By Conor de Smith
A new Leicester-based restaurant and bar opened last weekend to conclude a near two-year project of renovating a former city centre pub.
Shakespeare’s House opened its doors to the public on Saturday morning and will provide customers with a variety of European foods, cakes and cocktails.
The building used to be home to the Shakespeare’s Head pub but has been transformed into a quirky, welcoming venue after 18 months of renovation.
Shakespeare’s House has been divided into two distinct areas with a forest-like restaurant to the right and a sky-themed bar to the left. The look has been shaped by the forests of Poland where the owners – Kamil and Amin – and manager Tom Szewczyk originate from.
All food is made in-house with fresh ingredients from the bread to their deserts. Alternative coffees – some made with aeropress – from around the globe are a speciality.
The menu includes slow cooked beef cheeks with creamy horseradish puree and house special beetroot, half roast duck with sweet baked apple, amandine potatoes and homemade cranberry jam, and baked salmon on vegetable spaghetti with kale and pumpkin.
Coffees and a range of sandwiches will be on offer to take away with manager Tom, 28, keen on attracting the student population of Leicester.
“Our target is to make it a place for students,” said the former manager of Natterjacks bar.
“We have student accommodation all around us so that is why we are opening seven days a week from 7am in the morning so everyone can come and grab their warm breakfast before university. We’ll have student nights and a 25% student discount as well.”
There are plans for live entertainment and events with the first being Valentine’s Saturday when customers will receive a free bottle of wine with every meal.
Shakespeare’s House is located at 4 Southgates, Leicester, and will be open from 7am to 12am on weekdays and from 7am to 1.30am on weekends.
