203 Welford Rd, Leicester LE2 6BH

About This Pub

Ah, The Donkey Garden – it's one of those pubs that just draws you in with its warm, buzzing energy, especially if you're up for a gig or a relaxed evening with friends. From the reviews I've had a look at, the staff stand out as absolute stars; Joy, for instance, gets heaps of praise for her friendly chats and making the best drinks, which really adds to that homely feel. The live music scenes sound brilliant too, with folks raving about the intimate setup and great performances that keep the place hopping. And let's not forget, the drinks are sensibly priced, so you can enjoy a few without breaking the bank, which is always a win on a night out. On the downside, though, it's a shame about the toilets – they're apparently in a bit of a mess, which could put a dampener on things if you're not prepared. Plus, if you're someone who likes their spirits straight from the source, you might be miffed to find they're serving up cheaper alternatives instead. All in all, it's a solid spot for a good time in Leicester, but I'd say go in with your eyes open and focus on the positives – it's got that community vibe that makes it worth a visit, just maybe plan around the rough edges.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, like Joy the bartender who really makes you feel at home with her top-notch service.
  • It's got a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying live gigs and music – think packed houses and intimate vibes that make for a memorable night.
  • Drinks are reasonably priced, so you can have a good time without worrying too much about the bill.
  • Overall, it's a welcoming spot that's open seven days a week, ideal for a casual get-together with mates.
Cons
  • The toilets are in a right state, which can really spoil the experience and leave you feeling a bit let down.
  • They use cheap knock-offs for some drinks instead of the real deal, like proper Smirnoff or Jägermeister, which might disappoint if you're after authentic options.

Contact Information

203 Welford Rd, Leicester LE2 6BH
+441163480542
Pub
Opens at 10:00

Opening Hours

Monday10:00 - 23:00
Tuesday10:00 - 23:00
Wednesday10:00 - 01:00
Thursday (Today)10:00 - 00:00
Friday10:00 - 02:00
Saturday10:00 - 02:00
Sunday12:00 - 23:00

Location

Recent Reviews

Went to The Donkey Garden in Leicester for a gig! The atmosphere was vibrant and friendly, the music by Mixmaster J was exceptional and the drinks quite reasonable.
DE
Diania Elliott Tomlin
Amazing Pub, so friendly and welcoming. Joy, our bartender was an absolute pleasure to speak to and made us the best drinks! Will definitely be coming again!!
GM
Gouri Madhusudanan
I came in today (01/04/2025) and joy (the bartender) was so lovely and kind, her hospitality is the reason that me and my partner stayed for longer than we had planned to and will also definitely be coming back
JJ
J J
Last week me and my friend visited this venue, to be honest we were unpleasantly surprised by the state of the toilets which look like they're from a horror movie. Another unpleasant surprise was the fact that they don't have Smirnoff Vodka or authentic Jägermeister, instead they use cheap knock-offs. Last but by far the most disturbing, is the fact that I have noticed the staff washing and reusing disposable plastic cups... which is absolutely distasteful.
MK
Marcin Kulesza
Fantastic band called Dust & Debris played to a packed house and did two 50 minute sets of blue grass & Americana style music. First time in this small & intimate venue with the band almost in touching distance. Great show, super place.
MC
Mark Corns

Nearby Pubs - Perfect Pub Crawl

Discover the 5 closest pubs to this location for an ideal pub crawl experience.

The Queens Road Tap
The Queens Road Tap

109 Queens Rd, Clarendon Park, Leicester LE2 1TT

91/100 0.6mi
Bar Dos Hermanos
Bar Dos Hermanos

52 Queens Rd, Clarendon Park, Leicester LE2 1TU

90/100 0.6mi
Local Hero
Local Hero

84 Aylestone Rd, Leicester LE2 7LB

80/100 0.7mi
The Clarendon
The Clarendon

7-9 West Ave, Clarendon Park, Leicester LE2 1TS

88/100 0.8mi
The Cradock Arms
The Cradock Arms

201 Knighton Rd, Knighton, Leicester LE2 3TT

90/100 0.8mi