About This Pub
Oh, let me tell you about The Dove at Evington – it's one of those pubs that just hits the spot for a relaxed get-together. From what I've gathered from the buzz around it, the food is where they really shine; folks rave about the Sunday roasts and fresh dishes that feel like a proper treat, all whipped up with care and local flair. The team behind the bar and in the kitchen are spot on too, always going the extra mile to make sure you're looked after, whether it's helping with menu choices or accommodating dietary tweaks for a family do. And don't get me started on the cocktails – they've got a great mix of new twists and old favourites that pair perfectly with a meal. On the flip side, it's not all perfect; a couple of comments mentioned things like skimpy gravy portions or specials that didn't quite match the Instagram allure, so you might find yourself wishing for a bit more on the plate sometimes. Still, with a solid 4.3 rating from heaps of happy visitors, it's clear this place gets more right than wrong. If you're in Leicester and fancy a pint and a bite, I'd say give it a go – it's got that welcoming pub charm that makes you want to come back for more.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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The food is absolutely top-notch – think tender beef Sunday lunches and the best roast potatoes you've ever tasted, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
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The staff are incredibly friendly and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you walk in, with a real passion for providing a welcoming vibe.
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They've got a fantastic variety of menus, including options for dietary needs, plus an exciting cocktail selection and classics that cater to everyone's tastes.
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It's great value for money, especially with dishes like that incredible Chocolate Orange Bread & Butter Pudding – hands down one of the best desserts around.
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The atmosphere is relaxed and modern, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion, and they're open most days with flexible hours.
Cons
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One downside is that portions can sometimes feel a tad light, like not quite enough gravy with the mains, which might leave you wanting a bit more.
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Based on one experience, the Chef's Specials might not always live up to the hype on social media, so it pays to manage expectations if you're trying something new.
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Their hours can vary, especially on bank holidays, so it's worth double-checking to avoid any disappointment if you're planning a visit.
Contact Information
48 Downing Dr, Evington, Leicester LE5 6LH
+441162419037
Grill
Closed today
Opening Hours
Monday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Tuesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Wednesday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
Thursday | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Friday | 12:00 - 00:00 |
Saturday | 09:30 - 00:00 |
Sunday (Today) | 09:30 - 21:00 |
Recent Reviews
This was our first time visiting and it won't be our last.
We both had the beef Sunday lunch - wow! The beef was so soft and the roast potatoes were the best that I've ever had. The only slight criticism was that we would've liked a bit more gravy. We didn't have room for dessert, so next time we may opt for the smaller portion. We thought that it was very good value for money.
This was my first visit here. From arriving the Staff were pleasant, friendly and very attentive. The bar assistant greeted us warmly, the Staff lady who served us was polite, knowledgeable and assisted us in our choice of main meal. The drinks we had were delicious, the food was hot and cooked very well(lasagne) and was super tasty. All together one of the best experiences I've had in an eatery for a long while. I will definitely be visiting here again and telling people to go there too.
Celebrated my birthday there last night with the family! Alex and his fantastic team did all they could to make it a wonderful celebration! The new menu was outstanding, with a variety and choice to suit everyone - we numbered with 3 family members with food intolerance - or dietary restrictions - all catered for in a welcoming and inclusive fashion! Some old favourites still available along with some wonderful new dishes! Some of us enjoyed choosing from the cocktail menu - great quality cocktails but at pocket friendly prices. Service was wonderful from the serving staff and bar staff! Thanks all - we will be back very soon!!!
Fantastic food. Incredibly kind and attentive service. A lovely venue and value for money. Can’t ask for much more!
The Chocolate Orange Bread & Butter Pudding is by far the BEST dessert I’ve ever had.
SP
Sagar Pancholi (imsag)
I was so excited when I saw the Chef’s Specials (on Instagram) at The Dove as the N’duja Pasta looked incredible! I was heading over to Oadby anyway and thought what a great excuse to go for lunch and try the special.
When I arrived, the girl that looked after me was so kind and welcoming. She was very attentive and gave me ample amount of time to browse the menu before ordering. She was able to tell me some of their mocktails they have on offer, despite not having a drinks menu, and I ordered a Peach on the Beach which was incredible! I didn’t really need to browse the menu as there was only one reason I was there…the pasta.
I was so excited and was already having a lovely experience. She brought out my food and I dug in. Now I understand that N’duja has a kick to it but I wasn’t expecting the dish to be as hot (in spice) as it was. The heat kicked in very quickly so I ate the sundried tomatoes which gave a lovely sweetness to the dish. I then tried the chicken to take away from the heat of the sauce, but the chicken had definitely been left on the grill too long (for my liking). I love grilled chicken, but chargrilled is not for me (and it wasn’t stated as this either). The garlic bread wasn’t great either. Overall, I was really disappointed with the meal.
To better my experience, I decided to have a dessert as the menu looked fab! I opted for the Lemon Meringue Cheesecake. Two other customers also ordered this so I had high hopes. It looked delicious but as I made my way through, it became too tangy. I love cheesecakes and have only ever had sweet tasting ones. Unfortunately, the cream cheese mixture wasn’t to my taste.
After feeling really disappointed, I was quite quick to leave and the waitress sorted me out very promptly. As she was the only waitress manning four busy tables, I didn’t want to hold her up and waste time feeding back about the poor quality of the main dish. I simply paid and left.
Altogether, the bill came to £31.65 for a main, a dessert, a mocktail, and a half glass of Diet Coke. Personally, I feel that this was quite pricey for what I received, and in comparison to other establishments that I have visited where I have received far better meals for the same price.
I really enjoyed my last two experiences at The Dove so feel really disappointed. I don’t feel that I’ll be in a rush to come back unfortunately.
The three stars are purely for the service and in hindsight, I wish I would have tipped the waitress for her impeccable service.
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