Leicester's best bars, pubs and venues celebrated at Best Bar None Awards 2026
Leicester's hospitality and night-time economy stars were celebrated last night (Wednesday 4 November), as the city's Best Bar None Awards returned for a fourth year.
The annual awards, organised by BID Leicester, recognise the pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues that go above and beyond to provide safe, welcoming and enjoyable experiences for customers.
Held at The City Rooms, the awards brought together representatives from across Leicester's hospitality industry to celebrate the venues helping to make the city a great place to enjoy an evening out.
Firebug was among the biggest winners of the night, taking home the prestigious Best Overall Venue 2026 award, as well as Best Live Entertainment Venue.
Lane7 also enjoyed a successful evening, winning Best Leisure Venue and the brand-new People's Choice Award, which gave members of the public the opportunity to vote for their favourite accredited venue for the first time.
Other winners included The Old Horse, named Best Independent Venue; The Corn Exchange, which took home Best National Venue; and Sonrisa, winner of Best Restaurant.
Leicester Best Bar None Awards 2026 winners:
Best Overall Venue 2026: Firebug
People's Choice Award: Lane7
Best Independent Venue: The Old Horse
Best National Venue: The Corn Exchange
Best Leisure Venue: Lane7
Best Live Entertainment Venue: Firebug
Best Late Night Venue: Mosh
Best Restaurant: Sonrisa
Best Newcomer: O.W. at The Grand
Most Improved Venue: Audrey
Now in its fourth year, Leicester Best Bar None is part of a nationally recognised accreditation scheme that encourages venues to demonstrate high standards of safety, customer care, staff training and responsible management.
Participating venues undergo an assessment covering areas including crime prevention, public safety, responsible alcohol management and customer welfare, helping to raise standards across the city's evening and night-time economy.
The scheme also plays an important role in supporting Leicester's Purple Flag status, which recognises towns and cities offering safe, diverse and well-managed evening and night-time experiences.
Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester, said:
"It's fantastic to see so many Leicester venues recognised for the hard work they put into creating safe, welcoming and enjoyable places for people to visit.
"Our evening and night-time economy is a hugely important part of what makes Leicester such a vibrant city, and Best Bar None gives us the opportunity to celebrate the businesses and people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep those standards high.
"A huge congratulations to all our winners, finalists and accredited venues. Their commitment makes a real difference to Leicester's night-time economy, and we're proud to continue supporting them through Best Bar None."
For more information about Leicester Best Bar None
