20 Characterful Pubs

Leicestershire is home to some of England’s most characterful pubs. Many are genuine national treasures – living, breathing historical exhibits. They tell tales of ancient times, their age enhancing the present. And at the same time, they provide that uniquely British form of hospitality: pub conviviality – a lulling, laid-back environment, friendly chatter, beautiful beers, delicious food, characterful setting.  

Leicestershire is home to some of England’s most characterful pubs. Many are genuine national treasures – living, breathing historical exhibits. They tell tales of ancient times, their age enhancing the present. And at the same time they provide that uniquely British form of hospitality: pub conviviality – a lulling, laid-back environment, friendly chatter, beautiful beers, delicious food, characterful setting.

The county’s historical gems are many – pubs such as The Anne of Cleves in Melton Mowbray – built in 1384 for priests who ministered to local lepers, later gifted to Anne of Cleves in her divorce settlement.

Then there’s Wygston’s House – the former dwelling of Roger Wygston, Mayor of Leicester in 1472. Or how about The Lancaster Arms in Newtown Unthank – believed to occupy the site where Richard III rested his army before Bosworth Field? And don’t forget The Baker’s Arms in Blaby, dating back to 1485 and full of nooks, crannies and warped wood beams.  

Then there are village inns where you can soak up the quintessential pub experience – the thatched Blue Bell at Hoby with its pretty beer garden and old skittles alley. And The Star at Thrussington: built in 1744, it watches over the village green like a gnarled army general.

Leicester’s traditional pubs are equally memorable: The Knight & Garter combines history with sophistication. And The Globe, pulling pints since 1720, is the place where Nathanial Corah founded his Corah hosiery company in 1815, which went on to become the largest knitwear producer in Europe.

Finally, there are gastropubs specialising in exceptional cooking: award-winners like The Stag & Hounds at Burrough on the Hill, The Swan at Shawell and The Baker’s Arms in Thorpe Langton.