Is the City of Leicester a dump?

[Finnegan]

6 hours ago, Kisnorbo fox said:

The high influx of individuals from third world countries who leave one s**t hole and then decide to migrate to a western country and insist on treating there new area like said s**t hole, doesn’t help the city centre being a dump.
You only have to look at the stats of the rat problem in the LE5 and LE4 and match that with the common denominator which is the demographic in those particular areas 🤷‍♂️

 

Jesus ****ing christ

[bovril]

17 hours ago, Kisnorbo fox said:

The high influx of individuals from third world countries who leave one s**t hole and then decide to migrate to a western country and insist on treating there new area like said s**t hole, doesn’t help the city centre being a dump.
You only have to look at the stats of the rat problem in the LE5 and LE4 and match that with the common denominator which is the demographic in those particular areas 🤷‍♂️

Going to go out on a limb and guess you voted for the government that increased immigration from "third world countries" to record levels. 

[Kisnorbo fox]

9 minutes ago, bovril said:

Going to go out on a limb and guess you voted for the government that increased immigration from "third world countries" to record levels. 

Absolutely not. Anyway why does my opinion have to mean I follow a particular political party ? Some people insist on assuming one’s political orientation… it gets quite boring… 

[bovril]

1 minute ago, Kisnorbo fox said:

Absolutely not. Anyway why does my opinion have to mean I follow a particular political party ? Some people insist on assuming one’s political orientation… it gets quite boring… 

Fair enough. And you're right, it's boring. But there is a lot of projection and deflection I see from 2019 Boris Johnson voters which I think deserves to be called out.

[kenny]

2 minutes ago, bovril said:

Fair enough. And you're right, it's boring. But there is a lot of projection and deflection I see from 2019 Boris Johnson voters which I think deserves to be called out.

How did they do at the last election?

[Finnegan]

9 minutes ago, Kisnorbo fox said:

Absolutely not. Anyway why does my opinion have to mean I follow a particular political party ? Some people insist on assuming one’s political orientation… it gets quite boring… 

 

So to be clear, you're NOT voting Reform in the next election? 

 

[bovril]

4 minutes ago, kenny said:

How did they do at the last election?

Voting them out isn't enough, I want cultural revolution style public shaming 

[kenny]

3 minutes ago, bovril said:

Voting them out isn't enough, I want cultural revolution style public shaming 

Id call losing to the most unpopular PM in modern history public shaming enough.

[Kisnorbo fox]

1 hour ago, Finnegan said:

 

So to be clear, you're NOT voting Reform in the next election? 

 

No, although they speak a good game regarding the immigration side of things, I thing they are very unproven in the rest of the political spectrum and I’m not sure they will even follow through with half there promises regarding immigration. At this moment in time in my opinion there is no particular party that has to offer what the UK requires.

[westernpark]

Sad to hear of Councillor Sood’s death. Ran past her funeral cortège this morning and her coffin was draped in a Union Jack flag which was lovely. Her story is a great one and is indicative of the impact immigration had in Leicester in the 70s. 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/popular-leicester-bar-closes-administration-10779978

 

Revolution in Leicester closes as neighbour says area getting 'more and more dead'
The bar's closure is part of a nationwide decision affecting 21 venues

Jasmine Siddon Reporter
15:56, 27 Jan 2026

Revolution in New Walk

The venue, known for its cocktails and flavoured vodkas, is to close with immediate effect.(Image: Will Johnston Photography)
A well-known Leicester bar is to close with immediate effect after going into administration.

Revolution, a bar in the city’s New Walk, is among 21 venues that have been shut with immediate effect today (January 27). All 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba bars, and one Peach Pub, all owned by The Revel Collective, have been affected.

The closures have resulted in the loss of 591 jobs after the company appointed administrators, who have announced a sale securing other parts of the business. FTI Consulting has been brought in for the pub and bar operator.

Ali Jimi from the coffee shop directly next door to Leicester's Revolution, Free Coffee Co Working Space, said: “It is bad because the area will be very dead. In this area there is nothing like it.

 

“In this area there is only Revolution, and right next to it, me. There's nothing else.

“I would love to have some more bars and restaurants and stuff to have movement because this place is getting more and more dead all the time. We have more competition for coffee shops. We have five coffee shops in one spot, so it's a little bit annoying.”

Ali described the news as “very upsetting” and highlighted how busy Revolution would get at times. He added: “Revolution is famous. Most people will come on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, sometimes in the mornings when there’s football on - they are packed with people and stuff.

“It's very upsetting.”

The bar opened in New Walk in 1999, and was known for its range of cocktails and flavoured vodka shots, as well as its late-night party atmosphere. The venue also served up food including burgers, pizzas and brunch.

Just 100 yards away is another late-night bar called Sophy, in King Street. The general manager of Sophy said: “We’re very saddened to hear about the closure of Revolution.

“The nightclub industry in Leicester has been under immense pressure, and it’s upsetting to see another well-known venue close its doors. Our thoughts are with the staff and everyone affected. Nightlife venues are an important part of the city’s culture and community, and their loss is felt across the whole hospitality sector."

The Revel Collective, which is chaired by former Pizza Express boss Luke Johnson, said it has struggled against rising costs and weaker consumer spending, particularly among its younger clientele.

Administrators FTI have confirmed a pair of deals which will secure the future of 41 sites and 1,582 jobs. The Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands and assets have been bought by Neos Hospitality Group, which runs the Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues brands.

Meanwhile, the remaining Peach Pubs business has been acquired by a newly formed group, Coral Pub Company. The Revel Collective put itself up for sale in October as its cash crisis deepened and sales slumped.

[adam1]

On 04/01/2026 at 12:36, Kisnorbo fox said:

No, although they speak a good game regarding the immigration side of things, I thing they are very unproven in the rest of the political spectrum and I’m not sure they will even follow through with half there promises regarding immigration. At this moment in time in my opinion there is no particular party that has to offer what the UK requires.

On the subject of Johnsons Government and its record on immigration, half of his cabinet have now joined Reform.

 

So yeah you might be right with that point.

 

 

Also I agree with your earlier point about importing third world standards and getting third world standards. It applies everywhere including to the standard of driving. 

 

This is coming from someone who is an out and out champagne socialist.

[RoboFox]

On 27/01/2026 at 18:56, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/popular-leicester-bar-closes-administration-10779978

 

Revolution in Leicester closes as neighbour says area getting 'more and more dead'
The bar's closure is part of a nationwide decision affecting 21 venues

Jasmine Siddon Reporter
15:56, 27 Jan 2026

Revolution in New Walk

The venue, known for its cocktails and flavoured vodkas, is to close with immediate effect.(Image: Will Johnston Photography)
A well-known Leicester bar is to close with immediate effect after going into administration.

Revolution, a bar in the city’s New Walk, is among 21 venues that have been shut with immediate effect today (January 27). All 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba bars, and one Peach Pub, all owned by The Revel Collective, have been affected.

The closures have resulted in the loss of 591 jobs after the company appointed administrators, who have announced a sale securing other parts of the business. FTI Consulting has been brought in for the pub and bar operator.

Ali Jimi from the coffee shop directly next door to Leicester's Revolution, Free Coffee Co Working Space, said: “It is bad because the area will be very dead. In this area there is nothing like it.

 

“In this area there is only Revolution, and right next to it, me. There's nothing else.

“I would love to have some more bars and restaurants and stuff to have movement because this place is getting more and more dead all the time. We have more competition for coffee shops. We have five coffee shops in one spot, so it's a little bit annoying.”

Ali described the news as “very upsetting” and highlighted how busy Revolution would get at times. He added: “Revolution is famous. Most people will come on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, sometimes in the mornings when there’s football on - they are packed with people and stuff.

“It's very upsetting.”

The bar opened in New Walk in 1999, and was known for its range of cocktails and flavoured vodka shots, as well as its late-night party atmosphere. The venue also served up food including burgers, pizzas and brunch.

Just 100 yards away is another late-night bar called Sophy, in King Street. The general manager of Sophy said: “We’re very saddened to hear about the closure of Revolution.

“The nightclub industry in Leicester has been under immense pressure, and it’s upsetting to see another well-known venue close its doors. Our thoughts are with the staff and everyone affected. Nightlife venues are an important part of the city’s culture and community, and their loss is felt across the whole hospitality sector."

The Revel Collective, which is chaired by former Pizza Express boss Luke Johnson, said it has struggled against rising costs and weaker consumer spending, particularly among its younger clientele.

Administrators FTI have confirmed a pair of deals which will secure the future of 41 sites and 1,582 jobs. The Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands and assets have been bought by Neos Hospitality Group, which runs the Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues brands.

Meanwhile, the remaining Peach Pubs business has been acquired by a newly formed group, Coral Pub Company. The Revel Collective put itself up for sale in October as its cash crisis deepened and sales slumped.

Shame but I'm surprised it's taken this long. Revolution have been in trouble for a long time. 

 

There was a real opportunity for some cool places at the area around the bottom of New Walk when the flattened the Council Offices eyesore. It's visually a nice area of the city and should be a hub for the student populations like it was in the late 2000s, but like they said... Just dead nowadays. Too many crims about, too. 

[westernpark]

14 minutes ago, RoboFox said:

Shame but I'm surprised it's taken this long. Revolution have been in trouble for a long time. 

 

There was a real opportunity for some cool places at the area around the bottom of New Walk when the flattened the Council Offices eyesore. It's visually a nice area of the city and should be a hub for the student populations like it was in the late 2000s, but like they said... Just dead nowadays. Too many crims about, too. 

I think it’s okay round there. Kings Head, some lovely coffee shops and a couple of decent restaurants and one outstanding (Wild Tango) from King Street to the bottom of New Walk. 
Revolution was rubbish but I hope something half decent can take its place. It’s a lovely space.

[Paninistickers]

15 minutes ago, RoboFox said:

the student populations

They are, I'm afraid, part of the decline, not the answer. 

 

Leicester Uni is packed with Chinese. DMU is packed with every possible colour and creed imaginable. All of whom have no interest at all in classic British nightlife

 

 

[Paninistickers]

2 minutes ago, westernpark said:

I think it’s okay round there. Kings Head, some lovely coffee shops and a couple of decent restaurants and one outstanding (Wild Tango) from King Street to the bottom of New Walk. 
Revolution was rubbish but I hope something half decent can take its place. It’s a lovely space.

Agree. Always thought Revolution was a bit incongruous in that location. 

[Dreadnought]

2 hours ago, RoboFox said:

Shame but I'm surprised it's taken this long. Revolution have been in trouble for a long time. 

 

There was a real opportunity for some cool places at the area around the bottom of New Walk when the flattened the Council Offices eyesore. It's visually a nice area of the city and should be a hub for the student populations like it was in the late 2000s, but like they said... Just dead nowadays. Too many crims about, too. 

Only went to Revolution a few times when dragged along in a group. Made a point of avoiding it as it used to be Nikki’s nightclub in the early 90s and Thursday nights in there were epic!! TK and Ojay on the decks!!

[Zear0]

Used to live close to that place.  Good riddance to the late night Tuesday keeping me up!

[Parafox]

On 27/01/2026 at 18:56, davieG said:

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/food-drink/popular-leicester-bar-closes-administration-10779978

 

Revolution in Leicester closes as neighbour says area getting 'more and more dead'
The bar's closure is part of a nationwide decision affecting 21 venues

Jasmine Siddon Reporter
15:56, 27 Jan 2026

Revolution in New Walk

The venue, known for its cocktails and flavoured vodkas, is to close with immediate effect.(Image: Will Johnston Photography)
A well-known Leicester bar is to close with immediate effect after going into administration.

Revolution, a bar in the city’s New Walk, is among 21 venues that have been shut with immediate effect today (January 27). All 14 Revolution bars, six Revolucion de Cuba bars, and one Peach Pub, all owned by The Revel Collective, have been affected.

The closures have resulted in the loss of 591 jobs after the company appointed administrators, who have announced a sale securing other parts of the business. FTI Consulting has been brought in for the pub and bar operator.

Ali Jimi from the coffee shop directly next door to Leicester's Revolution, Free Coffee Co Working Space, said: “It is bad because the area will be very dead. In this area there is nothing like it.

 

“In this area there is only Revolution, and right next to it, me. There's nothing else.

“I would love to have some more bars and restaurants and stuff to have movement because this place is getting more and more dead all the time. We have more competition for coffee shops. We have five coffee shops in one spot, so it's a little bit annoying.”

Ali described the news as “very upsetting” and highlighted how busy Revolution would get at times. He added: “Revolution is famous. Most people will come on a Friday, Saturday, Sunday, sometimes in the mornings when there’s football on - they are packed with people and stuff.

“It's very upsetting.”

The bar opened in New Walk in 1999, and was known for its range of cocktails and flavoured vodka shots, as well as its late-night party atmosphere. The venue also served up food including burgers, pizzas and brunch.

Just 100 yards away is another late-night bar called Sophy, in King Street. The general manager of Sophy said: “We’re very saddened to hear about the closure of Revolution.

“The nightclub industry in Leicester has been under immense pressure, and it’s upsetting to see another well-known venue close its doors. Our thoughts are with the staff and everyone affected. Nightlife venues are an important part of the city’s culture and community, and their loss is felt across the whole hospitality sector."

The Revel Collective, which is chaired by former Pizza Express boss Luke Johnson, said it has struggled against rising costs and weaker consumer spending, particularly among its younger clientele.

Administrators FTI have confirmed a pair of deals which will secure the future of 41 sites and 1,582 jobs. The Revolution and Revolucion de Cuba brands and assets have been bought by Neos Hospitality Group, which runs the Barbara’s Bier Haus and Bonnie Rogues brands.

Meanwhile, the remaining Peach Pubs business has been acquired by a newly formed group, Coral Pub Company. The Revel Collective put itself up for sale in October as its cash crisis deepened and sales slumped.

 

Wow. I met my now wife in The Revolution in 1982 when it was an independent nightclub and she was a student of computing at the DMU when it was a "college".

 

It was a great place back then. My friend Paul Garry was the resident DJ and I did some stand in's for him. The DJ "booth" was on a balcony where one could look down at the dancefloor. He had a snare drum which he'd bash in time with the music. Sounds crap now, but at the time it was unique and generated quite an atmosphere.

 

On one occasion whilst I was DJ there I parked my MG convertible adjacent to New Walk only to return after midnight to find some c88t had slashed the roof and chucked half a Chinese takeaway into the interior.

 

Also a mention for Paul Garry, he attempted the Guinness record for the longest continuous playing of disco music. He  was overtaken a year or so later,  but it was for charity so there's always a winner.

 

Sadly he passed away alone in his bedsit aged 32 due to aspiration of vomit after excessive drinking after/during one of his Prohibition gigs. 

 

Ahh, the memories.

Edited 29 January by Parafox

[Grebfromgrebland]

16 hours ago, Paninistickers said:

They are, I'm afraid, part of the decline, not the answer. 

 

Leicester Uni is packed with Chinese. DMU is packed with every possible colour and creed imaginable. All of whom have no interest at all in classic British nightlife

 

 

Not really, it's not like the locals are filling the bars on friday and saturday nights, students are keeping the place going and at least slightly vibrant.

[Bordersfox]

I went out for a few beers in and around Leicester for the first time in many years tonight. 

 

Fvcking hell. I mean just fvcking hell.  Dystopian.  I know there are other towns and cities struggling but the place is on its arse.  Really sad to see.  

 

Unrecognisable from the city of my youth.

[davieG]

 

 

Abandoned Leicester dance hall could be turned into shops
It closed for the final time in 2013 and has been empty since

Caitlin James Local Democracy Reporter
06:00, 01 Feb 2026

Sosho nightclub, Leicester. Image via author. (Image: Caitlin James)
A derelict Leicester nightclub that was once an iconic dance hall could be given a new lease of life after plans were submitted.

Proposals have emerged to turn the old Sosho building, in Humberstone Gate, into three shops, a cafe and a restaurant, with documents submitted to Leicester City Council for consideration.

The plan would also see the next-door Bee supermarket extend onto the site.

 

Originally named Palais De Danse upon its 1927 opening, the site was a well-loved dance hall.

Since then, it has changed hands several times and operated as a modern nightclub until its closure in 2013.

Plans to develop the site into 42 flats as part of a £6.9 million scheme were approved in 2018, but construction was not started in time, and the site remains empty.

Documents supplied with the application say the building, which lies in the St George Conservation Area, is in a “poor state of repair”.

Hardy Faraj, 42, owns the supermarket adjacent to the site and is responsible for submitting the application.

He said: “We grew up in this area, and this area has died. We are trying to follow our vision to make the area busy again.

“We are doing market research to see what the customer and the people in the area need.”

[Grebfromgrebland]

Zoots?

[The Blur]

On 29/01/2026 at 17:56, Paninistickers said:

They are, I'm afraid, part of the decline, not the answer. 

 

Leicester Uni is packed with Chinese. DMU is packed with every possible colour and creed imaginable. All of whom have no interest at all in classic British nightlife

 

 

 

That applies to "white" students and young people as well who are more health/financially conscious or lack social skills/interest to socialise in person due to rise of the internet.   

 

You might be right that the foreign students may have played their part in the decline in student nightlife but it is rather simplistic to pin the issue on them, but I see that has been a running theme in lot of your posts.  

[brookfox]

Security guard at Greggs, nuff said.