Merchant of Venice, Leicester – 36 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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Merchant of Venice -
Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking
Based on 36 user ratings
Sign in to leave a review173-175 Granby St, Leicester LE1 6FE, United Kingdom
💬 What Students Say
Located on Granby Street near the University of Leicester, Merchant of Venice is an Italian restaurant that transforms into a vibrant nightlife spot. Known for its stylish décor and authentic Italian cuisine, this venue is a favourite among students looking for a mix of good food and a lively atmosphere. With a cocktail menu that competes with the best bars in Leicester, it’s an ideal place for those who appreciate quality dining paired with a fun night out.
The atmosphere at Merchant of Venice is often described as cosy and friendly, making it easy for students to unwind and enjoy themselves. Reviewers frequently mention the inclusive vibe, where everyone feels welcomed and can easily make new friends. The energy is consistently noted as top-notch, with many students leaving in high spirits after a night filled with laughter and dancing. While the venue has a lively side, it also strikes a balance, providing a chill environment that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
In terms of music, students have praised the selection, which contributes to the overall enjoyable experience. The venue has received a respectable overall rating of 4.2/10, with particular strengths in cleanliness and the smoking area. While the value rating sits at a neutral 5.0/10, many students feel that the experience is worth it, especially given the positive feedback on the friendly crowd and smooth service.
Merchant of Venice is perfect for students who enjoy a good night out without the chaos of overcrowded venues. Whether you're looking for a place to start your evening with a meal or a spot to dance the night away, this venue caters to a variety of preferences, making it a must-visit in Leicester.
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The atmosphere at Merchant of Venice is often described as cosy and friendly, making it easy for students to unwind and enjoy themselves. Reviewers frequently mention the inclusive vibe, where everyone feels welcomed and can easily make new friends. The energy is consistently noted as top-notch, with many students leaving in high spirits after a night filled with laughter and dancing. While the venue has a lively side, it also strikes a balance, providing a chill environment that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
In terms of music, students have praised the selection, which contributes to the overall enjoyable experience. The venue has received a respectable overall rating of 4.2/10, with particular strengths in cleanliness and the smoking area. While the value rating sits at a neutral 5.0/10, many students feel that the experience is worth it, especially given the positive feedback on the friendly crowd and smooth service.
Merchant of Venice is perfect for students who enjoy a good night out without the chaos of overcrowded venues. Whether you're looking for a place to start your evening with a meal or a spot to dance the night away, this venue caters to a variety of preferences, making it a must-visit in Leicester.
✅ What Students Love
- Friendly and inclusive atmosphere where students feel welcomed.
- Great energy with many students leaving in high spirits.
- Good music that enhances the overall vibe.
- A perfect mix of chill and lively, ideal for socialising.
- Consistently positive experiences reported by many students.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Overall ratings are moderate, indicating room for improvement.
- Value for money is perceived as average by some students.
- Can get busy during peak times, affecting the experience.
🎯 Best For
Students seeking a lively yet welcoming atmosphere for a night out.
💡 Things to Know
- Expect a friendly crowd; it's a great place to meet new people.
- Queues are manageable, so it's worth waiting to get in.
- Dress code is casual, but smart-casual is recommended for a nicer vibe.
- The venue offers a mix of dining and nightlife, perfect for starting your evening with a meal.
- Music tends to be upbeat, contributing to a fun and energetic atmosphere.
❓ Common Questions
What is Merchant of Venice like?
It's a lively Italian restaurant that transforms into a vibrant nightlife venue, known for its friendly atmosphere and good energy.
How long is the queue?
Queues are generally manageable, with many students noting it's worth the wait to get inside.
Is it good value?
The value rating is neutral, but many students feel the experience justifies the cost.
What music does Merchant of Venice play?
The music is upbeat and contributes to a fun and energetic vibe, enhancing the overall experience.
Is it suitable for large groups?
Yes, students often mention that it’s a great place to go with friends and meet new people.
Reviews
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Such good energy — everyone was on the same vibe.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 16th 2026
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Nice experience — would recommend to others.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 11th 2026
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Really enjoyed the vibe — felt cosy and friendly.
By Anonymous Student on Mar 2nd 2026
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Always leave in a better mood after coming here. ✨
By Anonymous Student on Feb 25th 2026
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Couldn’t stop smiling all night — proper good times.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 24th 2026
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Just the right mix of chill and chaos.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 22nd 2026
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A must-visit spot for students who love a good time.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 20th 2026
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Exactly the student night I was looking for.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 19th 2026
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Top energy, top people, top nights.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 18th 2026
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Always end up making new friends here.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 17th 2026
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Really inclusive atmosphere, loved that.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 16th 2026
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You can always rely on a good night here.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 15th 2026
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Honestly one of my favourite spots for a night out.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 14th 2026
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Good music, friendly crowd, smooth experience.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 13th 2026
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Everyone was friendly, no bad vibes whatsoever.
By Anonymous Student on Feb 9th 2026
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Had an amazing time, definitely recommend!
By Anonymous Student on Feb 2nd 2026
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Energy was top notch — everyone smiling and dancing.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 27th 2026
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Good atmosphere without being hectic.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 22nd 2026
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Had an amazing time here, will definitely be back again!
By Anonymous Student on Jan 18th 2026
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Never too packed, just the right crowd size.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 15th 2026
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Always a good experience here.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 11th 2026
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 7th 2026
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Unreal energy — perfect student vibe.
By Anonymous Student on Jan 3rd 2026
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Loved it — 100% coming again soon.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 30th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By Anonymous Student on Dec 26th 2025
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Great setup, smooth night from start to finish.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 21st 2025
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Every student should experience this place at least once.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 17th 2025
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Such a wholesome but fun atmosphere.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 13th 2025
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Always worth the night out, never dull.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 6th 2025
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Vibe is unmatched, you can’t not have fun here.
By Anonymous Student on Dec 3rd 2025
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Felt super welcoming from the moment we arrived.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 28th 2025
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Such a lively and inclusive environment.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 24th 2025
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Good tunes, chilled crowd, can’t go wrong.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 18th 2025
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The place always has a buzz, loved it.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 11th 2025
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Brilliant place for making memories with mates.
By Anonymous Student on Nov 4th 2025
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By Anonymous Student on Oct 29th 2025