After-Work Drinks
Central, relaxed and easy after the office — including Thursday Happy Hour from 5pm.
Read The Guide
Leicester Guide
Best Bars In Leicester: The Complete Guide To Where To Drink
Quick Answer
The best bars in Leicester are the ones that match your occasion: a cosy room for conversation, crafted cocktails you'll remember, an easy city-centre location and a simple way to book. For one of the best bars in Leicester for cocktails, after-work drinks and private hire, Watson's Cocktail Bar at 94 Granby Street is built around exactly that.
How To Choose
Six Things That Make A Great Bar
Rather than a ranking that's out of date by next month, here's the checklist we'd use ourselves — and the standard we hold Watson's to.
Atmosphere
A bar should know who it's for. Cosy booths suit conversation; open rooms suit crowds.
Drinks With A Point Of View
Look for house cocktails with real ingredients, a considered wine list and a decent whisky shelf.
The Room
Can you hear each other? Is there seating? Is the lighting kind?
Location
Central, walkable and easy to get home from — ideally near the station, theatres and shops.
Booking
A venue that answers the phone and confirms details clearly is worth more than a bigger room that doesn't.
Recent Reviews
Read specifics, not just star counts. Watson's holds 4.8 from 195 Google reviews at the time of writing.
By Occasion
Bars In Leicester City Centre, Matched To Your Night
Parties & Groups
Hire the whole bar for up to 50 guests — birthdays, hen and stag parties, celebrations.
Private Party Hire
Cocktails, Wine & Whisky
How to judge a good cocktail, wine bar experience or whisky tasting.
Cocktail & Wine Guide
Leicester City Centre By Area
Where To Start Your Evening
Granby Street
A street of independent-feeling bars and restaurants in the middle of the city — Watson's is at number 94. Read the Granby Street guide.
The Cultural Quarter
Theatre, cinema and gallery space — ideal for pre- and post-show drinks. Read the Cultural Quarter guide.
Around The Shops
Good for daytime and early-evening meet-ups. Busier and louder as the night goes on.
Getting There
The centre is compact and walkable from the rail station. Directions to Watson's.
Where Watson's Fits
A Cosy, Classic Cocktail Bar On Granby Street
Watson's Cocktail Bar is one of the best bars in Leicester for people who want craft in the glass and calm in the room. Signature cocktails, curated wines, a whisky shelf, small plates and an interior built for conversation.
It's also a proper private hire venue: exclusive use Sunday to Wednesday for up to 50 guests, with partial hire Thursday to Saturday. And yes, there's a small tribute to Leicester-linked Donald Watson, the Vegan Society's founder — with vegan options available if you want them.
View The Menu Find Us
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
Best Bars In Leicester: FAQ
The best bars in Leicester depend on the occasion. For crafted cocktails, a cosy setting and private hire in the city centre, Watson's Cocktail Bar at 94 Granby Street is a popular choice. This guide explains how to choose any bar by atmosphere, drinks, location and booking.
Look for venues with a clear identity, a story and a distinctive room. Granby Street and the Cultural Quarter are good areas to explore, and Watson's offers theatrical cocktails in a cosy, private-bar setting.
Choose a bar that takes group bookings and offers flexible seating or private hire. Watson's can be hired exclusively Sunday to Wednesday for up to 50 guests and partially Thursday to Saturday.
Yes. Watson's Cocktail Bar offers curated wines and regular guided wine tasting evenings paired with food boards, alongside its cocktails and whisky.
Watson's is open until midnight on Thursdays and 1am on Fridays and Saturdays. Always check current opening hours before travelling.
Look for booth seating, low music and earlier timings. Watson's is a cosy cocktail bar designed for conversation, and weekday private hire gives you the whole venue.
Yes. Watson's offers private party hire for up to 50 guests: exclusive Sunday to Wednesday and partial hire Thursday to Saturday. Enquire online, by email or call +44 7961 768949.
No. Watson's is a classic cocktail bar named in tribute to Leicester-linked Donald Watson, founder of the Vegan Society. Vegan cocktails and tapas are available on request.