Leicester is a lovely little city found in the East Midlands, not far from the larger Nottingham.
For a relatively small city, there’s certainly no shortage of things to do in Leicester.
Whether you want to visit King Richard III’s tomb at Leicester Cathedral or you’re just interested in finding the best watering hole, this city will have something for you.
If you’re looking for the best rooftop bars in Leicester, then you’ve come to the right place.
Although there aren’t many rooftop bars here, the ones they do have are pretty great!
Have a read and head on down to your favourite rooftop bars in Leicester for a cold drink on a warm summer’s day.
1. The Rutland & Derby
Address: 21 Millstone Ln, Leicester LE1 5JN
Phone number: 0116 262 3299
The Rutland & Derby is a multi-award-winning pub in the heart of Leicester City Centre.
This banging pub serves up the very best craft ales and ciders alongside locally sourced food, and it’s well worth a visit.
The pub is also home to one of the best rooftop bars in Leicester, which pushes it right up in the rankings!
This vibrant city pub prides itself on doing things well, whether that’s by pouring a proper pint or by producing quirky and tasty pub grub.
They make sure to source their meats from no further than the surrounding counties, and their seafood is delivered fresh daily.
Their menu is centred around ethically sourced, innovated pub food, and it’s delicious.
Make sure to treat yourself to a meal here as their food is not to be missed!
The central location means the rooftop has some pretty fab views of the city, too, so check it out!
2. Brick and Beam
Address: 12 Queen St, Leicester LE1 1QW
Phone number: 0116 326 6808
Brick and Beam has one of Leicester’s best and most distinctive rooftop terraces, you’ll be pleased to hear!
This bustling bar is dripping with old school charm, and there are few cooler places in town.
It can be found hidden away in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, and it oozes cool vibes with a banging music line-up which is worth checking out.
Whether you’re looking for a spot for after-work drinks or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion, Brick and Beam is sure to fit the bill.
Enjoy one of their live jazz shows before heading out to the rooftop terrace to enjoy a drink under the night sky.
Make sure to give their food a try too – I hear the burgers are the stuff of dreams!
If it’s a cool bar you want, then it’s a cool bar you’ll get at Brick and Beam.
Head down there now and check it out!
3. The Marquis Wellington
Address: 139 London Rd, Leicester LE2 1EF
Phone number: 0116 254 0542
The Marquis Wellington is a cosy, historic spot with a gorgeous outdoor space that will soon become your favourite on a summer’s afternoon.
The garden isn’t rooftop, so let me preface it with that, but that doesn’t make it any less amazing!
It’s decked out with heated outdoor beach hut style booths, and it’s super cute.
This is a place to relax and enjoy good company and even better food and drink, so if that’s what you’re after, then this is the pub for you.
This authentic pub is a step away from the usual modern bar found in the city centre, offering a welcome respite for those who want a cosy interior in which to enjoy their pint.
They are also committed to doing their bit to be more sustainable, which is always great!
From plant-based dishes to eco-friendly straws and napkins, they’re doing their bit for the planet.
Go and support them by buying a pint and enjoying it in their beach huts!
4. The Villare Hotel
Address: 19-21 St. Nicholas Pl, Leicester LE1 4LD
Phone number: 0116 242 1330
The Villare Hotel is a luxury contemporary hotel that can be found in the centre of Leicester.
You’re probably thinking, what’s a hotel doing on a list of rooftop bars in Leicester?
But let me tell you, this hotel happens to be home to one of the best rooftop bars in town!
Gaze out on the city skyline from the lovely rooftop terrace while sipping on a glass of wine or two.
This hotel is characterised by sophisticated elegance, and it’s consistently rated as one of the best hotels in the city.
After soaking in the sun on the terrace, why not head down to their restaurant?
Here you can enjoy a trio of grilled halloumi with tomato salsa, followed by some delicious grilled honey and Cajun paneer skewers.
Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?
Pay them a visit!
5. Upstairs Bar at The Queen of Bradgate
Address: Upstairs @ Queen of Bragdate, 97 High St, Leicester LE1 4JB
Phone number: 0116 262 3990
Upstairs Bar at The Queen of Bradgate is The Queen of Bradgate’s funky younger sister.
While the downstairs bar oozes understated elegance, the Upstairs Bar offers a cool vibe that can’t be found anywhere else in Leicester.
The decor is ultra-chic, with a copper bar and red velvet booth seating standing out against the bare brick walls.
The bar is decked out with a large dance floor and a private lounge area so is perfect for getting your boogie on.
Thought that was it?
You thought wrong!
This banging bar also has three full-size ping pong tables, so you can unleash your competitive side on your mates at your next drinking sesh!
They also host live music nights and cocktail masterclasses – it doesn’t get cooler than this.
Head to this indoor rooftop bar and get ready to enjoy the best cocktails and entertainment in town.
6. The White Horse
Address: White Horse Ln, Birstall, Leicester LE4 4EF
Phone number: 0116 267 1038
The White Horse is a modern rustic-style pub serving up real ales and hearty food.
Now, this lovely pub doesn’t technically have a rooftop bar but bear with me.
What it does have is a gorgeous garden which is perfect for enjoying a few pints in on a sunny day.
This pub is great to bring the kids to, too, as it has a cracking play area that they can enjoy while you enjoy a drink or two!
There are few better places around when it comes to delicious grub, so make sure to enjoy a hearty meal during your time here.
As soon as you step into their lovely garden, you’ll see why I had to include it despite its lack of a rooftop garden.
There’s a reason that this pub has become a firm favourite among the people of Leicester!
So grab yourself a real ale and a tasty meal, and settle in under the sun in the garden.
7. The Cradock Arms
Address: 201 Knighton Rd, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3TT
Phone number: 0116 270 6680
The Cradock Arms is a classic local pub serving a delightful British pub menu.
Their talented kitchen team works to create classic modern British dishes with exciting twists that tantalise your tastebuds.
Their three-bean tacos with loaded jerk fries sounds like a pretty dreamy combo if you’re after some bar snacks.
Or, if it’s a hearty pub meal that you want, then how about the pie of the day?
From scampi and chips to Moroccan braised lamb salad, this pub has something to suit every taste.
While The Cradock Arms is sadly not home to a rooftop, its lovely garden makes it worthy of a place on this list.
There’s nothing better than a beer garden on a warm day, and the garden at The Cradock Arms is one of the best by far.
Head down there and enjoy a cold pint in their amazing outdoor space.
8. Wygston’s House
Address: 12 Applegate, Leicester LE1 5LD
Phone number: 0116 262 2231
Wygston’s House is Leicester’s oldest standing house, which has now been converted into a stunning fifteenth-century eatery.
If you want to get a feel for the city’s history, this is a great place to get started.
With a pub downstairs and a restaurant upstairs, Wygston’s House is the place to go for a catch-up with friends in a living piece of history.
The house has been around since medieval times, so maybe it’s not a surprise that it doesn’t have a rooftop garden!
However, it does have a cracking outdoor area which makes the perfect setting for a summertime pint.
The food menu here is also worth a trip all by itself.
From moules frites to butternut squash and sage risotto, Wygston’s House is taking pub grub and levelling it up with unique twists.
My choice would have to be the Ploughman’s, of course.
What would you go for?
9. The Black Horse
Address: 65 Narrow Ln, Aylestone, Leicester LE2 8NA
Phone number: 0116 283 7225
The Black Horse is a friendly pub that oozes character, and you’ll instantly be made to feel welcome here.
This is another one that doesn’t have a rooftop bar, but it does have a lovely garden, so I reckon that has to count for something!
They host regular live events here including comedy nights which are said to be an absolute hoot!
Check out their calendar to see if they have any coming up, they’re a great choice for a night out.
Their food menu is absolutely out of this world, too.
They have a katsu burger, for goodness’ sake!
Or how about a tex-mex burger to add some spice to your life?
Pair your grub with some of their loaded fries and thank me later.
Four cheese fries?
It’s a yes from me!
There you have it!
My round-up of the very best rooftop bars in Leicester.
Now, admittedly they’re not all rooftop bars, but I think you’ll forgive me when you see just how good their outdoor areas are.
Every bar on this list is worth a visit, so check them out and get ready for the time of your life!