
Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Leicester
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Quick info
About Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Leicester
Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Leicester is an Irish-style bar at 17-19 Market St in Leicester, open Thursday to Sunday and closed Monday through Wednesday. Live music is part of the programme across those four days, with a singer playing hits for a crowd that can join in. Behind the bar, pints of Guinness sit alongside whiskey cocktails and a wider selection of drinks. Screens around the bar show live sport.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, pint of Guinness, whiskey cocktails and door entry refusals.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention live music, pint of Guinness, whiskey cocktails and door entry refusals.
Customer Review Summary
Live music is what reviewers return to most, with several describing a singer playing all the hits, people up dancing and singing, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere for a night out or a Saturday afternoon. A pint of Guinness is close behind, called perfectly poured, fresh and full of flavour, with whiskey cocktails also praised as tasty. Friendly staff and a fantastic selection of drinks come up repeatedly, and one reviewer found the drinks reasonably priced. One reviewer felt some staff were keen to serve while others seemed less so, even when the bar was quiet. The main complaint concerns door policy. Two reviewers describe groups of men being refused entry as "crowd control" or "not letting in groups of lads" while women were let in, with one group reporting door staff becoming aggressive when questioned. A third reviewer was refused entry for wearing shorts on a hot summer day and found the pub empty. Reviewers on the praise side describe the place as having proper Irish pub vibes, and one says the live music made the night that bit more special.
Customer Review Summary
Live music is what reviewers return to most, with several describing a singer playing all the hits, people up dancing and singing, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere for a night out or a Saturday afternoon. A pint of Guinness is close behind, called perfectly poured, fresh and full of flavour, with whiskey cocktails also praised as tasty. Friendly staff and a fantastic selection of drinks come up repeatedly, and one reviewer found the drinks reasonably priced. One reviewer felt some staff were keen to serve while others seemed less so, even when the bar was quiet. The main complaint concerns door policy. Two reviewers describe groups of men being refused entry as "crowd control" or "not letting in groups of lads" while women were let in, with one group reporting door staff becoming aggressive when questioned. A third reviewer was refused entry for wearing shorts on a hot summer day and found the pub empty. Reviewers on the praise side describe the place as having proper Irish pub vibes, and one says the live music made the night that bit more special.
Featured reviews
- Stephanie Traill
“Door staff very rude. I went out with a group of 3 women and 6 men. All three of us women were allowed in without a second thought, but the men were denied access with the reason given by door staff being ‘crowd control’, which we didn't find to be well-founded at all. This resulted in us women in the bar without the rest of our friends. When the door staff were questioned about this they became increasingly aggressive towards my friends, while other door staff continued to refuse access to other men in the queue. This seems beyond fair, and significantly impacted on the mood of our group for the rest of our night”
- Tom Lambert
“Me and a few of my friends wanted to go on Katie’s for a good night out. They stopped all of us guys and said that they “weren’t letting in groups of lads” while proceeding to let in my girlfriend and her mate, along with other groups of girls behind us. When asking them why not, they just simply said they didn’t want groups of lads in. They stopped about another 20 guys after us and kept them out whilst letting girls push ahead. I will never understand why they would be turning away customers just because they’re guys, I would not recommend this place to anyone trying to have a good night”
- Mogzi
“Refused entry for wearing shorts, on a 30 degree summer day. To a Pub. A Pub. Not a bar, not a club, a bog standard pub. For wearing shorts on a summers day. A Pub. No wonder it was empty when all the other establishments around are doung a roaring trade.”
- JAIKISHORE N
“this is one of the most vibrant and happening venues in Leicester, offering an unbeatable atmosphere for a great night out. Whether you’re meeting friends for drinks, enjoying live music, or watching live sport, the energy is always fantastic. The pub has a genuine Irish charm, friendly staff, and a welcoming crowd”
- madeleine_ h07
“Had a great time at Katie O'Brians in Leicester. The atmosphere was lively and welcoming, with friendly staff and a fantastic selection of drinks. A brilliant spot for a night out with friends – always a good vibe and plenty of fun. Highly recommended!”
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Live music, plenty of Guinness and great craic!”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 1
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Leicester
- The Terrace3.92310.1 mi
live band, overcharging on drinks, large spirits selection
- The Crows Nest4.37110.7 miReservationsWheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
sunday carvery, bouncy castle in garden, karaoke disco nights
- The Old Horse4.41,9440.9 mi
smores cheesecake, scotch egg, cheeseburger
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern Leicester | 4.2293 | — | live music, pint of Guinness, whiskey cocktails |
| The Terrace | 3.9231 | 0.1 mi | live band, overcharging on drinks, large spirits selection |
| The Crows NestReservations · Wheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.3711 | 0.7 mi | sunday carvery, bouncy castle in garden, karaoke disco nights |
| The Old Horse | 4.41,944 | 0.9 mi | smores cheesecake, scotch egg, cheeseburger |
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