The best bars in Leicester are the ones that fit your occasion: look for a bar with a clear atmosphere, a drinks list that goes beyond the basics, an easy city-centre location and a straightforward way to book. Watson's Cocktail Bar on Granby Street is built around exactly that mix.
“Best” is a slippery word in nightlife. The loudest bar isn't the best for a quiet catch-up, and the quietest isn't the best for a birthday. So rather than hand you a ranking, here is the checklist we'd use ourselves when choosing where to drink in Leicester — and it's the standard we try to hold Watson's to.
1. Start With The Occasion, Not The Postcode
Decide what the night is for. After-work drinks, a first date, a client meeting and a hen party each reward a different room. A bar that tries to be everything usually does none of it well. The bars worth returning to know who they're for.
2. Check The Drinks List For Craft, Not Just Choice
A long list isn't the same as a good one. Look for house cocktails with real ingredients behind them, a sensible wine list, a decent whisky shelf and — increasingly — thoughtful alcohol-free and vegan options. Our own cocktail menu leans on signatures like Heat of Malabar and 94 Granby Street because a bar should have a point of view.
3. Look At The Room
Can you hear each other? Is there seating, or is it standing room only by 9pm? Cosy bars with booth seating suit conversation; open, high-ceilinged venues suit crowds. If a bar shows photos of its actual interior, that's usually a good sign.
4. Think About Getting There And Getting Home
A city-centre bar within an easy walk of the rail station, theatres and taxi ranks removes a lot of friction. Watson's sits on Granby Street, in the middle of the city, which is why it works for people coming straight from work or a show.
5. Make Sure You Can Book Easily
For groups, a bar that answers the phone and confirms details clearly is worth more than a bigger room that doesn't. If you're planning something larger, look for a venue with a proper private hire process rather than a vague “get in touch”.
6. Read Recent Reviews With A Sceptical Eye
Look for specifics — named drinks, named staff, real details — rather than star counts alone. Watson's is rated 4.8 from 195 Google reviews at the time of writing, but we'd rather you read a few and decide for yourself.
Where To Go Next
Our full Best Bars In Leicester guide breaks the city down by occasion, and the Watson's key facts page has opening hours, capacity and booking details in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
A clear atmosphere, a well-made drinks list, a comfortable room, an easy city-centre location and a simple way to book. The best bar depends on the occasion, so match the venue to the night you want.
Watson's Cocktail Bar on Granby Street is rated 4.8 from 195 Google reviews at the time of writing and is a popular choice for cocktails, after-work drinks and private hire. We'd encourage you to read recent reviews and judge for yourself.
For small groups on a Thursday to Saturday you can usually walk in at Watson's, but groups, celebrations and anything on a Sunday to Wednesday need to be arranged in advance because those days are private hire only.
Plan Your Visit To Watson's
94 Granby Street, Leicester. Walk-ins welcome Thursday to Saturday — or enquire about private hire.
Contact Watson's
