Tempting Passion
Disaronno with passionfruit and pineapple.
Leicester Guide
Cocktail Bars & Wine Bars In Leicester: A Guide To Drinking Well
Quick Answer
Looking for the best cocktail bars in Leicester — or a wine bar Leicester experience that's a little more thoughtful? Judge a bar on balance, ingredients, technique and service. Watson's Cocktail Bar on Granby Street offers crafted signature cocktails, curated wines, a whisky shelf and guided tasting evenings.
Judge A Cocktail Bar
Six Signs Of A Great Cocktail Bar
Balance
Neither too sweet, sour nor boozy — the first sip makes you want a second.
Ingredients
Fresh citrus, real herbs, quality spirits and house-made syrups.
Technique
Chilled glasses, correct dilution, clean ice and consistent pours.
A Focused Menu
A menu with opinions beats a menu of a hundred drinks.
Service
Bartenders who listen and adapt to your taste.
The Room
Seating, light and sound that let you enjoy the drink.
Watson's Signatures
Cocktails Worth Coming Back For
94 Granby Street
Hendrick's Gin, elderflower, lemon, mint and cucumber.
State of India
Koko Kanu coconut rum with muddled chillies and limes.
Chai Spirit
Jim Beam bourbon with lemon and chai infusion.
The Wine Bar Experience
What To Expect From A Good Wine Bar
- A short, well-chosen list with notes that help rather than intimidate.
- Staff who guide rather than lecture.
- Food that belongs with the wine — boards, cheese and small plates.
- A room built for conversation.
- Tasting evenings where you can try something new.
- Options for groups and private events.
More Reading
Cocktails, Wine & Whisky On The Blog
Watson's At A Glance
Key Facts About Watson's Cocktail Bar
- Address: 94 Granby Street, Leicester LE1 1DJ
- Type: classic independent cocktail bar & private hire venue
- Phone: +44 7961 768949
- Email: info@watsonsbar.co.uk
- Open to the public: Thursday, Friday and Saturday
- Private hire: exclusive Sunday–Wednesday, up to 50 guests
- Happy Hour: Thursdays 5–7pm
- Vegan options available on request
FAQ
Cocktail & Wine Bars: FAQ
Judge a cocktail bar on balance, ingredients, technique, a focused menu and service. Watson's Cocktail Bar on Granby Street serves crafted signature cocktails such as Heat of Malabar, State of India and 94 Granby Street.
Craft, consistency, hospitality and a clear identity — qualities found in cities across the UK, not just London.
Watson's offers curated wines and guided wine tasting evenings with food pairings. See the wine tasting page for upcoming dates.
Yes. Watson's runs guided whisky tasting evenings; see the whisky tasting page for dates and booking.
Yes. Watson's runs hands-on cocktail masterclasses for groups, taught behind the bar.
Yes. A small selection of vegan cocktails and tapas is available on request, in tribute to Donald Watson.