The Exchange Bar image

The Exchange Bar

Bar

Community-based venue for live comedy, concerts and private events with an on-site bistro and bar. People often mention coffee, staff, great, drink, downstairs, service, atmosphere, Great, friendly, helpful,


Address

50 Rutland St, Leicester LE1 1RD, United Kingdom

Website

theexchangebar.co.uk

Contact

+44 116 332 3301

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (663 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 12 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 1 pm
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), 1 to 8 pm, Hours might differ

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: coffee (14) staff (14) great (11) drink (8) downstairs (7) service (7) atmosphere (7) Great (7) friendly (6) helpful (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 1/5 Guerrilla N. 1 year ago on Google
    Really enjoyed going here for the first few D.A. Socials open mic nights. Unfortunately, some stuck up, rude, unprofessional woman, who claims to be the bar manager (her colleague claimed the same title just before she did, not sure which one of them was lying, perhaps both) completely ruined the fun by overreacting to a minor misunderstanding. She escalated a non-situation, clumsily imposing her tactless moronicism all over what would otherwise have been just another enjoyable evening. She did this willfully and with malice, without even knowing what had actually happened. We were supposed to be the feature performers for the evening. Two songs before we went on, this little drama queen and her pitiful sidekick were threatening to call the police with literally no justification. Will never ever go back to this pathetic, pretentious little hole. Would highly recommend that anyone who likes to have open, honest conversations, or likes to meet new people, avoid this place like the plague. Truth and peaceful freedom of expression are apparently not welcome at The Exchange Bar. They prefer bullying and threats. If you do go, whatever you do, don't try to talk to anyone you didn't turn up with. Apparently that's a barrable offence. What a bunch of clowns. Thoroughly disgusted.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Hywel M. 1 year ago on Google
    The Exchange has the best looks of the bars in the Cultural Quarter in Leicester and is situated opposite the Curve theatre where many people have pre-drinks. The flat-iron style building it is located in is very attractive and the seating in the end with large windows is an appealing space to drink in. Venue has a downstairs basement used now and again for small events. Dominica served us here last week and was very friendly and helpful. Worth a visit if you are in this area. Improved outdoor seating this summer.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Amanda Martinez S. 7 months ago on Google
    I recently visited this pub with a friend, and our experience left much to be desired. My friend ordered a simple white coffee, and I requested a soya coffee due to my lactose intolerance. However, things quickly took a sour turn when the waitress who was preparing my friend's drink ended up making mine. I wanted to confirm that my coffee was made with soya milk, as it's essential for me to avoid lactose. Unfortunately, when I politely inquired about this, the waitress seemed visibly upset and started complaining. This lack of professionalism and customer service was quite disappointing and put a damper on what should have been a pleasant outing. It happened on Friday the 25th of August around 18:00.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 sukhi r. 1 year ago on Google
    Short lived private party!! Didnt realize this was the 1st time that someone had thrown up in your toilets....because this sort of thing never happens in a bar or your bar does it? Also, disgusting behaviour from a male member of your staff...throwing a drink at some of our guests as he walked up the stairs...how is this acceptable? I think you may need to review your terms and conditions again for future bookings to include 'no vommiting in our toilets'!! Sounds like this isnt the 1st time staff here have been rude to their customers either...previous reviews suggest the same!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 András F. 4 years ago on Google
    I don't really go out in Leicester and I am glad that I let myself be talked into it. It was not all nighter or a big drinking session, just a couple of glasses of wine and let's reminisce and change the world type of conversation. And the Exchange perfectly suited this as a venue. Being next to the Curve and near some pedestrianised area it is rather quiet - or was on the Thursday evening when we were there. There is a decent selection of wines, beers and spirits. And not necessarily too expensive either. The street level seating is great, you can see through the windows onto both sides of the building but there is also a huge (well it was a bit dark and hard to see) basement seating area as well.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Risha P. 1 year ago on Google
    Shocking management in this place, racist assistant bar manager and Elaine who clearly cannot handle running a bar. Mike the security hats off to you and the bar man downstairs top bloke. So many nice places to go too rather than this place very poorly managed. That little women who lied and said guests were doing drugs scandalous comments, just viewed the comments and reviews below and literally had similar experience. PLEASE DO NOT hire this place they literally kept threatening us to shut us down, Elaine and her side chick need to learn customer service. As for the doorman Mike thank you, you were wonderful. Such a shame as historically had lots of events here and it’s been great. True let down by two ‘managers’ who cannot handle a bar The response given is absolute lies, the bar allows non party guests to use the downstairs toilets and then takes their action out on us. It’s a PARTY!! it has music you cannot moan about loud music and our guests were not sick it was your general public using those toilets. You clearly cannot handle private events so clearly review all the 1 star comments the two wannabe managers have received historically and understand that in parties you need extra staff not one bloke and there is music and there wasn’t vaping you all know the smoke machine set the alarm off. You can lie as much as you like but quite honestly there was 80 of us witnessing you and Elaine running round like wild cats…anyways the party continued in terrace bar which was thoroughly enjoyed till 3am :)
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rebecca 1 year ago on Google
    Came here to see some comedians as part of the comedy festival. Really chilled and friendly vibe, helpful staff and would definitely come back here again. Really great, cosy venue space downstairs.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stuart W. 1 year ago on Google
    Enjoyed a nice coffee before going to the curve to see a show. We’ll situated and nice atmosphere. Really comfy seats.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rev Elizabeth M. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely atmosphere, drinks & toasted sandwiches. Great place to meet for a small group in the Garden Room where you can shut the door & have some privacy from noise & bustle! Also they love dogs!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam S. 1 year ago on Google
    Hired the basement bar for a party. Arranging the date and details was easy with Elena being very responsive and helpful. Greta setting and atmosphere for a party. All the staff were great. Recommend The Exchange Bar for drinks or private party
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy W on G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great location for a re-union event for former students. We had excĺusive use of the Cellar Bar, a great venue. Friendly, helpful staff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Scott Freiherr von M. 5 years ago on Google
    A great place to relax and have something to drink as well as get some very nice Food!! There are some very comfortable Chairs which includes Retro Furniture, it's also a Great Place to destress after Work and also a Great Place to get Food and a Drink before Visiting the Curve Theatre as it's literally a few meters away from the Doors of the Curve Theatre, and The Exchange sits directly in the Center of Leicesters Newly Created Qualtural Quarter, which is an absolutely Amazing place to Visit and another Great Tourist Attraction for anyone wanting to visit Leicester!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Milin D. 2 years ago on Google
    On a Saturday morning some instrumental music in the background echoes the high ceilings. Classic cafe chit chat and cockery noises accompany the strong coffee scents. A good book or a pleasant company is all you need here while you get served by friendly and non intrusive staff. As the day progresses the music and the atmosphere changes. You might even hear the staff hit a high note as Stacey's mum comes on the cd player! One has to explore this for themselves to truly enjoy this gem in Leicester. I'll let your visit and you be the judge of the transformation that occurs during the day. Enjoy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex H. 1 year ago on Google
    Fantastic. Hired the downstairs room for a 40th Birthday, all that was required was a small deposit then a very reasonable minimum spend on the bar for a Saturday night. The room is great with plenty of seating you can arrange how you want and the team let us in early to decorate. Elena and her staff were amazing and I can’t thank them enough for helping to make a great evening!

  • 4/5 A.R.K D. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a good bar. There's a comprehensive range of beers on tap, all of which are well-kept and served appropriately in the right glassware and temperatures, especially the Asahi which is correctly carbonated unlike many UK stockists. There's also an short but appealing cocktail menu which I haven't tried, and a range of herbal teas+ coffee. The atmosphere is airy and relaxed, with many people using the peaceful indoors as a workspace while enjoying a drink. More a spot for a post-theatre tipple than to get drunk, mind. Almost all of the staff are very friendly and knowledgeable about their drinks, however there is one in particular who on repeated occasions I have found to be rude and moody. I always like to return my glasses to the counter to keep the table I've vacated clear, as this is helpful for bar staff (I was one once), and when leaving I always thank the staff for their service. At this point most offer some form of polite acknowledgement, I wouldn't actually mind being ignored, but to be scoffed at (he even rolled his eyes) is just plain unacceptable. It's also not the first time this particular bartender has been rude to me, he just always seems to show a terrible anti-customer attitude, regardless of how polite or reasonable you are. I don't believe in online harassment so I won't identify this individual, but I've no doubt the management will have heard this before and know who it is. People like this shouldn't be in customer -facing jobs.

  • 3/5 Gloria 3 years ago on Google
    good priced:) good size coffee - cappu at £2.5, with a piece of cookie! tho i reckon the coffee taste a bit too light .. good location and open in bank holiday ! just next to the curve ! quite some local also seems to be regular costumers that they order food, drinks and coffee :)

  • 5/5 D_ R. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful bar with in a great area. Definitely worth a visit if you have been to the local Theatres.

  • 5/5 Kaye 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely bar opposite the Curve Theatre. Every time I've been the staff have been friendly and very helpful. A nice place to relax with friends. Also they have a function room downstairs which is excellent for parties.

  • 5/5 Jump Cut F. 1 year ago on Google
    I can safely say that the level of service at this place is excellent, very attentive employees and I am happy to have recently become an employee here myself! I definitely recommend coming here whether it's just for a quick drink or bite to eat or to hire out the cellar bar for a function, definitely well worth a trip!

  • 5/5 George W. 2 years ago on Google
    service was quick, friendly and showed excellent knowledge of drinks. when prompted to make a cocktail of the bartenders choice Jake sprung to action and concocted two innovative and colourful drinks. would highly recommend!

  • 2/5 Lisa B. 1 year ago on Google
    Cute bar to stop and have a drink. I visited for a days training which was downstairs and it was very rustic and cold even though we had heaters to try warm it up. Toilets are a lot to be desired. Drinks very overpriced. Nice staff.

  • 5/5 Elisabeth C. 1 year ago on Google
    Well... what can I say! I have travelled across Italy and the cappuccinos there PALE in comparison to Melina's cappuccinos! Not only is she a delight to be around and be served by, but the woman is a wizard at coffee. The milk froth is perfect, and I will sing it from the rooftops that she makes the BEST cappuccino I've ever had! 10/10!

  • 2/5 George P. 2 years ago on Google
    Normally, when you order a coffee, you'd pay and then then someone would bring it over when it's ready. Not here. The guy behind the counter made the coffee while chatting to someone else, paying no attention to the coffee at all. No attempt to make them look pretty was made (the milk was poured in), then he had the audacity to say "two flowers" when he placed them in the counter as if he'd done some amazing latte art. And there was already coffee spilled into the saucer. NOT the service one one expects. Nice vibe to the place and beautiful location, but terrible service.

  • 4/5 Fibonnaci N. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun triangle bar with an urban flare decore wise. Great atmosphere fun for all drinking ages, social gatherings with friends after work. Feels a bit unique and large city like, you don't fee cramped as it's well spaced out. Definitely worth a visit!

  • 5/5 Darkteaser x. 1 year ago on Google
    Great venue and the Burlesque show The Candlelit Cellar Club runs monthly , the first Friday of each month. Definitely don’t miss it ♥️

  • 5/5 Simon P. 7 months ago on Google
    Had a great even here at a burlesque show in their basement. The atmosphere is great and drink prices were good. I'd definitely go again.


Call +44 116 332 3301 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Food at bar
    • ✓️ Free water refills
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✗ Takeaway
    • ✓️ Outdoor seating

Trends



Last updated:

Similar places



Similar Bars nearby

Turtle Bay Leicester image
1
Turtle Bay Leicester
Caribbean restaurant
Contemporary Caribbean restaurant in shopping centre, decorated with reggae posters and street art.
$$ $$
4.80 (7.3K reviews)
ODEON Luxe Leicester image
2
ODEON Luxe Leicester
Movie theater
State-of-the-art chain cinema for blockbusters in 2-D or 3-D format, plus family and student deals.
4.30 (4.5K reviews)
Showcase Cinema de Lux Leicester image
3
Showcase Cinema de Lux Leicester
Movie theater
Modern multiscreen cinema with digital projection and sound equipment, plus a custom party service.
4.40 (2.8K reviews)
The Corn Exchange image
4
The Corn Exchange
Pub
High-ceilinged pub in former Corn Exchange built in 1850, with wooden floors and outside area.
$ $$$
3.90 (2.7K reviews)
The High Cross image
5
The High Cross
Pub
Roomy, corner chain pub with carpeted floor and warm wooden fittings, outside tables and TV screens.
$ $$$
4.10 (2.4K reviews)
Last updated:
()