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Your guide to the best food & drink independents in Leicestershire

Our hometown is Melton Mowbray – the capital of pork pies and Stilton cheese. This inspired us to create Great Food Club in 2011. Leicestershire is the heart of rural England and contains a wealth of wonderful food and drink. Led by our Leicestershire editor Tim, who lives in Leicester, Great Food Club will guide you to the best independent Leicestershire restaurants, pubs, producers and food shops. And many of them are running superb member offers.

  • Be guided to great places in the East Midlands & further afield
  • Up to 25% off with your membership card

Recommended businesses in Leicestershire

Here are the food and drink independents we love in this region and their member offers, with more coming soon…

  • & & & in

    100&Six

    This relaxed but stylish neighbourhood bar and restaurant is one of most interesting openings in Leicester for some years…

  • in

    45 West Bottle Shop & Bar

    A shop (and bar) in the heart of Leicester’s vibrant city centre, specialising in high quality wines, spirits and craft beers…

  • & in

    Apteekki

    Apteekki is a beautifully designed vegan restaurant in the middle of Melton Mowbray that has been lovingly created by a team with a real eye for detail. The food and drink are nourishing and delicious…

  • in

    Ascough’s Bistro

    Popular Market Harborough bistro with a deliciously creative menu, nice setting and reasonable prices…

  • & in

    Bakery Cottage

    Bakery Cottage of Melton Mowbray bakes brownies, blondies, cake jars, treat boxes and more. It was a finalist in the Great Food Club Awards 2019/20…

  • & in

    Bar Dos Hermanos

    Bar Dos Hermanos, or “two brothers bar”, is a jewel in Leicester’s suburb of Clarendon Park…

  • & & in

    Barkby Bakehouse

    Barkby Bakehouse of Barkby in Leicestershire bakes bread and other products to traditional methods using high-quality ingredients…

  • & & in

    Beardsley’s Tea Room

    Beardsley’s in Rearsby is the very definition of “quaint”. Entering is like walking into favourite gran’s house after she’s been on a baking masterclass…

  • in

    Black Goat Farm

    A small farm that raises goats and sheep on Leicestershire pasture and then sells top quality meat directly to the customer…

  • in

    Bobby’s

    A Leicester institution, Bobby’s serves authentic Gujarati vegetarian cuisine, plus amazing Indian sweets…

  • in

    Boboli

    A bright, modern, stylish and welcoming pizzeria with a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere, located in rural south Leicestershire…

  • & & in

    Bouverie Lodge & ‘Through the Gate’ Cafe

    A 210-acre bison and venison farm and cafe selling its own meat in its own shop. Named one of The Telegraph’s 50 best food outlets outside London…

  • & in

    Brockleby’s Pies

    Brockleby’s are farmers and pie makers from Melton Mowbray, producing a range of multi-award-winning, handmade pies. Buy online and have them delivered…

  • in

    Bryter Moon

    An independent deli and cafe in central Leicester crammed with a broad range of top quality food and drink…

  • & in

    Burleighs Distillery

    A Leicestershire gin distillery whose products are inspired by wild botanicals growing in Charnwood Forest. Distillery tours are available…

  • in

    Burleighs Gin Academy

    Escape to the country for an afternoon of gin-making at the Burleighs Gin Distillery, situated in the heart of Leicestershire’s beautiful Charnwood Forest…

  • & in

    Café Delhi

    Located in the middle of Leicester’s Golden Mile, Café Delhi is an enticing and deceptively large vegetarian street-food eatery…

  • in

    Caffe Italia

    Charming and compact Italian café situated on Melton Mowbray’s prettiest cobbled street near St Mary’s church…

  • & & & in

    Cattows Farm

    Cattows Farm in Heather, Leicestershire, is home to a farm shop & tea room. It’s run by the Ludlam family, who’ve been farming in the village since 1899…

  • & & in

    Charnwood Brewery

    Charnwood Brewery is a family-run brewery in Loughborough (husband, wife, children and dog!) with a passion for top quality, locally brewed beer…

  • & & in

    Chez Sebastien Artisan Pizza

    Chez Sebastien Artisan Pizza of Melton Mowbray creates delicious artisan pizza, made using carefully sourced, free-range, local produce…

  • in

    Chocolate Alchemy

    Chocolate Alchemy imports chocolate from all over the world, creates inventive truffles, and runs chocolate workshops…

  • & in

    Choux’tique

    Choux’tique makes choux pastries and other French-style bakes. It won a Silver Medal in the British Pie Awards 2020 for its Frenchman’s Pie…

  • in

    Christopher James Deli

    Christopher James Deli in Leicester is a tiny yet charming and characterful traditional deli that was shortlisted in the Great Food Club Awards 2017/18…

  • & & in

    Cidentro Cider House

    Cidentro makes cider in Twyford near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire from fruit grown on 540 English cider apple trees…

  • & in

    Claybrooke Mill

    Claybrooke Mill in Claybrooke Magna is a historic watermill that grinds flour on French Burr Millstones driven by water power. It also produces cereals…

  • & in

    Cocoa Amore

    Cocoa Amore is bringing fine, hand-made chocolates to the heart of Leicester – along with the chance to create your own…

  • & in &

    Country Victualler

    A small family producer founded in 1973 offering a variety of unique products, including the legendary Alderton ham…

  • in

    Crafty Burger

    This laid-back, buzzing pop-up burger restaurant runs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 6-8.30pm…

  • in

    Cue

    Cue fits in well with the upmarket surroundings of Leicester’s Stoneygate with a simple, pared-down style…

  • & & in

    Dickies

    Set on a family farm in the middle of the Vale of Belvoir, Dickies can only be described as a ‘destination’ butchery…

  • & in

    Dickinson & Morris

    An award-winning baker of genuine Melton Mowbray pork pies since 1851, plus seller of fine local cheeses, sausages, Melton Hunt Cake and more…

  • & in

    Duncan Murray Wines

    Superior independent wine merchant, named Independent Wine Retailer 2012 by the International Wine & Spirits Competition…

  • & & in

    edibLE16

    A fantastic online delivery service that only stocks food and drink produced in the LE16 (Market Harborough) postcode area by local producers…

  • & & & in

    Elms Farm of Costock

    Elms Farm in Costock is our Food Producer of the Year 2020. Its ethos is to focus on native and heritage breeds and produce slow-grown meat…

  • & & & & in

    Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle

    At The Engine Yard at Belvoir Castle you’re spoilt for choice. There’s a unique café, stunning bar, chocolate shop, butchery, coffee roaster and deli…

  • in

    Everards of Leicestershire

    Everards is a family-owned Leicestershire brewery founded in 1849 with a passion for food and drink, and a policy of supporting everything local…

  • & in

    Farndon Fields Farm Shop

    One of the country’s biggest and best farm shops, stocking fresh fruit and veg grown in fields next door, local meats and a range of superb delicacies. There’s a café, too…

  • & & in

    Feast and the Furious

    Feast and the Furious of Melton Mowbray is a family-run smoked-food business and food truck established in 2017…

  • & in &

    Ferneley’s Dairy Barn Café

    Ferneley’s makes and serves superb ice cream using milk from its herd of Holstein and Friesian cows. Offering breakfasts and light lunches too, you can see the cattle as you tuck in…

  • & in

    Fosse Meadows

    Fosse Meadows Farm produces delicious free-range, slow-grown, award-winning poultry, reared in North Kilworth, south Leicestershire…

  • & & in

    Framework Brewery

    Framework Brewery brew a large selection of excellent beers from their brewhouse in Leicester’s industrial heartland…

  • in

    Gelato Village

    An authentic Italian gelato and sorbetto parlour with a passion for local ingredients…

  • & & in

    Grazers of Ashby Parva

    Grazers of Ashby Parva is a small family farm offering home-reared beef, lamb and pork. It feeds its free-range animals on a grass-only diet…

  • in

    Grounded Kitchen

    Leicester’s Grounded Kitchen has a mantra of “eat healthier on the go”, and its Korean-inspired salad bowls offer some delicious freshly-prepped combinations…

  • in

    Hambleton Bakery Market Harborough

    Crowned Britain’s Best Bakery by ITV1, Hambleton Bakery traditionally produces a mouthwatering array of breads and pastries in its giant woodfired oven…

  • & & in

    Hammer & Pincers

    The Hammer & Pincers in Wymeswold, Leicestershire, impresses with its attention to detail, professional service and excellent cooking…

  • in

    Herb

    Herb in the heart of Leicester focuses on Keralan vegetarian food. Expect fresh, clear flavours that make the most of herbs and spices, and allow vegetables sing out clearly…

  • in

    Hercules Revived

    Hercules Revived is back in the saddle – a modern take on a classic English country inn, where good, honest food and drink take centre stage…

  • & & in

    I Due Vulcani

    I Due Vulcani in Hinckley is an independent Italian restaurant run by founders from Sicily & Campania. They are passionate about traditional Italian food…

  • in

    John’s House Restaurant

    Creative fine dining on a family farm – one of the Midlands’ most special gastronomic experiences. A holder of one Michelin Star…

  • in

    Just So Italian

    A unique deli (and online shop) jam-packed with genuine Italian delicacies, run by a family team with close links to several small producers in Italy…

  • & in

    Keythorpe Catering

    Keythorpe Event Catering of Keythorpe, Leicestershire, usually caterers for weddings & events but is selling its stock for delivery or collection…

  • & in

    Kilo Wines

    Kilo Wines of Quorn in Leicestershire brings fine, affordable Italian wines from small, family-run vineyards directly to the consumer…

  • in

    King Richard III

    The King Richard III in Leicester city centre is an intimate city-centre pub and chophouse. The menu will appeal to enthusiastic carnivores…

  • in

    Kingarth Farm Dairy

    Kingarth Farm Dairy in Burton Overy, Leicestershire, sells fresh, free-range milk and cream directly from the farm gate via vending machines…

  • & in

    Kuru Kuru Sushi

    Kuru Kuru in Leicester has been producing some of the best Japanese food in the city since 2014 – especially its sushi and sashimi…

  • in

    Launde Farm Foods

    A producer of high quality grass-fed lamb – reared slowly near Launde Abbey in east Leicestershire…

  • & & in

    Leicester Coffee House Co.

    After four years running a home-based roastery as their side hustle, Gail Brown and Aaron Keen opened this stylish coffee house with a difference…

  • & in &

    Leicestershire Handmade Cheese Co

    Superior cheese handmade to a traditional recipe from milk produced by the farm’s own cows…

  • in

    Lilu

    Lilu of Leicester is an Indian fine-dining restaurant that comes with the tagline “not just a curry” – summing up its ambition to widen the horizons of Indian food lovers…

  • in &

    Liz Moore Cooks

    From her kitchen tucked away in the countryside outside Market Harborough, Liz produces the most incredible dishes for private clients…

  • in

    Manor Farm Cookery School

    Manor Farm Cookery School in Branston, Leicestershire, offers courses and workshops for people of all ages and abilities…

  • in

    Manor Farm Dairy

    Probably the best yogurt you’ll ever taste, handmade on the family farm in Leicestershire…

  • & & in

    Manor Organic Farm Shop

    Manor Farm is an organic butchery, bakery and tearoom situated at the heart of a working farm in north Leicestershire…

  • & & in

    March House Farm Shop

    The star of March House Farm Shop near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire is its long and impressive butchery counter, which sells home-grown beef, lamb, pork and more…

  • & & in

    Melton Charcuterie

    Melton Charcuterie is an artisan farm-to-fork producer in Melton Mowbray producing Coppa, Guanciale, Salami, Pastrami and Pancetta…

  • in

    Miss B’s Tea Rooms

    Lovingly prepared homemade food – from pork pie platters to Victoria sponges – star at this award-winning traditional tea room…

  • & in

    Neil Cavner & Son Seafoods

    Neil Cavner & Son Seafoods sells fresh fish and seafood, seasonal game, poultry and prepared seafood dishes. The business has been around since 1879…

  • in &

    Nelo’s Coffee Indulgence

    A fixture at Oakham’s Wednesday market, Nelo’s Coffee Indulgence operates from a converted Italian Piaggio Ape…

  • & in

    Nice Pie

    Jamie Oliver-recommended award-winning pies and other delicacies made in the heart of Leicestershire…

  • & in

    North’s Deli & Patisserie

    A high quality traditional deli offering a large yet carefully chosen range of food and drink. An artisan patisserie business is attached…

  • in

    Onggi

    Onggi in Leicester might be a relatively humble Korean cafe and takeaway but it scores highly on atmosphere, friendliness, professionalism and, of course, delicious umami-rich food…

  • in

    Paddy’s Marten Inn

    A Leicester institution for over 20 years, Paddy’s is the kind of restaurant that makes the city so famous for Indian food…

  • & & in

    Paul’s of Melton Mowbray

    Paul’s Soyfoods of Melton Mowbray has been supplying fruit, veg, bread & more for over 30 years. It makes bread, tofu and more, and is 100% organic.

  • & in

    PETER Pizzeria Leicester

    Leicestershire’s second PETER restaurant, offering authentic Neapolitan-style sourdough pizza in a cool and funky setting…

  • & in

    PETER Pizzeria Loughborough

    PETER Loughborough is a shrine to real Neapolitan sourdough pizzas. It has a chilled out, cool, fun vibe and an excellent array of gluten-free options…

  • in

    Petite Chouette

    Petite Chouette in Hinckley brings a little bit of France to west Leicestershire, offering simple French classics prepared well…

  • in

    Planet Leicester Bakers

    Planet Leicester Bakers is the creation of Michelle Stratford – a baker who jumps on her ‘bread bike’ every fortnight to bring loaves to her home city…

  • & & in

    Poacher’s Brasserie

    Poacher’s Brasserie in Thurlaston is worth a detour, offering high-quality ingredients, accomplished cooking and impressive service…

  • in

    Queens Park Preserves

    An artisan producer of high quality, flavoursome preserves – from marmalade to Moroccan chutney – handmade in Leicestershire…

  • & in

    Rothley Wine

    Shortlisted in the Great Food Club Awards 2018/19, Leicestershire’s Rothley Wine produces elegant sparkling rosés and mineral-dry whites…

  • & & in

    Round Corner Brewing

    Located in the heart of Melton Mowbray’s agricultural market, Round Corner Brewing comprises a state-of-the-art 2,000-litre brew-kit, plus a superb taproom…

  • in

    Sapori

    Sapori in Anstey, Leicestershire, is hidden away down a side street in an old industrial building, but it is one of the region’s best Italian restaurants…

  • & & in

    SOI Restaurant

    The food at this Indian restaurant is an excellent example of authentic Gujarati regional cuisine, genuinely reflecting the food eaten in Indian homes…

  • in

    St Martin’s Coffee

    St Martin’s is a laid-back independent coffee shop and coffee and tea merchants in central Leicester with an enticing lunchtime menu…

  • & in

    Stapleford Park

    There aren’t many grander or more memorable settings for eating out than Stapleford Park near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire…

  • in

    The Anne of Cleves

    The Anne of Cleves in Melton is a characterful pub next to St Mary’s Church. Expect historic surroundings, a relaxing atmosphere and hearty, local food…

  • in

    The Baker’s Arms

    Historical and charming thatched 15th century Everards pub with an admirable local sourcing policy and an impressively characterful interior…

  • in

    The Bewicke Arms

    The Bewicke Arms in Hallaton, Leicestershire, is a classic English country pub offering good quality cooking with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients…

  • & in

    The Black Dog

    The Black Dog in Oadby is a friendly community pub offering delivery during the Covid-19 crisis. Taking requests for everything from beer to toilet rolls…

  • in

    The Black Horse at Aylestone

    Lovely back-street boozer with warm and welcoming atmosphere that serves traditional pub food, including first-rate handmade burgers…

  • & & & in

    The Bluebell at Desford

    The Bluebell at Desford is a country pub, restaurant and lodge. It’s set in the old village tapestry and bakery…

  • in

    The Bottle Kicking Cider Company

    Well balanced craft ciders made with juice from apples grown in Leicestershire and Gloucestershire, expertly blended; also inspired by an ancient – and utterly bonkers – village ritual…

  • in

    The Cafe @ Welland Park

    Good coffee and delicious food in an Art Deco building set on park lawns next to the river in Market Harborough…

  • & in

    The Cod’s Scallops Market Harborough

    The Cod’s Scallops was named Best Fish & Chip Shop 2020 at the National Fish & Chip Awards. It takes the idea of your local chippy to a whole new level…

  • in

    The Cradock Arms

    The Cradock Arms feels like a 17th century country pub – one that serves very decent pub food – but is situated in the middle of Leicester…

  • in

    The Crown Inn at Old Dalby

    The Crown at Old Dalby in Leicestershire is as handsome and welcoming as they come – somewhere to really kick back and enjoy your food…

  • in

    The Forge Inn at Glenfield

    The Forge Inn at Glenfield is a village pub that offers top service and a buzzing environment. The food is also consistently good…

  • in

    The Fox and Hounds

    The Fox and Hounds in Tugby, Leicestershire, is a village local serving proper but unpretentious food with a refreshing lightness of touch…

  • in

    The Garage Bakehouse

    The Garage Bakehouse is a small independent bakery in the heart of Market Harborough. It sells artisan bread, coffee, cakes and more…

  • & in &

    The Geese & Fountain

    The Geese & Fountain in Croxton Kerrial is a traditional village inn with a rustic feel. The food is hearty, honest and mainly locally-sourced…

  • in

    The Grey Lady Kitchen & Deli

    A buzzing cafe-deli-restaurant in a beautiful location opposite Bradgate Park, serving good quality snacks and mains…

  • & & in

    The Greyhound Inn

    A large village pub, recently refurbished, that boasts a large, well maintained beer garden. The food here is freshly cooked and filling, and the cask ales lovingly looked after…

  • & in

    The Griffin Inn

    An special, cosy country pub in a beautiful village setting with many strings to its bow, including a deli-kitchen in the courtyard and a handsome landscaped garden…

  • in

    The Joiner’s Arms

    A Michelin Bib Gourmand-winning village dining pub with a focus on good quality, simple, well-cooked ingredients…

  • & in

    The Knight & Garter

    The Knight & Garter in Leicester brings independent flair and a dedication to quality that makes it stand out from its peers…

  • in

    The Lighthouse

    Expect modern cuisine with an emphasis on seafood, plus a wine list that’s a cut above, at this restaurant formerly known as Firenze…

  • & in

    The Loquacious Baker

    The Loquacious Baker in Burbage serves excellent coffee and terrific pastries baked fresh every day. Everything on offer is of impressively high quality…

  • & & in

    The Melton Cheeseboard

    Local cheeses, British cheeses, continental cheeses: The Melton Cheeseboard is a friendly, traditional cheesemonger specialising in Stilton…

  • in

    The Queen’s Head & Shop

    A dining-focused Everards pub with exceptional views across Saddington reservoir, and home to a fantastic little farm shop selling handmade delicacies…

  • in

    The Real Ale Classroom

    The Real Ale Classroom in Leicester is a micropub that serves a breadth of fantastic beer. It’s warm, welcoming and decorated in the style of a classroom, complete with science benches, stools and desks…

  • & in

    The Royal Oak

    Classy rural dining pub with rooms serving north Leicestershire and beyond…

  • in

    The Royal Oak

    The Royal Oak in Great Dalby, Leicestershire, is an enticing thatched village pub that uses high-quality local suppliers and seasonal ingredients…

  • in

    The Rutland & Derby

    A passionately-run city centre pub, showing real attention to detail and offering well-cooked comfort food alongside a good drinks range…

  • & & in

    The Stag & Hounds

    The Stag & Hounds in Burrough on the Hill, Leicestershire, was reopened by award-winning chef Dom Clarke. The food is local and right out the top drawer…

  • & in

    The Star Inn 1744

    The Star at Thrussington in Leicestershire is a professionally run village inn with rooms. Expect well-cooked classic dishes and well-kept cask beer…

  • in &

    The Thatch

    The Thatch in Bottesford, Leicestershire, is a Grade I-listed restaurant and wine bar with rooms serving contemporary and traditional dishes with innovative flavour combinations…

  • & in

    The Three Crowns

    The Three Crowns at Wymeswold is as relaxing and laid-back a pub as you’ll find, and the food is hearty, well-cooked and tasty…

  • & & in

    The Tiny Bakery

    The Tiny Bakery on Leicester’s Clarendon Park Road sells artisan pastries, bread, cakes and coffee. Simply a lovely independent shop…

  • in

    The Tollemache Arms

    Large 19th century village pub that is winning a good reputation for well-cooked food served at reasonable prices…

  • in

    The Two-Tailed Lion

    The Two-Tailed Lion in Leicester is a post craft-beer revolution version of a classic British pub, serving brilliant beers and sandwiches in a fabulous environment…

  • & & in

    The Waltham Deli

    This village deli might be tiny but it packs a hefty food punch – it’s full to bursting with delightful produce…

  • in

    The Wheel

    A down-to-earth and thoroughly charming village pub with a knack for making you feel relaxed and at home. The food is inventive and of a high quality…

  • & & in

    The White Horse

    The White Horse in Quorn is a country pub serving fresh, homemade food, stone-baked pizzas, excellent ales and fine wines…

  • in

    The White Peacock

    A stylish restaurant and bar in a nice city centre spot offering a varied menu. Locally sourced ingredients feature prominently…

  • in

    The White Swan

    The White Swan in Shawell is a chic pub between Lutterworth and Rugby, serving top-notch restaurant food in a gastropub setting…

  • in

    Three Horseshoes

    A pub, deli and chocolate-maker all in one, the Three Horseshoes is a slice of food heaven. It even makes its own bread, jams and biscuits…

  • & in

    Thrussington’s Village Store

    A welcoming, child-friendly deli and tearoom overlooking Thrussington’s pretty village green…

  • & in

    Two Birds Spirits

    One of the original artisan distillers, producing carefully crafted gins and vodkas and offering gin masterclasses at their Market Harborough HQ…

  • in

    Vine Farm Dairy

    Vine Farm Dairy produces free-range milk and sells it through a vending machine in the village of Great Dalby, Leicestershire. We regularly refill our bottles here and the milk is utterly delicious…

  • in

    W Archer & Son Butchers

    This neighbourhood butcher has been established for nearly 100 years and always seeks out high quality and rare-breed meats – it is famous for its hog roasts and South African specialities…

  • in

    Wakaze

    An independent cafe/restaurant and takeaway on Leicester High Street serving simple but excellent Japanese food…

  • & in

    Well Roasted Coffee

    Well Roasted Coffee in Market Harborough is the result of painstaking research and a giant passion for the finest coffee…

  • & in

    Wigston Fields News & Deli

    Wigston Fields News & Deli is a corner shop in Wigston Magna, Leicester. Its owners have turned it into a local food hub, showcasing local producers…

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