Celebrate New Year's Eve at The Exchange Bar: The Party of the Year!
As the year draws to a close, there’s no better place to ring in 2025 than at The Exchange Bar! We’re pulling out all the stops this New Year’s Eve with a night packed full of music, dancing, drinks, and an electric atmosphere that suits every style of celebration. Whether you're looking to dance to incredible DJs, enjoy live music with friends, or toast the midnight hour with Prosecco in hand, The Exchange Bar has got you covered. Here’s what we’ve planned to make this the best NYE in Leicester:
After Hours in the Cellar Bar: A Night to Dance
Get ready to move! From 9pm until 3am, After Hours, a collective of talented DJs, will play to our Cellar Bar. Expect a mix of Amapiano, House, Garage, and UK Funky that will keep the dancefloor alive all night long.
Tickets: Just £8 per person, and that includes two free drinks upon arrival!
Track Record: After Hours has joined us for the past three years, and every event has been a sell-out. Don’t miss your chance to join this epic night!
Countdown: Celebrate midnight with lasers and confetti cannons as we welcome 2025!.
Pro Tip: Get your tickets now before they’re gone—this is guaranteed to be one of the hottest tickets in Leicester!
Marlon and Friends Upstairs: Free Live Music
Upstairs in the main bar, Marlon & Friends from The Basement Presents Music will take the stage from 8pm to 2am. Their incredible performances will bring warmth and soul to your NYE celebration.
Entry: Completely free!
A Midnight Toast: Everyone in the bar will receive a free glass of Prosecco at midnight to toast the new year.
Cosy Atmosphere: With limited space upstairs, we recommend arriving early to secure your spot for this unforgettable evening.
Exclusive Packages: Perfect for Groups
Make your night extra special with one of our pre-booked packages, designed for groups of 2, 4, or 6 people. These packages guarantee you a table and include everything you need for a celebratory evening. Packages start from just £25 and include, shots, beers, Prosecco or champagne. Perfect for sharing and making memories with your favorite people.
With packages selling fast, be sure to pre-book to secure your table and ensure your night is hassle-free!
The Best NYE Value in Leicester
With two incredible celebrations under one roof, The Exchange Bar is the place to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Leicester. Whether you’re dancing the night away in our Cellar Bar or enjoying live music upstairs, you’ll be surrounded by a lovely atmosphere, great drinks, and even better company.
So gather your friends, grab your tickets or pre-book your table, and get ready to welcome 2025 in the best way possible. The countdown is on—don’t miss out on this unforgettable night!
To book your tickets for After Hours, follow this link:
https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Leicester/The-Exchange-Bar/After-Hours-NYE/40412100/
To reserve a table & drinks package, email us on:
enquiries@theexchangebar.co.uk
Happy New Year from all of us at The Exchange Bar, let’s make it a night to remember!
Cocktails Fit for a Fair Lady: Our Exclusive My Fair Lady Menu
As the timeless classic My Fair Lady graces the stage at The Curve Theatre, we at The Exchange Bar have created a delightful new cocktail menu inspired by the charm, wit, and sophistication of this beloved production. Located just opposite The Curve, we’re the perfect pre-show or post-show stop for theatre lovers seeking to toast an unforgettable evening. Step into the world of Eliza Doolittle, Professor Higgins, and a touch of Edwardian elegance with these three specially crafted cocktails.
The Flower Girl
Raise your glass to Eliza Doolittle’s humble beginnings with The Flower Girl, a cocktail as captivating as its namesake. This charming blend of spiced rum, lavender, and spiced pear is a tribute to Eliza’s transformation from street vendor to the belle of the ballroom. The floral notes of lavender mirror her resilience and grace, while the warmth of spiced pear adds a cosy touch perfect for a pre-show treat.
Doolittle's Desire
Celebrate the roguish charm of Alfred P. Doolittle with Doolittle’s Desire, a vibrant mix of gin, cherry, and pineapple. This cocktail is as bold and playful as Eliza’s irrepressible father. Whether you're toasting to a successful night out or simply soaking up the ambiance of our bar.
Higgins' Lesson
Professor Henry Higgins may be stern and scholarly, but Higgins’ Lesson brings a spirited twist to his character. A dynamic blend of spiced rum, lime, and ginger, this cocktail is as sharp and invigorating as Higgins’ wit. Perfectly balanced, it’s a drink that nods to the professor’s knack for bringing out the best – whether in speech or spirits.
A Perfect Pairing with My Fair Lady
Whether you’re attending My Fair Lady for the first time or revisiting this timeless story, our themed cocktails add an extra layer of magic to your evening. Enjoy one before the show starts or after the final curtain call. The Exchange Bar’s cosy atmosphere and location directly across from The Curve Theatre make us an ideal destination for theatre-goers to unwind and savor the experience. Plus, if you show your ticket, you’ll get 10% off your bill!
So why not make a night of it? Raise a glass to Eliza, Higgins, and the unforgettable journey of My Fair Lady with our exclusive cocktail menu. We can’t wait to welcome you and share a little piece of this theatrical magic with you. Cheers!
Hosting Your Christmas Party at The Exchange Bar: Everything You Need to Know
The festive season is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for the perfect venue to host your Christmas party, The Exchange Bar in Leicester is the ideal choice. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a larger festive bash, our Garden Room and Cellar Bar provide the perfect setting to celebrate with your colleagues, friends, or family. Here’s everything you need to know about hosting your Christmas party at The Exchange Bar.
Deciding on your menu
At The Exchange Bar, we offer food packages to suit all events, which can be planned with our chef beforehand. However, we’re all about making your event as enjoyable and convenient as possible. That’s why we allow you to bring in your own food for your Christmas party! Whether you’re arranging a festive feast from your favorite caterer or bringing homemade goodies, our venue is open to all types of outside food. We only ask that you clean up any leftovers to the best of your ability before leaving the venue, ensuring that the space is ready for the next group to enjoy.
Adding Your Festive Touch with Decorations
We love to see our spaces transformed with festive cheer, so feel free to bring in balloons, signs, photos, and other decorations to set the perfect scene. Whether you’re going for a classic Christmas look or something more unique, our spaces are a blank canvas for your creativity. However, please note that we do not allow confetti cannons, confetti, party poppers, or streamers, as these can interfere with our alarms and are a challenge to clean up. Your decorations are welcome, but we aim to keep the space safe and clean for everyone.
Preparing for Your Event
To give you ample time to prepare for your Christmas party, you can start setting up from 1pm on the day of your booking, provided there are no other events scheduled earlier in the day. This generous setup window allows you to take your time decorating, arranging food, and getting everything just right for your guests.
Leaving Items Overnight
If you have large decorations, gifts, or other items that you’d like to leave at the venue overnight, you’re welcome to do so. We’ll store them as securely as possible, but please ensure they are collected by 1 pm the following day. This allows us to prepare the space for any subsequent bookings. While we do our best to keep your belongings safe, items left at the venue are at your own discretion, and we cannot take responsibility for them.
Drinks and Beverages
While we don’t allow outside drinks to be consumed in the venue, we understand that gifts might include bottles of wine or other beverages. These can be stored safely behind the bar during your event and collected at the end of the night. Our bar offers a wide range of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, so your guests will have plenty of options to choose from, ensuring everyone has something they enjoy.
Entertainment Options
Music is a key part of any Christmas party, and we’re happy for you to bring in your own band or DJ to add a live soundtrack to your event. Just make sure that your performers bring all the necessary equipment with them, as we do not provide any. We also have access to Leicester’s best talent and can secure you a lively DJ set or a mellow live band. Let us know your desires and we can sort the rest - from magicians to burlesque performers. We can also arrange a bespoke cocktail menu as well as a photography package.
Accessibility Considerations
When choosing between our two event spaces, it’s important to consider accessibility. Our Garden Room is fully accessible, with multiple entrances and an accessible bathroom available. However, our Cellar Bar is located down two small sets of stairs and is not fully accessible. Please keep this in mind when selecting the best space for your guests.
Parking and Transportation
While we don’t have official parking at the venue, there is a convenient drop-off point that can be used for delivering food, decorations, and other party essentials. For those driving, there’s an NCP multi-storey car park directly opposite the bar on Halford Street, making it easy for your guests to find parking nearby.
Event Timing
Our spaces are available for your Christmas party until 11:30pm on weekdays and 1am on weekends. Last orders will be called at 11 pm on weekdays and 12:30am on weekends, so you can enjoy your celebration right up until the specified time.
Welcoming Children
If you’re planning a family-friendly Christmas party, children are welcome to attend, provided they are supervised. Should we find any person under 18 consuming alcohol, the booking may be halted, and any deposit forfeited. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time, so we appreciate your cooperation in this matter.
We hope this guide helps you plan a festive and fun-filled Christmas party at The Exchange Bar. Our team is here to assist you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with any additional inquiries or to book your space. Let’s make this party season one to remember!
enquiries@theexchangebar.co.uk
Host Your Next Event at The Exchange Bar in Leicester
Planning an event in Leicester and looking for the perfect venue? Look no further than The Exchange Bar! Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a corporate gathering, or a casual get-together with friends, we have the ideal spaces to make your event a memorable one. Best of all, venue hire is free! Here’s why The Exchange Bar is the perfect place for you.
Versatile Event Spaces
Our Garden Room is an intimate and charming space perfect for smaller gatherings of up to 30 people. With its cosy atmosphere and lovely decor, it’s an excellent choice for birthday parties, small meetings, or workshops. The Garden Room offers a private setting where you and your guests can enjoy each other’s company in a comfortable and relaxed environment.
If you’re planning a larger event, our Cellar Bar is the place to be. With a capacity of 80 people, it’s ideal for more significant celebrations, corporate events, or any occasion that calls for a bit more space. The Cellar Bar boasts its own private bar, ensuring your guests are well taken care of throughout the event.
Personalised Experience
At The Exchange Bar, we understand that every event is unique, and we strive to provide a personalised experience tailored to your needs. Here’s how we make your event special:
Want to set the perfect mood for your event? Our Cellar Bar allows you to choose your own music with a separate sound system to the rest of the bar, creating the ideal atmosphere for your guests. Additionally, we have a list of trusted DJs, musicians, and performers that we can recommend to add that extra touch of entertainment to your event. Whether you’re looking for a live band to energise the room or a DJ to get everyone dancing, we’ve got you covered.
Great food can elevate any event, and at The Exchange Bar, we can help you put together a party menu that suits your tastes and preferences. Perhaps you’d like tea & cakes or to order in pizzas? Let us know your requirements, and we’ll handle the rest, ensuring your event is a success.
Why Choose The Exchange Bar?
We believe that hosting a fantastic event shouldn’t come with a hefty price tag. That’s why we offer free venue hire for both our Garden Room and Cellar Bar.
Located in the heart of Leicester’s Cultural Quarter, The Exchange Bar is easily accessible for all your guests. Our central location makes it convenient for everyone to join the celebration, ensuring a great turnout for your event.
Our team is dedicated to making your event a success. From the initial planning stages to the day of the event, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. Our friendly and professional staff will ensure everything runs smoothly, so you can relax and enjoy your time with your guests.
When it comes to hosting events, The Exchange Bar in Leicester is the perfect choice. With our versatile spaces, personalised service, and commitment to excellence, we’re here to make your event truly special. Contact us today to book your space and start planning an unforgettable event!
enquiries@theexchangebar.co.uk
Dating at The Exchange Bar: The Perfect Spot for a Memorable Night
Dating can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but finding the right setting can make all the difference. At The Exchange Bar, we strive to create an atmosphere that sparks conversation, ensures safety, and offers plenty of fun activities to keep your date memorable. Whether it’s your first date or your fiftieth, here’s why our bar is the perfect place for a romantic evening out.
A Vibe That Sets the Mood
From the moment you step into our bar, you'll feel the welcoming and cosy ambiance that’s perfect for a date. The warm lighting, stylish decor, and comfortable seating create an inviting atmosphere where you can relax and be yourself. Our friendly staff are always on hand to make sure you have everything you need, so you can focus on enjoying your time together.
Cocktails that Spark Conversation
Our expertly crafted cocktails are not just delicious but also great conversation starters. Each drink on our menu has a unique twist and an interesting story behind it. Whether you're into classic concoctions or adventurous mixes, our bartenders are more than happy to share the tales behind your chosen drinks, helping you break the ice and keep the conversation flowing.
Delicious Food to Share
As the evening progresses and you find yourself wanting to spend more time together, our brand new food menu has got you covered. We offer a variety of delicious sharing bites and appetizers that are perfect for nibbling while you chat. From Loaded Fries to Mozzarella Sticks, sharing food is a fantastic way to bond and adds a fun element to your date.
Ensuring Safety with “Ask for Angela”
Your safety is our top priority. We understand that sometimes dates don’t go as planned, and that's why we participate in the "Ask for Angela" initiative. If at any point you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, simply approach any member of our staff and ask for Angela. We will discreetly assist you in leaving the situation safely.
Fun Activities to Break the Ice
Worried about running out of things to talk about? Don’t be! Our bar offers a variety of activities to keep the energy high and the conversation going. Challenge your date to one of our many board games for some playful competition, or enjoy the live music performances that set a relaxed and enjoyable mood. If things are going well and you’re both up for some fun, you can even participate in one of our live events.
Join the Fun with Live Events
Feeling adventurous? Our bar hosts a range of live events that you and your date can join. Whether it’s showcasing your DJ skills during Open Turntable night or teaming up for our Pub Quiz, these events are a great way to connect and create shared memories. They add a dynamic element to your date and give you something exciting to look forward to.
Speed Dating: A Second Chance at Love
Sometimes, dates don’t work out, and that’s okay. If you find yourself in that situation, why not give our Speed Dating event a try? It’s a fun and efficient way to meet new people and potentially find a better match. You never know who you might meet and what new connections you could make.
At our bar, we believe in creating an experience that’s enjoyable, safe, and memorable. Whether your date leads to a lasting connection or just a fun night out, we’re here to make sure it’s a night to remember. So come on down, enjoy our vibrant atmosphere, and let the sparks fly!
Cheers to History: From Corn Exchange to The Exchange Bar
Tucked away in the heart of Leicester's Cultural Quarter lies a hidden gem that beckons both locals and visitors alike – The Exchange Bar. Housed within a historic building that exudes charm and character, this beloved watering hole stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of Leicester's cultural heritage. Join us as we raise a glass and journey through the fascinating history of The Exchange Bar and the iconic building it calls home.
A Glimpse Into the Past
Step inside The Exchange Bar, and you're instantly transported to another era. But before it became a bustling hub of social activity, the building itself had a storied past. Constructed in the late 19th century, it originally served as the headquarters of the Leicester Corn Exchange – a bustling marketplace where merchants gathered to trade grains and produce.
As the city evolved, so too did the building's purpose. In the early 20th century, it underwent a transformation, becoming home to a variety of businesses, including a printing press and a furniture store. Yet, it wasn't until recent decades that The Exchange Bar emerged, breathing new life into this historic space and preserving its architectural legacy for generations to come.
The Birth of The Exchange Bar
In 2000, The Exchange Bar opened its doors, heralding a new chapter in the building's colorful history. From the moment patrons stepped foot inside, they were captivated by the bar's unique ambiance – a seamless blend of vintage charm and contemporary flair. Exposed brick walls, rustic wooden beams, and cozy alcoves set the stage for evenings filled with laughter, conversation, and, of course, plenty of drinks.
A Hub of Creativity and Community
Over the years, The Exchange Bar has become more than just a place to grab a pint. It's a gathering spot where artists, musicians, and locals converge to share stories, swap ideas, and revel in the vibrant spirit of Leicester's Cultural Quarter. From live music performances to art exhibitions and poetry readings, the bar's eclectic events calendar reflects the diverse talents and passions of the community it serves.
Preserving the Past, Embracing the Future
As Leicester's Cultural Quarter continues to evolve, The Exchange Bar remains a steadfast anchor, bridging the gap between past and present. While the building's walls may echo with tales of bygone eras, its spirit is undeniably modern and forward-thinking. Whether you're sipping on a craft cocktail or enjoying a locally roasted coffee, every visit to The Exchange Bar is a celebration of Leicester's rich cultural tapestry and a toast to the vibrant future that lies ahead.
Here's to Many More Memories
From its humble beginnings as a corn exchange to its current incarnation as a beloved neighborhood haunt, this historic building has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, yet its spirit remains timeless.
So, the next time you find yourself wandering through Leicester's Cultural Quarter, be sure to stop by The Exchange Bar. Whether you're a history buff, a music lover, or simply in search of good company, you'll find a warm welcome and a cold drink waiting for you within its walls. Cheers to history, to community, and to the enduring legacy of The Exchange Bar!
Exploring Leicester's Cultural Quarter: Joe Orton's Impact
Exploring Leicester’s Cultural Quarter: Joe Orton’s Impact
Nestled in Leicester's heart, beats a place bursting with creativity – the Cultural Quarter. It's this cool part of town with theatre’s, galleries, graffiti & bars. Right in the mix of it all is the history of Joe Orton, a local legend whose plays shook things up and left a lasting mark on Leicester's scene.
How Leicester's Cultural Quarter Came to Be
Back in the day, Leicester was all about factories and industry. But then came the '80s, and the city council decided it was time for a makeover. They turned old warehouses and factories into cool spots for art and performance. This area became known as the Cultural Quarter, and soon, it was buzzing with artists, performers, and anyone looking to make their mark creatively.
Joe Orton: Leicester's Rebel Playwright
Now, let's talk about Joe Orton. He grew up right here in Leicester and always had a knack for writing. Despite some tough times, he made it big with plays like "Entertaining Mr. Sloane" and "Loot." They were edgy, funny, and totally turned the theater scene on its head.
Orton's Influence on Leicester
Even though Orton hit the big time in London, Leicester never forgot about him. They put up plaques and even a statue in his honor. His legacy lives on in Leicester's Cultural Quarter, where his rebellious spirit still inspires artists and creators today. You can find his star right outside The Exchange Bar!
Today's Scene in the Cultural Quarter
Fast forward to now, and the Cultural Quarter is still buzzing. There's the Curve Theatre, putting on bold shows and reaching out to the community. The Phoenix Cinema and Art Centre, where you can catch indie films and cool exhibitions. LCB Depot & Two Queen’s, providing space for emerging artists, and of course, The Exchange Bar. Hosting every sort of event imaginable in this beautiful historic building, all whilst serving up immaculate cocktails!
Leicester's Creative Beat Goes On
So, next time you're wandering around Leicester's Cultural Quarter, think about Joe Orton and all the other creatives who've left their mark here. It's a place where the past meets the present, and where creativity knows no bounds. Who knows? Maybe you'll find some inspiration of your own in this vibrant corner of the city.
