Tubo Leicester
Tucked away at 250 Belgrave Gate, Tubo Leicester brings a vibrant and unconventional energy to the heart of Leicester’s food and drink scene. You wouldn’t mistake this place for your average bar or eatery-it’s a full-on vibe. Whether you’re rolling in for an after-work chill session or looking to get lost in some late-night beats and bites, Tubo delivers a setting that feels both elevated and approachable.
Now, let’s talk about the look and feel. The moment you step inside (and yes, it’s dine-in only), there’s a distinct blend of industrial-chic and cozy lighting. Think exposed pipes, neon signage, and a curated playlist that moves from laid-back lo-fi to energetic Afrobeat depending on the crowd. It's the kind of place where you don’t just eat or drink-you soak in the atmosphere.
While Tubo Leicester doesn’t boast a wheelchair-accessible entrance or car park, it does offer on-site parking-and it’s free, which is honestly a rare gem in this part of town. For those arriving by car, that’s already a small win before you even get through the doors.
What sets Tubo apart from other Leicester hangouts is its effortless crossover between bar and kitchen. While the exact menu rotates with seasonal specials and crowd favourites, it’s not uncommon to spot shareable plates, sliders, and Afro-Caribbean-inspired bites making their rounds. You might come for the music, but chances are high you’ll stay for the wings. And the drinks? Think craft cocktails that aren’t afraid to experiment-flavoured rums, zesty garnishes, and well-balanced mixes that lean heavy on character.
Tubo also seems to have carved out its own niche as a social spot. There’s no pretense here, just good vibes and a crowd that ranges from 20-something creatives to 40-something professionals looking for a refreshing break from mainstream nightlife. You’ll likely see DJs setting up their decks in the corner on weekends, drawing in a crowd that’s there to move. If you’re lucky, you’ll walk in on a live set or a themed party night-nothing too scripted, just Tubo being Tubo.
From a usability perspective, it’s great for group outings. The open layout, paired with ambient lighting and bar seating, means you're never tucked too far away from the action. It’s also an easy pick for casual dates or meeting up with friends without the pressure of formal dining. You're not going to find white linen tablecloths here-but that’s not what Tubo is about. It’s about letting go, enjoying the music, and digging into some solid food and drink without overthinking it.
The energy at Tubo Leicester shifts naturally with the hour. Early evenings feel relaxed-ideal for a quick bite and cocktail catch-up. But as the sun goes down, the tempo turns up. It transforms into a buzzing late-night social scene that feels like you're in on something a little exclusive but entirely welcoming.
In terms of similar spots, Tubo gives off that same urban-casual confidence you’d expect in East London bars or indie lounges in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. But it’s doing its own thing in Leicester, and that’s where it wins. While some places try to mimic a trend, Tubo owns its identity and brings people along for the ride.
Overall, if you're the kind of person who looks for good music, bold drinks, and a space where you can actually vibe with the environment-not just dine-Tubo Leicester hits all the right notes.
Reviews
Highly recommend this place, the service is fantastic, the team are very friendly and helpful, we didn’t know what sheesha to have, they recommend us an amazing flavour. The service is quick, food is fresh. Big shout out to Yaseen he had great service, very warm and welcoming. I will definitely go back
Visiting TUBO in Leicester was an experience that brought a genuine sense of home. As someone from the Middle East, I can confidently say that their chicken shish was the best I’ve had outside of the region. Perfectly grilled over real charcoal, the flavor was rich, smoky, and authentic – every bite took me back. The aroma alone was so irresistible that we couldn't even manage to take photos before diving into the food! The hookahs (shishas) were absolutely wonderful – smooth, flavorful, and perfectly set up. Whether you're a casual smoker or someone who appreciates a proper session, TUBO has clearly mastered the art of delivering top-tier shisha. The service was equally outstanding. The entire team was welcoming, attentive, and made us feel like VIPs from the moment we arrived. There’s a genuine warmth to the hospitality here that’s hard to come by. To top it all off, we ended the evening with the elegant “Le Chloe” pâtisseries from Chloe Gourmet – the perfect sweet finish to a flawless night. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a cozy, flavorful, and authentically elevated Middle Eastern dining and lounge experience.
Finally visited today so here comes full review. Amazing food, all very tasty and cooked well. Good variety of mocktails, hot and cold drinks. Huge selection of Shisha flavours. Pipe itself smokes nicely, it's nice & smooth. What really stands out is high quality of customer service, the kind you would expect to find in 5 star hotels, Michelin star restaurant etc. Well done Car park can get full pretty quick. Luckily we've arrived just at the right time before the rush hour. --------------- Lovely desserts/cakes, good and quick service. Can't wait for lockdown to finish. Hopefully Shisha and the place itself is to high standards. Full review to follow
Tubo is a stylish shisha lounge with a great atmosphere and a wide variety of flavors. The service was friendly, and the space is perfect for relaxing with friends. While it’s a bit on the pricier side, it’s a nice spot to enjoy some good shisha in a modern setting.
It was alright giving it was a winter’s night. Ask questions about the starter portions, they can fill you right up. The garnishing didn’t get all the way into the lamb chops but it was well done like we requested and the fish meal was great. Great atmosphere too and secluded