We LOVE Leicester - September

29th Aug 2024
Author: Malika Andress

Visit Leicester

We Love Leicester, there we said it! We often get asked why we are in Leicester, so we are used to telling people that we are actually in Space City, and that the first Leicester-built instrument in space was launched aboard a Skylark rocket (we have one of those!) in 1961 and there has been at least one Leicester-built equipment operating in space every year since 1967 thanks to the University of Leicester.

But, what we know as a team based in this awesome city is that it really isn’t “Semper Eadem” (the motto of the city – always the same), but has so much to shout about, and so many reasons to visit.

So, if you are planning of a day trip to the National Space Centre why not add dinner after your visit, or stay over and enjoy a longer break in the city or county.

Each month we will share our personal favourites to help you plan…

Where to Eat

This month's suggestion is from Grace, who heads up marketing for the National Space Academy here at the Centre. She loves Restaurant 263:

"Keith trained as a chef at Leicester College along with Chris Palmer. He began his career 10 years ago, learning his craft in Michelin starred restaurants in London, before moving to Leicester and becoming head chef at The White Peacock. He was there for three years, during which time the restaurant twice won the Best Fine Dining award at the annual Leicestershire Tourism and Hospitality Awards. After a short stint at 1573 Bar and Grill, Keith began doing pop-up fine dining evenings at city bar Loka, which proved very popular. Now, with restaurant +263, named for the country code of his native Zimbabwe, he explores his own style of cooking. Keith won Leicester’s finest tasting menu/best restaurant winner in 2022."

Restaurant 263

Where to Stay

We asked our Venue Hire team for their input this month on hotels to stay in, and although they mentioned a few the one that stood out for them is the Novotel.

It is located within easy walking distance of great restaurants, the cinema, bowling, and loads of museums and activities in the city centre.

The rooms are bright, airy and modern, but they also have different levels of rooms and suites to suit all needs (and pockets).

The Nine B restaurant in the hotel is superb, and they have great breakfast and 'kids eat free' options as well.

Novotel Leicester

Days Out - Swithland Flower and Vegetable Show

The Swithland Flower and Vegetable Show is a traditional village horticultural show, with an excellent variety of classes for all ages, additionally there will be a Tombola, Entertainment and a Plant Stall and our famous Auction. The entire proceeds of the event are donated to charity to help local causes (07 September).

Days Out - Heritage Open Days

This year from 6-15 September take a tour around some of Leicester’s most historic buildings, from the timber framed Guildhall to the last resting place of King Richard III Leicester Cathedral to the Magazine Gateway which once stood at the entrance to Leicester’s Castle precinct and St Margaret’s Church, a beautifully preserved medieval building.

Days Out - Belvoir Autumn Artisan Show

The Artisan show at Belvoir Castle will present some of the finest craft and artisanal pieces in Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and beyond, and it will take place in the beautiful grounds of the Grade 1 historic Castle (28/29 September).

Days Out - Leicester International Music Festival

From 19 -21 September Leicester International Music Festival presents world-class chamber music in Leicester. Their 2024 Lunchtime Concerts are being held at the historic Hansom Hall in Belvoir Street, with additional evening performances at Leicester Cathedral.