Susie the Foodie

FOODIE THINGS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Now summer is here, what better way to make the most of the sunny weather than having a drink and a bite to eat with friends or family in a beautiful pub garden

THE RED LION

5 Main Street, Great Bowden LE16 7HB

The Red Lion in Great Bowden has found the perfect balance between a traditional indoor pub and a modern outdoor seating area. Both spaces are the perfect environment for food, drinks and a catch up with friends or family.

The pub’s garden has been recently renovated and is the perfect asset to an already well looked after village.

The à la carte wasn’t available on this particular visit, but we were still spoilt for choice when it came to the pizza, burger and cocktail menu. After a long debate between which option to go for, I chose the Royal Burger, which came with a 6oz beef burger, smoky streaky bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo. All burgers came served with paprika mayo, house pickles and skin on fries which made for the perfect pub burger fix.

If you’re looking for a pub with delicious food, refreshing drinks and a welcoming atmosphere with midranged prices, then it’s definitely worth paying them a visit!

THE YEWS

London Rd, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9FL

The Yews in Great Glen is an imposing building, but don’t let the three-storey Victorian frontage intimidate you – round the back there’s a lovely big garden to stretch out in. It’s large enough not to feel rammed even when it’s busy, with plenty of room and an expansive feel. The pub itself has had its interior decorated in a modern country pub style and there’s a family-friendly feeling throughout, with the garden a safe place for kids to explore. Food is good quality pub grub, with good helpings and the staff were friendly during our visit. Located just off the A6 on the other side of Oadby, this place is easily accessible from the city, especially if you’re not keen on driving round country lanes. A great place to take the family to unwind.

THE NEVILL ARMS

Waterfall Way, Medbourne, Market Harborough LE16 8EE

Set in beautiful, rolling countryside in south Leicestershire’s Welland Valley, the village of Medbourne is well worth a ride out – and the Nevill Arms occupies an idyllic spot in the village. Looking out on Medbourne brook, the whole place oozes history and character, with outdoor seating for drinkers and diners right next to the babbling waters. It’s a great place to take members of your family – especially if they’re fans of ‘proper’ country pubs hewn from the local stone with open fires and lots of wood panelling. The interior beautifully blends the building’s tradition with a modern twist, while those outside benches next to the brook are coveted spots on sunny days. At the time of out last visit, work was being finished on the garden at the rear of the pub and associated hotel, with some disruption to normal services, so it’s worth a call to make sure what’s on. Bar food is usually available and there’s a stylish restaurant at the back if your appetite is running away with you. Just be warned: the car park’s pretty tight and this place gets very popular on fine days – especially as it’s on the B664, a popular road for motoring enthusiasts.

WATERSIDE INN

Sileby Rd, Mountsorrel, Loughborough LE12 7BB

Everything you could want from a pub garden can be found at Waterside Inn. Families enjoy a safe space in the middle of the green with a giant bouncy castle. Four-legged family members are also catered for with communal water bowls and treats. And mate-dates and date-dates do not get any better with stunning views of the Grand Union Canal. Life is made easy with a digital menu and table service, meaning you can soak up every minute of the sunshine, and families need not worry about having to leave the table. A mini shack-type bar is also available just outside the main pub for those who prefer face-to-face service. Plan a day out to Stonehurst Farm to feed the lambs before taking a stroll over the quaint little bridge to Waterside Inn to feed the family.

MORE TO TRY

EVERARDS MEADOWS

Cooper Way, Leicester LE19 2AN

Just opposite Fosse Park, Everards Meadows is home to the state-of-the-art brewery, beer hall and shop.

THE SHIRES INN

Main Street, Peatling Parva, Lutterworth LE17 5PU

Great if you have kids, with a large garden and wooden castle to keep them occupied for hours.

THE TREE

99 High Street Leicester, LE1 4JB

City centre location with beer garden serving up freshly made food, tasty beers and cocktails.

THE OLD HORSE

198 London Road, Leicester LE2 1NE

A real ale pub supporting local microbreweries with a large garden.

THE BADGER’S SETT

Reservoir Road, Cropston, Leicester LE7 7GQ

Country pub with resevoir views, great for a bite to eat after a good walk round Bradgate Park.

COMING SOON

COW AND PLOUGH

Gartree Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 2FB

The newly refurbished Steamin’ Billy pub will be expanding to include a farm park along with a deli farm shop and distillery. And to encourage sustainabilty, they will be growing herbs, salad items and many vegetables on site.