The Criterion, Leicester

From the outside, this is a typical ugly 1970's style building, with a little beer patio, (unfortunately often frequented by some unsavoury characters).
The decor on the inside is not much better; however don't let this put you off!

"A Mecca for real ale lovers" - (a quote used to describe the old vaults). Today the criterion is probably the only real ale pub in Leicester that comes close to this discription. If you�re a real ale lover like me, u will love the variety & quality of beers available (especially at beer festivals)

This venue offers a fantastic range of drinks, from real ale, continental bottled beer, and for the non drinkers an extensive range of soft drinks. On the food side they specialize in traditional Italian pizza at very reasonable prices. Usually of very high quality, however I have been disappointed on 1 occasion when the pizza base was so thin, it was almost non-existent.

The inside is split into 2 separate bars: - the front bar often used for live music, darts matches, and private functions, the rest of the time it has quite a student feel to it. The back bar is the main hub of activity, and can get very busy especially at the weekends, and quiz nights, often with a good vibe to go with it.

The down side to this venue is the service - waiting to be served can be very frustrating, especially at quieter times when the bar staff all hide in the kitchen/glass wash area seemingly having their own private party and totally oblivious to the numerous customers waiting to be served. Once you do get served, most of the staff are friendly and knowledgeable.

Unfortunately, however 1 or 2 of the staff can be quite rude and unprofessional - this is such a shame, as otherwise a fantastic little boozer with great potential.

17 Oct 2008 15:07

The Quay, Leicester

stay away, dont do it to yourself - no atmosphere, bad service, poor quality of drinks and is rather filthy.

13 Oct 2008 14:37

The Polar Bear, Leicester

cheap drinks, lots of students, and little atmosphere - same as all the other its a scream pubs. used to be a fantastic pub, when it was the bowling green many, many years ago.

13 Oct 2008 14:33