One of Leicester’s best known pubs has reopened after a major revamp. Reporter Simon Sansome popped in to sample the atmosphere.
Andy Hazel Assistant Manager
O’Neill’s pub in Leicester has been around for ever. Most people living in the city would have walked past the pub or popped in for a pint and a meal. The Irish themed pub sits on Loseby Lane in the beating heart of Leicester. While the whole area has been renovated to a high standard, O’Neill’s used to look like it was lagging behind, with its dark wood, old man-style watering hole and out-of-date menu. They needed to do something to bring this once-loved pub back to life.
The renovated O’Neill’s feels cosy, welcoming and is open for business once again. They are offering an updated food menu from stone baked pizza to tapas and 21-day aged steaks. A new cocktail drinks menu and a range of crafted beers and ciders means there is something for everyone. O’Neill’s has also reached out to the younger generation by offering a new range of Churro doughnuts and dipping sauces.
To celebrate the renovation O’Neill’s launched a VIP night, with samples of the new menu on offer and entertainment with break-dancers, magicians, live music and stilt-walkers.
Long gone are the dark corners and flooring. Brighter lighting helps to create a more relaxed environment.
It still plays host to sports TVs but it is a more comfortable environment with better furniture, menu and, for me, better burgers.
O’Neill’s has welcomed many new and old punters through the doors since the revamp.
Dr Troy Levers, 55, International Law Lecture at Leicester University, said: “I like the environment, the pub feels cosy, the décor has been well done and makes people want so socialise.”
Joanne Gravett, 24, journalist, said: “The food is really tasty, we got VIP treatment and liked the people on the stilts, we took a photo standing under the people on stilts it’s just fun.
“I would recommend O’Neill’s to my friends and family.”
There is also a small private room for hire for a group of 10 people closed off from the bar for private meals and meetings.
Jo Blockly and Dawn Julian said: It’s a massive difference.
“It feels so much bigger, brighter and looks a lot cleaner and not closed off as it used to feel.”
Andy Hazel, Assistant Manager, said: “We have invested a lot of money to give the pub a fresher feel and changed the menu and introduced new music into Leicester by having live bands with good food.”
