Is the City of Leicester a dump?

[Rincewind]

Isn't that what the world should be? Wish I'd thought of something like that in other threads.

[davieG]

Unveiled: Multi-million pound plans to redevelop Leicester's eyesore Sock Island

By danjmartin  |  Posted: April 08, 2016

 

The proposed development

 

 Comments (0)

Plans have been drawn up for the multi-million pound redevelopment of the eyesore former site of one of Leicester's most famous companies.

Wolsey Island, in Abbey Meadows, has been left largely as scrubland since textile firm Wolsey quit the site in 2004 and relocated its headquarters in the city.

Now developers Westleigh Partnerships Ltd have unveiled plans to build 92 houses and 96 apartments in the 5.6 acre area, also known as Sock Island.

It is now an eyesore, covered in rubble, a dumping ground and an unsafe area where children play.

 

Wolsey created a large factory complex on the site in 1910 which has now been all but demolished but for a landmark pair of industrial chimneys and an ornate water tower that remain as a reminder of a proud industrial heritage.

 

 

Under Westleigh's plans the smaller of the two chimneys would be demolished but the larger, carrying the white glazed brick company name would be retained and restored.

The water tower will be renovated and converted for residential use while areas of public open space will be provided.

 

 

Source: Google Maps

Chairman of the Leicester Civic Society Stuart Bailey welcomed the proposals.

He said: "These plans are very exciting. It is a part of the city that is an eyesore and is frankly unsafe for the children that play on it with all the cellars and hardstanding that still remains.

"It is a pity one of the two chimneys will be lost but the developers have committed to restoring the taller one and the water tower which will make great features in the a development."

 

 

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said it would be for the planning committee to decide whether the plan should be allowed to proceed but said he was encouraged by the project.

He said: "Until fairly recently development in that part of the city has been slow so this is a welcome plan.

"I have argued for the retention of the chimneys and water tower so I am pleased that has been considered."

A spokesman for Pegasus, Westleigh's agent, said: "The industrial heritage of the site would still be legible and the proposals represent a significant regeneration scheme on a vacant, previously developed site, that would help contribute to the city's housing needs.

Council planning officers are considering the application.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Multi-million-pound-plans-unveiled-redevelop/story-29070669-detail/story.html#ixzz45Du6jmyQ 

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[Cadno'r Cymoedd]

I have a really fond spot for Leicester having been a student at Leicester University over 30 years ago and my older son following in my footsteps over the last few years. Always found it a city you had to work to discover but very well worth it for some real gems and surprises with a rich history. So I always praise it especially now the Foxes are doing well!

Always struck me that the citizens were always a little reticent to express pride if I am honest which isn't necessarily a bad thing. I live in Cardiff nowadays a city very similar in size and whose citizens also are a little bit reticent or have been. I think Leicester could learn from Cardiff which has transformed itself over the last 20 years with a real new found confidence. Admittedly devolution has helped in that respect but there is a real buzz about the new developments. The bay and barrage has been important though it neglected its communities in the development. Seems Leicester is on the way up in recent years. But needs to be bold without ditching its heritage. My quick test nowadays to look at cities' vibrance is the number of restaurants on TripAdvisor. Look forward to a visit again in the near future and a pint of Tiger in the Globe.

Edited 8 April 2016 by Cadno'r Cymoedd

[davieG]

Strippers fondled and sexually touched punters at Angels lap dancing club

By danjmartin  |  Posted: January 11, 2016

 

Angels

 

 Comments (7)

A Leicester lap dancing club has been refused a licence because it strippers were touching and fondling punters in an intimate and sexual manner.

Angels, in New Park Street, off Braunstone Gate, could now face closure after having its application for a renewed sexual entertainment licence rejected by Leicester City Council.

Members of the council's licensing committee today made the ruling after viewing CCTV footage obtained by police during a raid on the club on December 5.

Council licensing team manager Bobby Smiljanic objected to the application made by Angels' director KN Leisure Ltd, during the hearing at City Hall.

 

Ms Smiljanic said she had accompanied the police when they executed a warrant at Angels on December 5.

The hearing was not told why the police raided Angels but they searched the premises and took a hard drive with CCTV recordings.

She said: "I was shown CCTV by the police which showed performers and members of the public clearly touching and fondling in an intimate and sexual manner."

City council rules - for all strip clubs - prevent any physical contact between the strippers and the customers.

She said the footage also showed strippers straddling customers - another forbidden practice.

Committee members watched footage before the public hearing began and then went into private session to watch more recordings at the request of solicitor Heath Thomas who represented the club.

Later council solicitor Katherine Jamieson summed up what had happened - pointing out said the club had described the sexual behaviour as "more of a blip than a persistent breach".

She said Ms Smiljanic said it was "typical behaviour."

The club was also judged to have breached a condition to carry out identity checks on its strippers to ensure they are legally entitled to work and aged 18 or over.

The hearing was told there were 19 performers working when the council inspected Angels on October 9 but the club management were unable to provide documentation.

Documents for ten of the 19 were later emailed to the council but no information has been provided for the other nine.

Mr Thomas said there were four rather than nine missing cases and that Angels director Krzysztof Neumann said the girls were working for the first time that night and had not consequently returned.

He said Mr Neumann was careful about where he kept documents after a previous burglary at the club.

He also said the police had taken some of the documents the council wanted.

The council also decided Angels had breached a condition requiring it to hold 28 days of CCTV recording.

The police found only 18 days on a hard drive.

Mr Thomas said the CCTV had "failed" on November 17, had been quickly replaced, but was otherwise compliant.

Committee chairman councillor John Thomas said: "The footage viewed by the committee left very little doubt the condition (no touching) had not been complied with at all and the committee refuses to believe these form a one-off incident."

After the hearing Mr Thomas said the club was considering appealing against the refusal at magistrates court.

It has 21 days to lodge an appeal and can stay open until then and until any such hearing concludes.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Lap-dancing-club-Angels-refused-licence-strippers/story-28503932-detail/story.html#ixzz3x24WuWVF 

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Outrage at plans to re-open 'obscene' strip club near Leicester's Highcross shopping centre

By danjmartin  |  Posted: April 13, 2016

 

Outrage at plans to re-open 'obscene' strip club

 

 Comments (2)

A bid to re-open a lap-dancing club near Leicester's Highcross shopping centre has triggered complaints from hundreds of people.

Lily's Lounge, in New Bond Street, has applied to renew a sexual entertainment venue licence prompting a string of objections to officials.

Nearly 400 people have signed petitions urging the city council to reject the application.

They are arguing the location is unsuitable because it is directly below The Premier School of Dance, used by children, and close to both the Hail Mary Immaculate Catholic shop, the Great Meeting Unitarian church and the city's largest shopping centre.

 

 

 

Credit: Google Maps  

A number of redacted letters of complaint have been sent to the council.

The Militia Immaculatae Trust, which runs the Catholic shop, says: "The premises are located on a street where many families and individuals pass frequently since it is located in the middle of town and adjacent to its premier shopping venue.

"Some of these pedestrians will be visiting our premises to purchase Christian items or pray in our chapel and will have little choice in passing what to them and us is an obscenity."

The trust says the venue should be in a more discreet area.

Another complainant said she was horrified by the application.

She said: "As the parent of two daughters who currently attend the dance studio directly above the proposed shop I am aware from other dancers that naked people have already been seen on the stairway.

An unnamed owner of a nearby business said: "New Bond Street is an area which, even though situated behind the Highcross shopping centre, has always struggled with footfall.

"Such an establishment would attract the wrong kind of clientele and would deter the nice people who frequent the businesses."

A religious minister, whose identity has been concealed by the council, has told officials: "I truly cannot fathom your mere contemplation of this application.

"This is a public area frequented by all, including young families and impressionable youths.

"Are you now saying the selling of sex products and services to be akin to buying every day items?"

He said the club grossly offended public decency.

In 2011 councillors rejected an application for a licence for the club because they felt it was too close to the Highcross precinct.

Read more: Leicester strip club Angels may now be sold after being refused sexual entertainment licence

 

 

However a licence was granted in February 2014 because the road was effectively a cul-de-sac with few people passing through it despite its proximity to the shops.

The current application is a renewal of an existing sexual entertainment licence, granted to a previous owner, but the council says there is currently no business running from the property.

A council report on the issue, which will be discussed by licensing councillors next week, said: "The morality of sexual entertainment venues is a prominent feature in many of the representations but this is not a matter that members may take account of when determining the application.

"The city council considers that the appropriate area in which sexual entertainment venues should be located are areas associated with the night time economy.

"Officers consider that Lily's Lounge is close to an area associated with the night time economy."

The Mercury was unable to contact the applicant Judith Berridge.

Recently the council refused to renew a sexual entertainment venue licence for Angels strip club, near Braunstone Gate, because its strippers had been breaking rules by fondling punters.

The club, which has appealed against the refusal, was also found to have failed to keep proper records of the women working there.

 

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Bid-open-strip-club-near-Leicester-s-Highcross/story-29097874-detail/story.html#ixzz45h60MBjz 

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[Dodgy Bob]

A strip club! Oh golly the scandal!

We're such prudes in this country

[Rincewind]

Isn't that what the punters go in for?

[Finnegan]

I went to Peterborough on Monday.

Leicester is a paradise.

[davieG]

Go-ahead for new Everards brewery, restaurant, cafe and cycle centre near Fosse Park

By TomPegden  |  Posted: April 14, 2016

 

Everards Meadows

 

 Comments (0)

Everards has won planning permission to build a new brewery, restaurant, cafe and cycle centre on land next to police headquarters in Enderby.

The county brewer – known for its Original and Tiger bitters and 176 pubs – wants to invest £30 million relocating its nearby headquarters and creating a visitor attraction and parkland.

The site, called Everards Meadows, will sit between Soar Valley Way and the Enderby police HQ.

 

 

 

The brewery plans to spend £1.3 million this summer preparing the land for development.

It has also just taken possession of a new £3.3 million, 30,000 sq ft brewery yard and warehouse at Glenfield.

However, before the full investment can go ahead, Everards still needs permission to build a £150 million extension to Fosse Park – called Castle Acres Shopping Park – on the site of its existing head office and brewery.

A planning decision on that is expected in June.

 

 

The plan is to sell that site to Next – which would have a big store there – and Fosse Park's joint owners The Crown Estate and Ginko Tree Investment.

Following consultations the plans for the new shopping park have been altered to include nine bigger stores rather than the original 22 units.

There would also be a natural extension to the existing Fosse Park food court.

In all it could create about 1,000 jobs.

If all goes to plan Everards could be operating from the new site by late next year.

 

 

Eventually it hopes to add food production units and more restaurants to Everards Meadows, which could take the total number of jobs created to 350.

Everards managing director Stephen Gould said: "The new development and the £700,000 cost of fitting out the new brewery yard will be dependent on permission for Castle Acres.

"But of the three parts to our plan, two are now successfully in place.

"We have been working closely with the city and county and other consultees during the winter on Castle Acres, so we can expect a decision in June.

"If everything goes to plan we can expect to be moving into Everards Meadows in late 2017.

"One thing we do know is that our plans will contribute significantly to the Leicestershire economy."

 

 

The brewery and pub business reported a turnover of £32.6 million last year, with pre-tax profits to £3.2 million.

The Blaby District Council consent also includes a temporary events marquee, as well as a footbridge over the River Soar with cycle paths linking to the Grand Union Canal Conservation Area, leading to Leicester city centre.

Blaby planning and economic development spokesman Councillor Tony Greenwood said: "This is an exciting development that further highlights businesses' desire to stay within our district when looking to relocate their premises.

"We are proud to have so many major businesses and retail stores in the district, making our area one of the most attractive for enterprise and shoppers alike."

Other big employers in that part of the county – close to junction 21 of the M1 – include Sytner cars, Next, Santander and Topps Tiles.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/ahead-new-Everards-brewery-restaurant-cafe-cycle/story-29112440-detail/story.html#ixzz45skHaQFX 

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[davieG]

19 pictures that show how Gallowtree Gate has changed over the years

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/19-pictures-Gallowtree-Gate-changed-years/story-29112811-detail/story.html#ixzz464X7Q1E6 
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[zealot]

Bring back trams.

The Narb at one end on Line 1 Syston at the other. Oadby to Glenfield for Line 2.

[Guest CityFan 06]

Most likely already mentioned on this thread, but those 'Welcome to Leicester, historic city' signs are very smart IMO.  

[davieG]

Barbecue area approved at Leicester's Bede Park to stop fire damage to turf

By danjmartin  |  Posted: April 28, 2016

 

Bede Park

 

 Comments (1)

Plans for a £200,000 redevelopment of a piece of waste ground next to Leicester's Bede Park have been approved.

The city council has bought a plot behind the Tesco Express store in Western Boulevard.

Officials have consulted residents in the area and the Friends of Bed Park group and drawn up proposals for an outdoor gym and free-running area aimed at the area's large student population.

The council's own planners have approved the scheme which also includes a fitted barbecue area.

 

The council hopes providing the facility will stop people starting fires on the grass and damaging the turf below when the weather is good.

The redevelopment is being paid for with money contributed by developers in return for getting permission to build student accommodation nearby.

The council sold the plot in 2001 so it could be developed as a hotel.

However, the project did not materialise and the council has reacquired the area for the same price it was sold for.

That price has not been disclosed.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/200-000-expansion-plans-approved-Leicester-s-Bede/story-29192834-detail/story.html#ixzz477JL9PMO 

Follow us: @@leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[MrSpaM]

Barbecue area approved at Leicester's Bede Park to stop fire damage to turf

By danjmartin  |  Posted: April 28, 2016

 

Bede Park

 

 Comments (1)

Plans for a £200,000 redevelopment of a piece of waste ground next to Leicester's Bede Park have been approved.

The city council has bought a plot behind the Tesco Express store in Western Boulevard.

Officials have consulted residents in the area and the Friends of Bed Park group and drawn up proposals for an outdoor gym and free-running area aimed at the area's large student population.

The council's own planners have approved the scheme which also includes a fitted barbecue area.

 

The council hopes providing the facility will stop people starting fires on the grass and damaging the turf below when the weather is good.

The redevelopment is being paid for with money contributed by developers in return for getting permission to build student accommodation nearby.

The council sold the plot in 2001 so it could be developed as a hotel.

However, the project did not materialise and the council has reacquired the area for the same price it was sold for.

That price has not been disclosed.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/200-000-expansion-plans-approved-Leicester-s-Bede/story-29192834-detail/story.html#ixzz477JL9PMO 

Follow us: @@leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

 

 

There is no way on earth this is going to stop people having BBQ's on the park grass, the proposed area is so out of the way of the actual park nobody is going to bother using it. People like to sit on the grass and have a BBQ, not stand in an outdoor gym.

Edited 28 April 2016 by MrSpaM

[davieG]

Leicester Tigers win race to redevelop the Granby Halls site

By TomPegden  |  Posted: May 09, 2016

 

An artist's impression of the redevelopment plans

 

 Comments (1)

Leicester Tigers have won the race to redevelop the old Granby Halls site.

The rugby club wants to build an £18 million hotel and matchday fans zone on the land right next to the Welford Road ground.

Leicester City Council put the 1.66 acre plot on the market last October, and Tigers were one of three shortlisted bidders, from five initial expressions of interest.

Leicester Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby told the Mercury this morning that he was delighted to support the club's ambitious plans – subject to final negotiations and planning.

 

He said: "The proposed scheme submitted by Leicester Tigers is entirely fitting for this prime city centre location.

"It will offer improved public space, help attract new investment into the city and enhance the facilities on offer around the Welford Road Stadium.

"Because this is such an important site, it was vital that we imposed development requirements on the site.

"We want to see a high-quality development of architectural merit, and to ensure that future use is not at odds with its neighbouring businesses and residents.

"The scheme proposed by Leicester Tigers offers real benefits to the club and wider area."

 

 

Leicester Tigers chief executive Simon Cohen said they were talking to potential developers to build the five-storey, four-star hotel and had been looking for operators to run it.

He said the fans zone area would make up around a third of the land and would be open to the public on non-match days.

The plans have been put together by Leicester-based building consultants Pick Everard.

Mr Cohen said: "I'm delighted the council has recognised how important this piece of land is for Tigers and we look forward to working in partnership with the city council.

"Between us, we can create a unique development that will significantly enhance the facilities that both the city of Leicester and the Leicester Tigers can offer.

"Sport has played a significant part in putting Leicester on the map and this development can only help to enhance the city's sporting profile."

The hotel would be at the tip of the triangular plot of land – the end closest to Leicester Prison – and would have 140 rooms, conference facilities and shops and cafes.

The public open space would be immediately in front of the stadium.

 

 

Mr Cohen said that because of the club's commitment to the Granby Halls site, it was putting on hold plans for a £4.5 million multi-storey car park on land on the other side of the stadium.

It was also delaying £4 million investment in new training facilities in Scraptoft.

He said it was impossible to say when the club would be able to go ahead with those plans, or which of the two would take priority.

The Granby Halls site was once home to a council leisure centre which hosted concerts, basketball and skating.

It is currently used as a car park, which the council makes around £180,000 a year from leasing to NCP.

Sir Peter said that although terms are still to be agreed, if the sale goes ahead it will result in a "substantial capital receipt" for the council.

He has not said what the two unsuccessful bids were.

The land sale will be subject to planning consent being granted.

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/8203-Leicester-Tigers-win-race-redevelop-Granby/story-29248837-detail/story.html#ixzz48Evati4N 

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[davieG]

Sixty jobs created as steakhouse chain transforms derelict city bank into restaurant

By TomPegden  |  Posted: May 24, 2016

 

 Comments (0)

A derelict bank is being transformed into a £1.5 million restaurant.

The Grade II* listed former NatWest in Leicester's St Martins – described as one of Leicester's most important architectural treasures – has stood empty for 16 years.

Apartments have been added at the back of the building, but the impressive main bank foyer has remained vacant.

But now work is underway to create a steak restaurant which will breath life back into the building and create up to 60 jobs.

 

Norfolk-based Middleton's Steakhouse and Grill has taken a 20 year lease on the property and has already began recruiting a head chef and general manager.

The 200-seater restaurant – one of six operated by Middleton's in the centre and east of England – should be open for business this autumn.

Managing director Steve Hutton said Leicester will be the group's most ambitious project yet, following on the heals of King's Lynn, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Colchester and Watford.

He said: "It's a beautiful building.

"A lot of our restaurants are in unique properties – the Norwich one is an old Baptist church and another is an 18th century coaching inn.

"I first saw the Leicester building almost three years ago and then spent six months visiting the city and deciding whether or not it was a good fit for us.

"But we were in unanimous agreement that Leicester was a fantastic opportunity for Middleton's.

"The city has seen huge European investment since Richard III was buried there, and we'll be in a good location between the visitor centre, High Cross shopping centre and the market.

"It will be a spectacular place, an iconic old bank with high ceilings and real history. It's a monster project but it will be sensational when it's finished."

Mr Hutton said they had been in negotiations to get work underway for more than two years.

He said: "It's been a slow burner and we have had to resubmit planning applications.

"The local council has been fantastic though – the listing and conservation department have both been hugely supportive."

Mr Hutton – who was operating a small chain of gastro pubs in Norfolk when the global banking crisis struck in 2008 – said the seeds of the business were sown in the recession.

He said: "We knew that traditional pubs were a dying breed, and we started to look at opportunities for a branded operation that, if it was successful, could be expanded.

"We owned the Crown Inn at Middleton, near King's Lynn, and took the decision to completely change direction with it.

"There was quite clearly a gap in the market here for a dedicated steakhouse – for good steaks and good burgers.

"Back then I could see that steak was back on the increase but the offer had to be about more than just steak, and our mixed grill is actually our biggest selling dish, while lobster is right up there."

Mr Hutton hopes to open further restaurants in the Midlands once Leicester is established, and already has plans for a seventh in Peterborough, opening early next year.

@

A typical Middletons Menu

Starters

Middletons 'Carpaccio Style' Fillet £6.50

Herb crusted‏ fillet steak finely sliced, herb salad, horseradish mayonnaise

Sticky BBQ Ribs £5.50

Half rack of ribs in sticky BBQ sauce

Smoked Salmon £6.50

Smoked salmon,‏ soda bread, horseradish mayonnaise

Garlic Mushrooms £4.95

Button mushrooms in a creamy garlic & herb sauce, sour dough

Sharers and Skewers

Seafood Board£18.95

Crayfish cocktail,‏ fishcake, calamari, smoked salmon, mixed breads & olives

Middletons Board£15.95

Chicken liver‏ pate, garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, chipolatas, mixed breads & olives

Surf & Turf Board£24.95

Half lobster, teriyaki beef skewer, smoked salmon, carpaccio fillet, mixed breads & olives

Vegetarian Board£14.95

Garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, vegetable & haloumi skewers, mixed breads & olives

Grills

Middletons Grill£17.95

6oz sirloin or ribeye, Piri Piri chicken breast on the bone, sticky BBQ ribs & onion rings

Piri Piri Chicken Breast£10.95

Chargrilled chicken breast on the bone marinated in spicy Piri Piri sauce

Surf & Turf£19.95

8oz sirloin or ribeye with Piri Piri king prawn skewers

STYLE

Replace prawn skewer with half lobster £27.45

Desserts:

Eton Mess

Meringue, whipped cream, strawberries, berry compote

Warm Chocolate Brownie

Traditional brownie recipe with walnuts, cream or ice cream

Creme Brulee

Custard cream topped with caramel, shortbread biscuit

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/jobs-steakhouse-chain-transform-derelict-city/story-29314209-detail/story.html#ixzz49bFkHgCq 

Follow us: @@leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[Langston]

Sixty jobs created as steakhouse chain transforms derelict city bank into restaurant

By TomPegden  |  Posted: May 24, 2016

 

 Comments (0)

A derelict bank is being transformed into a £1.5 million restaurant.

The Grade II* listed former NatWest in Leicester's St Martins – described as one of Leicester's most important architectural treasures – has stood empty for 16 years.

Apartments have been added at the back of the building, but the impressive main bank foyer has remained vacant.

But now work is underway to create a steak restaurant which will breath life back into the building and create up to 60 jobs.

 

Norfolk-based Middleton's Steakhouse and Grill has taken a 20 year lease on the property and has already began recruiting a head chef and general manager.

The 200-seater restaurant – one of six operated by Middleton's in the centre and east of England – should be open for business this autumn.

Managing director Steve Hutton said Leicester will be the group's most ambitious project yet, following on the heals of King's Lynn, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Colchester and Watford.

He said: "It's a beautiful building.

"A lot of our restaurants are in unique properties – the Norwich one is an old Baptist church and another is an 18th century coaching inn.

"I first saw the Leicester building almost three years ago and then spent six months visiting the city and deciding whether or not it was a good fit for us.

"But we were in unanimous agreement that Leicester was a fantastic opportunity for Middleton's.

"The city has seen huge European investment since Richard III was buried there, and we'll be in a good location between the visitor centre, High Cross shopping centre and the market.

"It will be a spectacular place, an iconic old bank with high ceilings and real history. It's a monster project but it will be sensational when it's finished."

Mr Hutton said they had been in negotiations to get work underway for more than two years.

He said: "It's been a slow burner and we have had to resubmit planning applications.

"The local council has been fantastic though – the listing and conservation department have both been hugely supportive."

Mr Hutton – who was operating a small chain of gastro pubs in Norfolk when the global banking crisis struck in 2008 – said the seeds of the business were sown in the recession.

He said: "We knew that traditional pubs were a dying breed, and we started to look at opportunities for a branded operation that, if it was successful, could be expanded.

"We owned the Crown Inn at Middleton, near King's Lynn, and took the decision to completely change direction with it.

"There was quite clearly a gap in the market here for a dedicated steakhouse – for good steaks and good burgers.

"Back then I could see that steak was back on the increase but the offer had to be about more than just steak, and our mixed grill is actually our biggest selling dish, while lobster is right up there."

Mr Hutton hopes to open further restaurants in the Midlands once Leicester is established, and already has plans for a seventh in Peterborough, opening early next year.

@

A typical Middletons Menu

Starters

Middletons 'Carpaccio Style' Fillet £6.50

Herb crusted‏ fillet steak finely sliced, herb salad, horseradish mayonnaise

Sticky BBQ Ribs £5.50

Half rack of ribs in sticky BBQ sauce

Smoked Salmon £6.50

Smoked salmon,‏ soda bread, horseradish mayonnaise

Garlic Mushrooms £4.95

Button mushrooms in a creamy garlic & herb sauce, sour dough

Sharers and Skewers

Seafood Board£18.95

Crayfish cocktail,‏ fishcake, calamari, smoked salmon, mixed breads & olives

Middletons Board£15.95

Chicken liver‏ pate, garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, chipolatas, mixed breads & olives

Surf & Turf Board£24.95

Half lobster, teriyaki beef skewer, smoked salmon, carpaccio fillet, mixed breads & olives

Vegetarian Board£14.95

Garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, vegetable & haloumi skewers, mixed breads & olives

Grills

Middletons Grill£17.95

6oz sirloin or ribeye, Piri Piri chicken breast on the bone, sticky BBQ ribs & onion rings

Piri Piri Chicken Breast£10.95

Chargrilled chicken breast on the bone marinated in spicy Piri Piri sauce

Surf & Turf£19.95

8oz sirloin or ribeye with Piri Piri king prawn skewers

STYLE

Replace prawn skewer with half lobster £27.45

Desserts:

Eton Mess

Meringue, whipped cream, strawberries, berry compote

Warm Chocolate Brownie

Traditional brownie recipe with walnuts, cream or ice cream

Creme Brulee

Custard cream topped with caramel, shortbread biscuit

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/jobs-steakhouse-chain-transform-derelict-city/story-29314209-detail/story.html#ixzz49bFkHgCq 

Follow us: @@leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

 

 

It is a fantastic building, that little area of town is buzzing now. 

[Wymsey]

Granby Street gets worse each time I go through it.

[Cadno'r Cymoedd]

Granby Street gets worse each time I go through it.

Stop going through it then.

[Unabomber]

Granby Street gets worse each time I go through it.

Don't be so harsh on yourself

[Guest MattP]

8oz Sirloin and half a Lobster, that's got to be worth a visit.

[lgfualol]

Sixty jobs created as steakhouse chain transforms derelict city bank into restaurant

By TomPegden  |  Posted: May 24, 2016

 

 Comments (0)

A derelict bank is being transformed into a £1.5 million restaurant.

The Grade II* listed former NatWest in Leicester's St Martins – described as one of Leicester's most important architectural treasures – has stood empty for 16 years.

Apartments have been added at the back of the building, but the impressive main bank foyer has remained vacant.

But now work is underway to create a steak restaurant which will breath life back into the building and create up to 60 jobs.

 

Norfolk-based Middleton's Steakhouse and Grill has taken a 20 year lease on the property and has already began recruiting a head chef and general manager.

The 200-seater restaurant – one of six operated by Middleton's in the centre and east of England – should be open for business this autumn.

Managing director Steve Hutton said Leicester will be the group's most ambitious project yet, following on the heals of King's Lynn, Norwich, Milton Keynes, Colchester and Watford.

He said: "It's a beautiful building.

"A lot of our restaurants are in unique properties – the Norwich one is an old Baptist church and another is an 18th century coaching inn.

"I first saw the Leicester building almost three years ago and then spent six months visiting the city and deciding whether or not it was a good fit for us.

"But we were in unanimous agreement that Leicester was a fantastic opportunity for Middleton's.

"The city has seen huge European investment since Richard III was buried there, and we'll be in a good location between the visitor centre, High Cross shopping centre and the market.

"It will be a spectacular place, an iconic old bank with high ceilings and real history. It's a monster project but it will be sensational when it's finished."

Mr Hutton said they had been in negotiations to get work underway for more than two years.

He said: "It's been a slow burner and we have had to resubmit planning applications.

"The local council has been fantastic though – the listing and conservation department have both been hugely supportive."

Mr Hutton – who was operating a small chain of gastro pubs in Norfolk when the global banking crisis struck in 2008 – said the seeds of the business were sown in the recession.

He said: "We knew that traditional pubs were a dying breed, and we started to look at opportunities for a branded operation that, if it was successful, could be expanded.

"We owned the Crown Inn at Middleton, near King's Lynn, and took the decision to completely change direction with it.

"There was quite clearly a gap in the market here for a dedicated steakhouse – for good steaks and good burgers.

"Back then I could see that steak was back on the increase but the offer had to be about more than just steak, and our mixed grill is actually our biggest selling dish, while lobster is right up there."

Mr Hutton hopes to open further restaurants in the Midlands once Leicester is established, and already has plans for a seventh in Peterborough, opening early next year.

@

A typical Middletons Menu

Starters

Middletons 'Carpaccio Style' Fillet £6.50

Herb crusted‏ fillet steak finely sliced, herb salad, horseradish mayonnaise

Sticky BBQ Ribs £5.50

Half rack of ribs in sticky BBQ sauce

Smoked Salmon £6.50

Smoked salmon,‏ soda bread, horseradish mayonnaise

Garlic Mushrooms £4.95

Button mushrooms in a creamy garlic & herb sauce, sour dough

Sharers and Skewers

Seafood Board£18.95

Crayfish cocktail,‏ fishcake, calamari, smoked salmon, mixed breads & olives

Middletons Board£15.95

Chicken liver‏ pate, garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, chipolatas, mixed breads & olives

Surf & Turf Board£24.95

Half lobster, teriyaki beef skewer, smoked salmon, carpaccio fillet, mixed breads & olives

Vegetarian Board£14.95

Garlic mushrooms, baked camembert, vegetable & haloumi skewers, mixed breads & olives

Grills

Middletons Grill£17.95

6oz sirloin or ribeye, Piri Piri chicken breast on the bone, sticky BBQ ribs & onion rings

Piri Piri Chicken Breast£10.95

Chargrilled chicken breast on the bone marinated in spicy Piri Piri sauce

Surf & Turf£19.95

8oz sirloin or ribeye with Piri Piri king prawn skewers

STYLE

Replace prawn skewer with half lobster £27.45

Desserts:

Eton Mess

Meringue, whipped cream, strawberries, berry compote

Warm Chocolate Brownie

Traditional brownie recipe with walnuts, cream or ice cream

Creme Brulee

Custard cream topped with caramel, shortbread biscuit

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/jobs-steakhouse-chain-transform-derelict-city/story-29314209-detail/story.html#ixzz49bFkHgCq 

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I was sitting outside the Gelato ice cream place looking at that building last week wondering why such a place is empty. So this is good news. I like that little area of Leicester.

[Rincewind]

Granby Street gets worse each time I go through it.

I have to walk up it to get into town.

[Stadt]

8oz Sirloin and half a Lobster, that's got to be worth a visit.

 

I saw steakhouse and knew you'd be interested

[davieG]

New Primark to open at Fosse Park in August

Read more: http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/New-Primark-open-Fosse-Park-August/story-29319027-detail/story.html#ixzz49kMudAFo 
Follow us: @@leicester_Merc on Twitter | leicestermercury on Facebook

[Wymsey]

That part of Fosse Park always seems a 'failure', not busy most of the time and dying at times.