Leicester famous for engineering, shoemaking, hosiery, Fox's Glacier Mints and Gary Lineker, but most recently Leicester has been put back on the map by Brit winners Kasabian.

The city itself is steeped in History and dates back to 50 CE, it was a Roman settlement and evidence of their occupation is still visible in the shape of ancient pavements and Roman baths. Leicester has grown rapidly throughout the centuries and is now one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the UK. Leicester is a friendly cosmopolitan city with a laid back friendly atmosphere.

There is a ban on street drinking in Leicester’s city centre – with the police having powers to arrest offenders – this came into operation in June 2002 and in February 2007 the street drinking ban was extended. The ban covers the main inner city drinking areas and has been beneficial in dealing with anti social behaviour.

Many of Leicester’s pubs and bars are to be found in the following streets Belvoir Street, Granby Street, Market Street, Melton Road, and Braunstone Gate.There is a large student population in Leicester and many of the bars cater for the student scene so expect cheap drinks and cheap eats in these outlets.

If modern bars and students aren’t your bag then fear not! Leicester is home to lots of good traditional pubs with many of them claiming to be the oldest pub in Leicester, The Anne of Cleves, in Melton is a serious contender, It’s named after Henry VIII's fourth wife, who was given the building following their divorce. Other contenders are The Bell Inn on main street which dates back to the 16th century, The Black Dog on London Rd, and The Globe on Silver Street.

The Narborough Arms on Coventry Street dates back to the 14th century and is reported to have a resident ghost, although it hasn’t always been a pub. The oldest pub in Leicester is The Crown and Thistle in Loseby Lane which dates back to the 1630’s, the pub is now owned by O’Neil’s but is still worth a visit.

For real ale aficionados try the following, which have been judged by the Leicester division of Camra as the best of 2009, The Criterion, in Millstone Lane, Vin Quatre, on King St, and finally The Chandlers Arms on Fenny Lane.

To top of any visit to Leicester a trip to the The Golden Mile is thoroughly recommended, it’s very cultural stretch of Leicester and is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the UK