a huge refurb of the hotel and food offer, O.W. at The Grand has made an immediate impact, earning recognition for its quality, service and contribution to the city’s already excellent food and drink scene.

Recognising venues that have demonstrated significant development and commitment to excellence, Audrey is a fantastic location for coffee and cakes during the day, bottomless brunches at the weekend and cocktails soundtracked by the best disco, house, garage, rnb and hip-hop at night!

The Best Bar None scheme is much more than a celebration of great nights out. It is stamp of excellent and a guarantee that the venue you’re visiting is safe, hospitable and is well managed.

A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners and to every venue that participated in the scheme. Together, they’re helping to showcase Leicester as a welcoming, vibrant and exciting city after dark.

The awards would not be possible without the continued support and involvement of Leicestershire Police and Leicester City Council, whose partnership helps ensure Leicester remains a safe and enjoyable destination for residents and visitors alike.