It is time to Make a Date with Leicester…. Wherever you are in the city centre, there is a good brunch spot for you for under £10.

Brunch does not need to be expensive. Leicester has a superb range of independent cafes, each unique and serving quality dishes.  Most of these independents have grown with word of mouth, allowing them to expand and continue to deliver great service and a good standard of food and drinks. Staff are always upbeat and there to ensure you have a great experience.

Whether it is a “gram friendly” café you want, a quiet coffee or a catch up with some friends, there is something for you.

Here are five spots I enjoyed brunch for under £10. In fact, in all these locations you can enjoy a dish and drink for less than £10 depending on what you choose.

Gray’s at LCB Depot – located by the Curve Theatre/ Athena

This hidden gem is inside the Leicester City Business Depot. A popular spot for business meetings and one that supports many small traders. At Gray’s expect a different menu every week using seasonal produce.

Dish: Meat Breakfast

Price: £8.50

This was a full English with a twist. Bacon, Sausage Patty, Beans, Egg, Toast, Breakfast Taters, Balsamic Tomato and Black Pudding. It was more than enough for both Kev & I. There was a good selection of ingredients and a dish that would keep you full for the rest of the day.

More Information: They have seating indoor and outdoor. They have a range of Vegan dishes too. Brunch is served from 9am to 2pm. Try their seasonal drinks – they make the syrup in house and they are delicious.
Their website has more information: Grays Coffee Shop & Kitchen (graysleicester.com)

La Foret – just by New Walk Museum, on the way to town

A perfect spot to get away from the busy city centre, La Foret offers a great selection of dishes with a bit of African influence. The have grown over the years due to word of mouth! Yes they are really good. It is also a popular spot to healthy eating.

Dish: Eggs Royale

Price: £7.70

Served in a beautiful painted plate, the dish was garnished well and a good portion size. They know how to finish off a dish. Freshly made and good quality ingredients, the little café is popular and small so make sure you get there early.

More Information: Food is served from 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The owner also makes some amazing cakes you have to try. They serve Saints of Mokha Luna and Red Velvet lattes too.
Visit their Instagram page to keep up to date: La Forêt Café (@la_foretcafe) • Instagram photos and videos

Saints of Mokha – on Belvoir Street (pronounced Beever Street)

This is a hot spot for coffee and brunch lovers. They specialise in coffee art, and they know their coffee. This is a halal location too.

Dish: French Toast

Price: £8.00

Three big slices of brioche caramelised to perfection and served with in house Chantilly creme and berries. The French toast was so fluffy and had a delicious layer on top. I am drooling thinking about it now. It comes with some cream and fruit on the side and is just divine.

More Information: The kitchen is open from 10am to 4pm. They have ample indoor seating. They have sweet and savoury choices on their menu. More information on their Instagram Page: Saints of Mokha (@saintsofmokha) • Instagram photos and videos

St Martin’s Coffee Shop – in St Martins Square, in the heart of the city

This coffee shop has been around for a while and there is a reason – it is fabulous and very popular. In the evening it turns to Crafty, which is home to Leicester’s best burgers.

They roast coffee and know how to serve a good cappuccino (with actual chocolate flakes).

Dish: NYC Bacon Bun

Price: £7.00

Smoked Bacon, hash brown, Monterey Jack cheese, fried egg, all in a Milber’s brioche bun. This NYC bun was amazing especially once I popped the yolk and it got gooey. Fresh tasting and packed with yumminess.

More Information: They have indoor and outdoor seating. Brunch is served from 9:30 – 14:30 every day. Find more information on their coffee on their website St. Martin’s (stmartinscoffeeshop.co.uk) or check out their Instagram page.

Merchant of Venice – just by the train station

Inspired by Venetian décor, expect cute swing seats, fairy lights and a warm cosy ambiance. They made a great iced coffee too and the prices are reasonable. Next time if your train is delayed, go here and not the cafes on the platforms.

Dish: Mashed Avocado on Toast with Two Poached Eggs

Price: £7.20

A large slice of toasted bread with a layer of avocado with two poached eggs and a drizzle of basil oil came on a plate served with salad. I liked the addition of salad. The eggs were cooked well, and the basil just gave the whole dish a lift. On Sundays they do a Bottomless Prosecco Brunch which seems to be very popular.

More Information:
Visit their website for more information Merchant of Venice. They are also opening a new branch on Loseby Lane soon.

---

When you are in Leicester, click this link for the guide on the cool and quirky cafes we have. In fact, look at the booklet, then Make a Date with Leicester. Visit Leicester also have other booklets showcasing things to do, places to stay, tourism, restaurants and a lot more here.

---

You can also look at my Leicester City directory for a list of other cafes. There are so many to try. Some of my other favourite spots in the city centre are Kai (best pancakes), Knight & Garter (bottomless brunches), Brick & Beam, Mrs Bridges Tearooms and Bryter Moon Deli.

Neha

Disclaimer [AD]: This was an invite/gift. All views, opinions and photos are my own unless otherwise stated.