Run a pub

A Guide to Traditional English Pubs in the Leicestershire Countryside

There is something about pushing open a heavy oak door, catching the smell of real ale and warm food, and finding a corner seat by the fire that just feels like home. Leicestershire does this better than most. The county is quietly one of England's finest for a proper pub experience, and yet it rarely gets the headlines it deserves. We think it is time to change that and who better to make the case than a brewery that has been part of this county's pub story since 1849?

Whether you are a local looking for your next favourite haunt or a visitor exploring the Midlands, this guide walks you through what makes the country pubs Leicestershire is home to so genuinely special, and where the Everards pubs fit into all of it.

Why Leicestershire Is a Pub Lover's Dream

Let us skip the national statistics and get straight to what matters. We have spent over 175 years getting to know the pubs of Leicestershire, the ones that earn a second visit, the ones tucked down country lanes that only locals know about, and the ones that have been pouring a proper pint since before your grandparents were born. What makes this county special is not the numbers. It is the character packed into every village green, market town, and countryside stop.

From the medieval streets of Melton Mowbray, famous for its pork pies and Stilton cheese to the rolling villages of Charnwood Forest, the country pubs Leicestershire is home to are rich, varied, and deeply rooted in history. These are not just places to drink. They are community hubs, historic buildings (many with blue plaques), and keepers of local stories. And at the heart of many of them, you will find an Everards ale on the bar.

What Makes a Traditional English Pub Worth Visiting?

Not every pub earns the title of traditional English pub. Here is what we look for when we call a pub truly great:

  • Real ales on cask: Freshness, flavour, and craft

  • Seasonal food menu: Local sourcing and quality cooking

  • Beer gardens or outdoor seating: Essential for a British summer

  • Historic character: Beams, fireplaces, original features

  • Warm, welcoming business owners: The heart of any great pub

When a pub ticks all of these boxes, you are in for something special.

Historic Pubs Worth Seeking Out

Leicestershire is home to some remarkable historic pub buildings, the kind where you genuinely feel the weight of the years the moment you walk in.

Coaching Inns of the Countryside

The county has a strong tradition of coaching inns, those roadside resting spots that once served travellers on horseback and in carriages. Many have survived into the present day, retaining their original architecture while updating their menus to appeal to a modern crowd. If you spot low ceilings, original stable yards, or flagstone floors, you are likely standing in one.

Melton Mowbray's Pub Scene

Melton Mowbray deserves a special mention. Known as the Rural Capital of Food, this market town is surrounded by villages where great traditional English pubs are almost part of the landscape. The combination of local produce, Everards beer on tap, and genuine countryside charm makes this corner of Leicestershire particularly rewarding for pub explorers.

Hidden Gems Off the High Street

Some of our favourite country pubs in Leicestershire are not on the high street at all. They sit at the end of country lanes or tucked into village greens, the kind you only find if someone points you in the right direction. A hidden gem pub in this county often means exposed brickwork, a wood-burning stove, and a landlord who knows every local by name. These are the places we keep going back to.

Everards Pubs: A Bit of Background

We are proud to be part of Leicestershire's pub story. The Everards pub estate stretches across the county and beyond, with each pub individually run by passionate business owners who put their communities first.

Everards was founded in 1849, and we have been brewing in Leicestershire ever since. In 2019, we moved to our current home at Everards Meadows in Enderby, a purpose-built, eco-conscious brewery site set within 70 acres of open green space, which we have opened to the public, blending modern craft brewing with our deep local roots. Head Brewer Jon Elks and the team produce a full range of beers year-round, including limited edition small-batch brews that reflect the seasons and the creativity of the people behind them. When Jon and the team are in the brewery, the result is a pint that tastes genuinely different from anything you will find anywhere else.

When you visit an Everards pub, you will typically find:

  • Cask ales brewed right here in Leicestershire

  • A food menu that leans into quality, seasonal ingredients

  • Outdoor seating and some of the best beer gardens Leicester has to offer

  • A business owner who genuinely cares about your visit

With over 150 pubs across Leicestershire and the wider Midlands, the Everards pub estate is one of the most extensive in the region. That means wherever your travels take you, from the Vale of Belvoir in the east to the market towns of the north and the villages surrounding the city, there is almost always an Everards pub within reach. Each one is run by an independent business owner who knows their community and their beer. That is exactly what makes the network feel local rather than corporate. And it is part of why we have been named Pub Company of the Year at the Publican Awards five times since 2008.

Spotlight: Pubs with History and Heart

A few names worth knowing as you explore the Everards pubs and the wider Leicestershire pub landscape:

The Anne of Cleves, Melton Mowbray

Named after Henry VIII's fourth wife, who allegedly received the manor of Melton Mowbray as part of her settlement, the Anne of Cleves is one of those traditional English pubs where history feels tangible. The building itself dates back centuries, and the pub carries that heritage with genuine pride. It’s the oldest pub in Melton Mowbray. A proper stop for anyone touring the area. Ran by business owners Gary & Simon, their love for this pub shines through in every visit

Leicester Forest West

For those coming in from the motorway or exploring the western edges of the county, Leicester Forest West offers a convenient and characterful stop. Here you’ll find The Bulls Head, run by Tara and his team, famed for being a bikers' stop. It is a good example of how a well-run Everards pub balances accessibility with quality, great drink selection, reliable food, and a welcoming atmosphere, and the beer garden has field views for days as well as a kids' play area. 

City Centre Pub Culture

Do not overlook Leicester itself. The city centre pub scene is lively and layered, from Victorian-era buildings on the high street to contemporary bars that still pour a cracking pint of Everards beer. The Knight Garter is a name worth knowing here, a pub with real personality that sits comfortably within the city's social fabric. Whilst in the city centre, you can’t visit The Globe, one of Leicester's oldest pubs. Pop in and Layla and the team are sure to tell you all about the pub's history, including the ghost stories - or feel this one for yourself in the snug

Planning Your Pub Crawl: Tips for Getting the Most from Leicestershire

A few practical pointers before you set off:

  • Find an Everards pub on your route. Use the Find an Everards pub tool on the Everards website to locate your nearest pub or plan a route across the estate. It is the easiest way to make sure a great pint is never far away.

  • Book ahead for food. Especially on Sundays and during busy summer months, when the best beer gardens in Leicester fill up fast. If the sun is out, so is everyone else.

  • Check for events. Many pubs across the Everards pub estate host quiz nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations. Worth a look before you set off.

  • Drive responsibly. Better still, use local taxis or public transport between stops so you can fully enjoy what is on offer behind the bar.

  • Ask about seasonal specials. Limited edition brews rotate regularly, and business owners will always point you toward something worth trying. If Tiger is on, start there. You can thank us later.

Leicestershire's country pubs continue to punch above their weight, with multiple entries across the Everards pub estate being commended for both their beer ranges and their historic character. That is not something that happens by accident. It is the result of 175 years of knowing what makes a great pub, and the dedicated business owners who bring that standard to life every single day.

Raise a Glass to Leicestershire

We have spent a long time being proud of what Leicestershire offers, and we are not shy about saying it. The county's traditional English pubs are not trying to be trendy. They are just trying to be genuinely good, and more often than not, they succeed.

From the oldest coaching inn in a market town to a quiet, hidden gem down a country lane, the country pubs in Leicestershire are worth making time for. And wherever you find an Everards pub in the mix, whether you have used the Find an Everards pub tool to plan your route or simply stumbled in out of the cold, you can expect a warm welcome, a well-pulled pint, and a place that feels like it genuinely belongs.

We have been named Pub Company of the Year five times, our beers have taken Silver at the International Beer Challenge, and our Tiger and Old Original have been warming Leicestershire for generations. Come and find out why. The best beer gardens in Leicester are waiting, the ales are fresh, and there is always a corner seat with your name on it.

To discover more, plan your visit, or find an Everards pub near you, explore the full range of beers, pubs, and experiences at everards.co.uk or come and see us at Cooper Way, Everards Meadows, Enderby, Leicestershire, LE19 2AN. Call 0116 201 4100. Come on in.