100&Six

This relaxed but stylish neighbourhood bar and restaurant is one of the most interesting openings in Leicester for some years. Downstairs 100&Six serves coffee and Scandi-inspired open sandwiches by day. Our favourite featured smoked duck breast, poached lingonberries, beer-pickled onions and Danish remoulade. By night it serves classy cocktails.

Upstairs there’s a bit more of a restaurant vibe, with creative small plates from chef Martin Powdrill. Look out for wildly eclectic dishes ranging from Jerusalem artichoke bhaji with lime curry leaf and apple pickle, to lime and tequila salt cod with saffron aioli and squid ink cracker. Don’t leave without trying the sensational treacle and barley candied bacon strips.

Owner is Kal Ruparell, who formerly ran the nearby Bar Dos Hermanos and more recently has set up the cool cocktail bar 33 Cank Street in Leicester city centre. Chef Martin Powdrill made his name with his Cured brand based at a several Leicester venues. Together they’ve created something truly original.

By Tim Burke, Leicester editor