The Exchange Bar, Leicestershire Travel Guide

4.4 (684)

A historic Leicester landmark blending vintage charm with vibrant live music, creative events, and a welcoming atmosphere in the Cultural Quarter.

Nestled in Leicester’s vibrant Cultural Quarter, The Exchange Bar is a stylish venue housed in an iconic historic building inspired by New York’s Flatiron. Known for its eclectic mix of live music, creative events, and a welcoming atmosphere, it offers an extensive drinks menu alongside tasty pizzas. The versatile space caters to intimate gatherings and lively celebrations, making it a beloved spot for locals and visitors alike.

A brief summary to The Exchange Bar

50 Rutland St, Leicester, LE1 1RD, GB
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 1 to 4 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 10 am-12 am
Tuesday 10 am-12 am
Wednesday 10 am-12 am
Thursday 10 am-12 am
Friday 10 am-1 am
Saturday 10 am-1 am
Sunday 1 pm-8 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring The Exchange Bar.

Try the meal deal combining their popular pizzas with fries, coleslaw, and a drink for a satisfying and affordable option.
Book the cellar bar or upstairs space early for private events, noting the deposit and minimum spend requirements.
Check the events calendar for live music, comedy, and arts nights to enhance your visit with vibrant entertainment.
Under-18s are welcome when accompanied by a guardian during private parties, making it a family-friendly venue.
Enjoy the unique ambience created by exposed brick walls and retro furnishings, perfect for relaxed socialising.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more about listing your business on Evendo

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

The Distillery

Firebug

Cosy Club

Queen of Bradgate

Knight & Garter

Explore The Exchange Bar on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near The Exchange Bar, mapped for you.

Getting There

Bus

Leicester city centre is well-served by frequent bus routes from across the region, with stops near Rutland Street. Bus journeys typically take 10 to 30 minutes depending on your starting point. Single fares cost around £2 to £4. Buses run regularly throughout the day but check schedules for late-night services.
Train

Leicester Railway Station is approximately 1.5 km from The Exchange Bar. From the station, a taxi ride takes about 5 minutes and costs around £6 to £8. Alternatively, a 20-minute walk through the city centre offers an accessible route along well-signposted streets.
Car

Driving to The Exchange Bar is possible, but parking in Leicester city centre can be limited and expensive. Nearby public car parks offer hourly rates typically between £2 and £4. Allow extra time for parking during evenings and weekends, and be aware of pedestrianised zones around the Cultural Quarter.
Walking

If you are staying in Leicester city centre, The Exchange Bar is easily reachable on foot within 10 to 20 minutes from major hotels and attractions. The route is mostly flat and accessible, passing through lively streets filled with shops and cafes.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Information Boards

Discover more about The Exchange Bar

A Landmark with a Storied Past

The Exchange Bar occupies a striking building modelled on New York’s Flatiron, located at 50 Rutland Street in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter. Originally constructed as part of Leicester’s rich commercial heritage, the building has seen many lives—from a bustling corn exchange to a printing press and furniture store—before its transformation into the vibrant bar it is today. This historic setting lends the venue a unique character, blending vintage charm with modern urban energy.

A Hub for Culture and Community

Situated among creative neighbours such as The Curve Theatre, The Phoenix Cinema, and The Leicester Print Workshop, The Exchange Bar thrives as a cultural hotspot. It hosts a lively calendar of events including live music, comedy nights, and art exhibitions, making it a focal point for Leicester’s creative scene. The venue’s atmosphere is both intimate and energetic, inviting visitors to connect over shared experiences in a space that feels both welcoming and inspiring.

Atmosphere and Ambience

Step inside to find exposed brick walls and rustic wooden beams that create a warm, inviting environment. The bar’s interior design balances elegance with a casual vibe, featuring comfortable retro furnishings that encourage relaxation and socialising. Whether enjoying a quiet drink or dancing to live bands, guests are enveloped in an ambience that is both stylish and approachable.

Drinks, Dining, and Delights

The Exchange Bar offers an extensive selection of beers, gins, wines, and cocktails crafted by attentive staff who know their craft. Alongside drinks, the menu features popular pizzas that can be paired with fries, coleslaw, and drinks for a satisfying meal deal. The bar’s dedication to quality and variety ensures there is something for everyone, from casual visitors to foodies seeking a hearty bite.

Versatile Spaces for Every Occasion

The venue boasts multiple areas including a cellar bar with a capacity of 85 and an upstairs space for 25 guests, accommodating everything from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations. The Exchange Bar welcomes bookings for parties, corporate meetings, and special events, providing a flexible blank canvas for guests to personalise their experience. Music can be curated by the venue or brought by guests, with options for DJs or live performances.

Welcoming All Visitors

The Exchange Bar is inclusive and family-friendly, allowing under-18s to attend parties under supervision. It also adheres to strict policies regarding responsible drinking and behaviour to maintain a safe environment. Accessibility is considered with a disabled toilet on the ground floor, although the cellar bar is only accessible by stairs. The venue’s friendly team ensures every guest feels part of the community.