Our top escape spots for you

The World Cup 2026 is a big deal...and that's great if you love football or just the vibes, but for those that aren't so interested, it can be hard to avoid the event. We've found some spots for you where you can have fun and escape the football madness:

Micropubs 🍻

Still want to go for a drink with your mates, but you don't want to be surrounded by football fans? Try these places instead:

The Two-Tailed Lion |📍22 Milestone Ln, LE1 5JN

Located in the historic Greyfriars area, this is an independent modern-style pub! With its great craft beers and relaxed atmosphere, you won't find loud football fans or crowded screens here.

The Real Ale Classroom |📍22 Allandale Rd, Stoneygate, LE2 2DA

This cosy, repurposed classroom on Allandale Road is the perfect place to avoid the World Cup chaos. They specialise in cask ales paired with a quiet, conversational atmosphere.

Daytime/evening activities 🎯

There may be nights you want to go play some pool or darts with your flatmate, but the pubs are rammed. Here are a couple of alternatives:

ReRoll Board Game Cafe |📍36 Granby St, LE1 1DE

Located on Granby Street, ReRoll is a dedicated spot for over 400 board games, barista-style coffee, beer, and made-to-order bagels! It actively avoids the sports pub vibe, keeping the focus on tabletop fun rather than screens. 

Roxy Ball Room |📍Unit 4 Haymarket Towers, 17 Humberstone Gate, LE1 1WA

Roxy Ball Room is filled with arcade games, pool, ping pong, and bowling. It's a perfect escape from all the football fuss, but it still has a lively atmosphere.

Museums & cultural escapes 

Why not take a day trip and explore some of Leicester's culture to escape the football?

The Guildhall Museum |📍Guildhall Ln, LE1 5FQ

Tucked away right next to Leicester Cathedral, this medieval building provides a peaceful, screen-free afternoon of local history.

Newarke Houses Museum |📍The Newarke, LE2 7BY

Spend an afternoon exploring the historic gardens, a 1950s replica street and museum exhibits. No sports, no crowd, just you and culture.

June and July will be busy times for football, and pubs/bars will be packed, but we hope those who aren't too interested in watching every game can still have fun and have their own spaces to enjoy Leicester's day/nightlife ❤️