Merchant of Venice, Leicester – 41 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Merchant of Venice -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 41 user ratings

173-175 Granby St, Leicester LE1 6FE, United Kingdom

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

Nestled on Granby Street, Merchant of Venice is an Italian restaurant that transforms into a lively nightlife venue, popular among students from the University of Leicester. Known for its stylish décor and authentic Italian menu, the venue strikes a balance between a laid-back dining experience and an energetic night out. Students frequently mention that this spot is not just about the food; it’s a place where they can relax, enjoy good company, and have a memorable night without the chaos of larger clubs.

The atmosphere at Merchant of Venice is often described as friendly and inclusive. Many students appreciate the cozy vibe, which makes it easy to connect with others. Reviewers have noted that the energy in the venue is just right—not too wild, but lively enough to keep the night interesting. This balance makes it an ideal spot for those who want to enjoy a few drinks and dance without feeling overwhelmed. The crowd is generally described as welcoming, with many students leaving in better spirits after their visit. The environment encourages mingling, which is a significant draw for many students looking to meet new people.

When it comes to music, Merchant of Venice doesn’t disappoint. Students rave about the solid tunes that keep the energy high throughout the night. The music selection seems to cater well to the crowd, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere that encourages dancing and socializing. Many students have remarked that the combination of good music and a friendly crowd creates an experience that makes them want to return again and again. This venue is perfect for those who appreciate a good soundtrack to their night out.

One of the standout features of Merchant of Venice is its pricing. Students often highlight that drinks are reasonably priced, making it a budget-friendly choice for a night out. Given that many students are looking to save money while still having a good time, this aspect is particularly appealing. The venue's value for money is highly rated, and many reviews indicate that the affordable drinks enhance the overall experience, allowing students to enjoy themselves without worrying about the bill.

In terms of queue and entry experience, students generally report that the wait times are manageable. The queue rating is quite positive, with many stating that it’s worth the wait once inside. This is a crucial factor for students who want to maximize their time enjoying the night rather than standing in line. The venue’s layout also contributes to a smooth flow of people, which helps in keeping the atmosphere lively without feeling overcrowded. This aspect is often mentioned as a significant advantage over other more hectic venues in the area.

However, while Merchant of Venice has many strengths, there are a few caveats to consider. Some students have mentioned that while the venue is adequate for a night out, it may not be the most exciting option for those seeking a more high-energy experience. If you’re looking for a wild night filled with intense clubbing, this might not be the place for you. Instead, it’s more suited for those who enjoy a balanced night of socializing and relaxation.

Another point to note is that while the crowd is generally friendly, the venue can get busy, especially during peak times. Some students have mentioned that it can feel a bit crowded, which might detract from the overall experience if you prefer a more spacious environment. Additionally, while the music is well-received, it may not cater to everyone's taste, so it’s worth considering what type of atmosphere you’re looking for.

Overall, Merchant of Venice is a solid choice for students who appreciate a friendly, welcoming environment with good food and affordable drinks. It’s particularly well-suited for those looking to unwind after a long week of studying or for anyone who enjoys a relaxed night out with friends. Many students consider it a must-visit spot, and it’s easy to see why. With its inviting atmosphere and strong sense of community, it’s a place where you can truly enjoy the night.

In summary, Merchant of Venice checks many boxes for students seeking a fun, affordable night out. With its charming atmosphere, great music, and friendly crowd, it’s a venue that encourages connection and enjoyment. So if you’re in Leicester and looking for a place to kick back and have a good time, this could be just the spot for you.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Affordable drinks that won't break the bank.
  • Friendly and inclusive atmosphere perfect for meeting new people.
  • Great music that keeps the energy high throughout the night.
  • Chill vibe that strikes a balance between laid-back and lively.
  • Manageable queue times, making entry smooth.
  • Stylish décor and a cozy setting for dining and socializing.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Not the most exciting option for those seeking a wild nightlife experience.
  • Can feel a bit crowded during peak times.
  • Music may not cater to everyone's tastes.
  • Some reviews mention it being adequate but not thrilling.
  • Limited options for those wanting a more intense clubbing atmosphere.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed night out with good drinks and a friendly crowd.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, making it easy to drop by after classes.
  • Queue times are generally short, especially if you arrive early.
  • Drink prices are student-friendly, so you can enjoy without overspending.
  • Music is a mix that appeals to a wide range of tastes, perfect for dancing.
  • The venue is easy to access, minimizing transport costs for students.

❓ Common Questions

What is Merchant of Venice like?

It's a chill venue with a friendly atmosphere, perfect for students looking to unwind and socialize.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally short and manageable, making entry smooth.

Is it good value?

Yes, drinks are affordable, making it a budget-friendly choice for students.

What music does Merchant of Venice play?

The music is a mix that keeps the energy high and appeals to a wide range of tastes.

Is there a dress code?

The dress code is casual, allowing students to come as they are.

Reviews
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Got a decent vibe and the music was alright for a night out. drink prices are reasonable, and the queue isn’t too bad if you time it right. good spot to wind down after a long week, just a chill atmosphere overall.
By user586979 on Apr 6th 2026
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The queue moved quickly and the door staff were friendly. drinks were reasonably priced, with good deals available. the music was great, and the atmosphere on the dancefloor was lively but not overwhelming. toilets were clean, and the smoking area was well-maintained.
By user921705 on Mar 31st 2026
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Not the most exciting spot but it's adequate for a night out. drinks are cheap and the vibe is alright for a few hours of fun.
By user529493 on Mar 30th 2026
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Drinks won’t break the bank and the crowd is something else
By user447418 on Mar 25th 2026
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Drinks are cheap and the tunes are solid, can't go wrong with that combo.
By user254235 on Mar 20th 2026
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Such good energy — everyone was on the same vibe.
By user879237 on Mar 16th 2026
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Been a few times and it's been good, would tell friends to check it out.
By user449881 on Mar 11th 2026
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Place felt really friendly and had a cosy atmosphere. it was nice to be somewhere that wasn’t too crowded.
By user644660 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Always leave in a better mood after coming here. ✨
By user731213 on Feb 25th 2026
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Had a smile on my face the whole night. the atmosphere was just what i needed.
By user659665 on Feb 24th 2026
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Not too wild but it's got just enough energy to keep things interesting. it's a good balance between laid-back and lively.
By user831655 on Feb 22nd 2026
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A must-visit spot for students who love a good time.
By user321704 on Feb 20th 2026
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Looking back it was the student night that hit the spot. the atmosphere was just right for meeting people and letting loose.
By user412698 on Feb 19th 2026
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The energy was high and the crowd was friendly. little things that make the nights worthwhile
By user763656 on Feb 18th 2026
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Met loads of new people here, which is a pretty cool bonus. it’s part of the reason why i keep coming back.
By user308776 on Feb 17th 2026
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The place has a really inclusive feel, makes it easy to connect with people. it’s nice to be around such a welcoming crowd.
By user237798 on Feb 16th 2026
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Always a solid choice for a night out. never really disappointed here 🍻
By user349125 on Feb 15th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By user932862 on Feb 14th 2026
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Music's always good and the crowd's pretty chill, so it's a nice escape from studying. that's what keeps me coming back to the Merchant of Venice.
By user351185 on Feb 13th 2026
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Place has a friendly atmosphere. everyone’s nice, feels really welcoming.
By user711601 on Feb 9th 2026
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Location's a big plus. it's a chill spot that's easy to get to, so you won't waste cash on transport.
By user903469 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Everyone was just having a good time, loads of smiles and dancing all around. made the night feel really lively.
By user333508 on Jan 27th 2026
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Merchant of venice has a chill atmosphere. it's not too hectic, which is exactly what I prefer.
By user521271 on Jan 22nd 2026
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By user296559 on Jan 18th 2026
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Merchant of venice had just the right crowd, never felt overcrowded. perfect for a night out without the stress.
By user817866 on Jan 15th 2026
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The experience is usually pretty solid when i go here. drinks are priced alright for the area too.
By user234325 on Jan 11th 2026
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user205582 on Jan 7th 2026
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Energy's always high which is nice. feels like the place knows how to keep students engaged.
By user249532 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Had a great time and will be back for sure. that's all that matters
By user104586 on Dec 30th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user346352 on Dec 26th 2025
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The setup's chill and everything flows really well, just a smooth night all around
By user957350 on Dec 21st 2025
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Looking back it was a place every student should check out at least once. the atmosphere helped, easy to meet people and always something going on.
By user971818 on Dec 17th 2025
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Stumbled in and was surprised by how wholesome it felt while still being a good time. would go back
By user419856 on Dec 13th 2025
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Nights out here are always a blast, never a boring moment.
By user362348 on Dec 6th 2025
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Not the most glamorous spot but it gets the job done. chill music and prices that won't break the bank.
By user514557 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Just a chill atmosphere from the start, everyone seemed really laid back and friendly.
By user397326 on Nov 28th 2025
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Place had a good mix of people. everyone was friendly but it felt relaxed enough to just hang out without pressure.
By user124709 on Nov 24th 2025
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Good music, easy-going crowd, can't go wrong with that. wouldn't want to be anywhere else honestly.
By user432321 on Nov 18th 2025
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Place is always lively but you kinda expect that from a night out
By user373093 on Nov 11th 2025
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Made loads of memories with friends here, ended up being a regular spot for us. it just felt right after a while.
By user743661 on Nov 4th 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user943889 on Oct 29th 2025