About This Pub
Ah, Firebug – it's one of those places in Leicester that you end up chatting about over a pint, isn't it? From what I've gathered, it's got this vibrant vibe going on with loads of live music, comedy nights, and club events that really make it stand out as a cultural hotspot. The food's a highlight too; they serve up fresh, homemade dishes that are reasonably priced and include plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free folks, which is always a plus when you're out with mates who have different preferences. Plus, there's an arcade and games to keep things fun, and the upstairs area sounds spot-on for gigs with its great acoustics. On the flip side, though, it's not without its flaws – the dark, dingy feel and those less-than-ideal toilets and sticky floors can put a damper on things, making it feel a tad worn out at times. And let's be honest, accessibility isn't its strongest suit, so it might not be the best choice if you're after something more inclusive. Overall, if you're up for a lively night with good tunes and a bite to eat, Firebug's worth a visit, but go in with your eyes open to the rough edges – it's all about that balanced pub experience, really.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The live music and club nights are fantastic – it's a real hub for Leicester's music and arts scene, with events that keep the energy high and the crowds coming back.
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They've got a great selection of food and drinks, including fresh, homemade options that cater to vegans, vegetarians, and those needing gluten-free choices, all at reasonable prices and often locally sourced.
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It's super student-friendly with fun extras like an arcade, retro games, and consoles, making it a brilliant spot for a casual hangout or a more lively evening.
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The upstairs venue has excellent sound for gigs, and they've got a cosy beer garden that's perfect for enjoying a pint like a good Guinness when the weather's nice.
Cons
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The atmosphere can feel a bit dark and dingy, which might not suit everyone, especially if you're after something brighter and more welcoming.
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The toilets and floors can be a letdown – they're often described as gross and sticky, which takes away from the overall experience.
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Accessibility is a bit of an issue, like the front door not being wheelchair-friendly, so it might not be the easiest place for everyone to get to.
Contact Information
1 Millstone Ln, Leicester LE1 5JN
+441162551228
Pub
Closed
Opening Hours
| Monday | 17:00 - 04:00 |
| Tuesday (Today) | 12:00 - 04:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 04:00 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 04:00 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 04:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 04:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 04:00 |
Recent Reviews
I only go here because it's the latest place open at the end of a night out (bar Leicester's terrible selection of clubs) or if there's a gig on that I am interested in. I've never particularly liked Firebug with its dark and dingy atmosphere, gross toilets and sticky floors, but have felt especially uncomfortable going there since someone was r*ped in the disabled toilet a couple of years or so ago. A lot of nice and cool people go here but a lot of unsavoury characters too. Generally just has an unnerving vibe. If there was anywhere else remotely tolerable that my friends enjoyed that was open as late and wasn't expensive I wouldn't go to firebug. I do enjoy the top floor though when it open and they have a good DJ on. It sometimes has some good gigs on too and I've heard the food is pretty good.
Firebug constantly excels as a great place to go. I'm on first name basis with some of the workers there. I go Thursdays and Saturdays usually.
The front door is not wheelchair friendly. But I'm sure there wouldn't be an issue using the backdoor (if it's late, make sure to contact staff and a bouncer. No sneaking in!)
I love the menu and usually treat myself to an FB Messy. The vegan/dairy free options for some cocktails and the milkshakes are great. I can have more treats without risking discomfort.
I will continue to give this 5 stars every visit. I've never had a bad time and I've gone fairly regularly for just under a year.
They have interesting events, live music, support good communities.
The staff are always friendly, and you can see the camaraderie between too.
They also have games consoles with TV's to play games. Which along with my tag line, is something I very enjoy.
Comfortable, good Guinness. Great sounding venue upstairs. Beer garden (courtyard) would be super in warmer weather
For a student bar that's also a massive cultural hub for the Leicester music and arts scene, this place is excellent. Great selection of vegan and gluten free food and drinks as well as alcoholic and none alcoholic cocktails and beers, awesome mini arcade with playstation and Nintendo cube games (available for free!) and pinball upstairs.
They are also incredibly accommodating for venue hire and always have great communication. The owners clearly put a lot of time and dedication into this bar, going all out with decorations for events like Halloween.
This bar shaped my teen years and has become a cornerstone of my social life having come back in my 30s. (Suitable for all ages!😂) Plus they put on some top notch events and support local charities 🔥
What to say about this place. Good points first: It's a large pub spread over 2 floors with a bar, pool table, good selection of retro games machines and a dance floor upstairs with a DJ, it has a large fairly decent outside smoking area with cover, a few consoles set-up downstairs to use, didn't try any but they have a large selection of drinks on draught, they have cobs at night for sale and it's open until 4am every night.
Bad Points: There are many, staff don't seem to clean up after themselves with rubbish over the back bars and all over the floors, staff have no personality and seem to serve friends first, door staff are very rude and last week they kicked a guy out who then decided to try to hammer the front door and try to break through a window and all they did (3 door staff), was barricade the front door and lastly, this claims to be a rock bar but they played drum & bass Mmm... enough said!I and lastly can't believe how many customers here do coke, its unreal, we saw that many people actually doing coke or selling it it seems natural here.
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