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 :)

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.

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.

Your visit to the Echange will vary depending on the time of week and day that you visit but either way you won't be disappointed. Often quaint and relaxed in the day, whilst the atmosphere at night can be lively and energetic. With a large windowed exterior looking out into the cultural quarter (as well as an outdoor seating area) you'll feel almost like you're at one of those French Cafe's that you've seen many times in the movies! The tunes that they play will be pleasing to the ear and the staff will be courteous to say the least. The downstairs seating area with a small stage for intimate venues is reminiscent of a 1950's New York Jazz bar. If you're in the city of Leicester for one day and are looking for a bit of culture and a coffee or coctail, you'll certainly want to visit this lovely little place.

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.
Service: 1

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.

I hosted a surprise 21st celebration in their function room. While the planning with the manager was going well, massive lacking in organisation and communication led to a mistake in which room was being used, a server that I had already spoken to about the event ruining the surprise for the birthday boy, and messing up the assignment of all the tabs. Not the mention, the manager never even getting back to me after failing to meet me at the venue during the day, rude service from our server, and a refusal to take any empty glasses from our table even when asked. The party was ruined and despite a complaint being sent directly to them, I received no response at all. Definitely would not recommend.

I have been here a few times for lunch and their afternoon tea package (which you book in advance) and most recently I hosted a baby shower in their 'snug' function room. It's a really lovely place with nice decor and really lovely service. The food is very nice; especially the pizza! And the afternoon tea is fantastic value for money. They cater attentively to any dietary requirements and the staff are welcoming and helpful. It's a popular place so dropping in for a drink at peak times can be difficult, but if you're planning a small gathering or event, I highly recommend The Exchange as a cosy venue!

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!!

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.

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!!

New owners (The people who own the Manhattan 34 bar nearby) have recently taken it over this month after it and it's nearby sister business - the Queen Victoria Arts Club on Joe Orton Square - were closed at the end of October 2019 because their then owner Cassie Davison allegedly owed £60,000 in unpaid rent on those premises (according to a Leicester Mercury news report in October 2019). Readers should disregard all reviews prior to November 2019 as they relate to the previous management and are thus misleading in respect of the new operators.

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.

Decent place for coffee, staff are friendly, has a bar too, downstairs the toilets does need a little painting and some TLC since the walls are just graffitied everywhere, the toilet seat was broken and not bolted properly. I'd understand that it is a bar and in city centre but I'd guess it wont hurt the owners to get some paint on and some TLC given whilst paying their staff to do it or just hire worker to do it.

Bar staff are not up to scratch. Not like they used to be.. Sunday evening they want you to leave early so they don't have to work late. Will serve a beer then frantically start wiping tables and bringing chairs in.. Sometimes certain popular beers are not available as pumps don't work. Harsh lighting not like it used to be. I used to like this place but don't go anymore. I go to the Craddock now.

Visited just after 10.00 and only people in.shabby chic and different seating and small room to right of bar had old suitcases up high and old feel.Some old books on Leicester around to peruse.Coffee ok large millionaire shortbread good value for price.Interestingly chalkboard advertising free breakfast with coffee Monday to Friday looked worth investigating. Good selection of beers.

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!

Great place for a drink and to meet up with friends. However advertises a bumps babies and toddlers group on a Friday morning. It is based in the basement which is dark uninviting and smells horribly musty. Toys and mats dirty looking and dusty. Good for socialising with other mums but daren't put my child down on the mat! Could be made soo much better. Really disappointing

Quality place! I've only been twice but have enjoyed it both times. I absolutely rate the staff, we got in just after last orders but he still let us get a pint (I don't mean illegally!) and was all round a lovely guy despite us likely being a nuisance. It's also much fairer prices compared to the surrounding bars, and super convenient that it's right next to the Curve.

It's recently changed hands and for the better. We have always gone in early doors on friday or saturday. But now it's looking cleaner, the staff are really friendly, the atmosphere is great and they have beers that are brewed locally. With Manhattan almost next door, it's a great area of town for a few drinks. My favourite 2 bars in town now, highly recommended!

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!

Go there every month for a book club, as they have a room we use, we don't have to pay, only stipulation is we buy a hot drink, they do free breakfasts until 10 30am. Croissants, pikelets or toast with different spreads and butter, very nice. Lively place used a lot by studens, good ambience, friendly and helpful staff i like it

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!

Unbelievably bad experience here… just like many have posted before we had rude staff threatening us! We had family come over from all over the UK to be disgusted by the staff here. How they are still operating I do not know. The way we got treated was like animals. Make your money and tell us to leave.. sick!

Very friendly staff. Good range of lagers and ales. Location is great for people watching and you get a turnover of interesting punters from places like the Curve and awol wedding guests from the Athena. Outside seating sadly does not see direct sun, but still a good place to veg.

Stopped here for a glass of wine on New Year's Eve - wonderful bar and deceptively larger than it looks from out side. Lots of tourist awards on display. Great use of old knitting patterns in the ladies toilets! Quirky and comfortable, good mix of people frequenting The Exchange.

Rude staff swearing at customers no organisation or customer service, always liked the place but gone seriously down hill. If you want a smile or any kind of customer service or your table clearing of empty’s or just to be spoken to like a human being do not go to this place.

Whether it’s a Friday night, a Saturday afternoon or a mid-week morning I always feel looked after and that this place really cares about all its customers! Bar manager Jack remembers his customers which is a really nice touch and is somewhere we always go back to!

Always a chilled atmosphere here. Whether you're coming for a coffee or a pint. Whether it's for work or a social, you can come here any time and just relax. The place is casual, the staff are friendly. It ticks most boxes. Shame they got rid of their pizza oven

Great little bar in the heart of the shire. Would recommend if you were looking for somewhere that sells a decent and fairly priced glass or bottle of wine. They have a very large function room downstairs as well with a separate bar. That room is free to hire !

The guys at The Exchange are amazing! They’ve looked after us so well for our short stay in Leicester! Staff are the best - and their knowledge of their customers makes you feel part of the family. Jake & Esther we’re two stand out members of the team

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!

Always a great place to go. Good beer selection, great pizza. They recently accommodated us for a small hen do on their snug room. We could chose our own music and were left to our own devices. Really excellent communication with the staff as well.

Scandalous prices. Been here so many times and really enjoyed it. Then last night I walked in and was charged £15 for two vodka and cokes. That is going too far. Such a shame as I was liking the place but you took the piss there. And you know it

An excellent establishment with knowledgeable and friendly staff. A very casual atmosphere with a fantastic range of drinks on offer. If you're in the city and you want to drink somewhere with a little more class, I would recommend The Exchange.

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

Lovely quirky little coffeehouse / bar in the centre of town right outside The Curve and Athena. Good food and drinks and lovely warm, comfy atmosphere inside. Can be busy in the evenings but a good spot for coffee or a pint during the day.

I didn't have time or opportunity to complete your feedback form that was on our table today. I arranged a business meeting and we ordered the spicey parsnip soup..perfect for a cold and wet day. Well the 'soup' was tasty but not soup! I

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

I go here for a monthly business networking event. Free tea, coffee and mince pies were laid out on two tables to help yourself. The tea and coffee were in identical tea pots so you couldn't tell which one was which. The coffee was

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.

Beautifully kept bar and cafe with ideal underground function room. Chilled out cafe-style vibes in the daytime but an upbeat, cool cocktail hangout in the evening. Best dark and stormy in town. Perfect for pre-theatre drinking.

The Exchange is an easy going higher end bar in the centre of Leicester. Quality food and drink at reasonable (but not cheap) prices. One of my favorite inner city bars, especially good for a few scoops on a Saturday afternoon.

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!

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.

Nice location with friendly staff. However, the basement needed more lighting. As ot relates to food, the pizzas were tasty but the sandwiches were very bad none of rhe guests ate them resulting in a massive waste.

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.
Price per person
£10–20
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 5

Fantastic selection of sandwiches and hot drinks they even offer non dairy options. Staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, I would recommend The Exchange to anyone looking for bite to eat in Leicester

Want to relax after having a tough day at work. Well i think this place got the best place and drinks to stress out. Tried this place randomly once and have been a regular customer. Must try Asahi!!

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.

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!

Lovely bar in the heart of Leicester's cultural quarter. Near to the Curve theatre, the LCB Depot and the Phoenix cinema. Friendly staff, welcoming atmosphere and they make very tasty pizzas!

Very relaxed atmosphere, able to chat without heavy music noise. Staff always friendly. Would have been 5 stars but the food is a bit pricey for what you get, otherwise a nice space to meet.

Love this place, great atmosphere and excellent staff. Their food is super tasty, especially the seasoned fries, Tamsin is the best x
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Comfortable bar with a good selection of beers. Friendly staff, plenty of seating and a special selection of alcohol-free beers for dry January made my visit here a very pleasant one.

Great selection of drinks, maybe not so much if you're a draft drinker. Would recommend as a great start to the night, work > drink @ the Exchange (out) > somewhere else (out out).

Lovely building in central location near Curve Theatre. Hosted our CPD session free of charge in the cellar venue. Helpful staff and a reasonable price for the lunchtime meal deal.

Great and cosy place. Suitable to book in advance fir party or table games. They have a great variety of offers such as free breakfast on Wednesdays if you buy a cup of coffee etc

Great bar, good range of lagers and beers, cocktail list is short but innovative. Nice selection of food including excellent pizzas and a range of sweet stuff on the counter.

Cyrus is the best server and reece is great cook love this place for pizza Baguttes.
Price per person
£10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

Nice atmospheric bar in the middle of Leicester. Drinks were quite expensive, but they have a great selection of beers and spirits to choose from. Friendly service too.

Good bar near Curve theatre and worth the trip across Charles Street. Good range of drinks. Downstairs section available. Also good coffee for earlier in the day.

Good bar with range of drinks including some cask ales. Limited lunch menu mainly sandwiches. Handy for Curve Theatre and hosts live comedy during the festival.

Very nice bar in Leicester's cultural quarter. Good range of beer, ales and spirits on offer. Atmosphere is always very relaxed. Great to visit day or night.

Fantastic atmosphere, great drinks and service; music is so good I was using shazam multiple times! 10% off drinks with Curve ticket is a plus too

A lovely place for having a drink with friends. Haven't tried their food yet, but planning a next visit. Staff are very nice and friendly.

Great location for a re-union event for former students. We had excĺusive use of the Cellar Bar, a great venue. Friendly, helpful staff.

Great venue and the Burlesque show The Candlelit Cellar Club runs monthly , the first Friday of each month. Definitely don’t miss it ♥️

A wonderful, friendly place! Great and helpful staff, amazing coffee and drinks selection, and free breakfasts on Wednesdays!

A great casual bar for all ages (of adults). Good range of beers and drinks and even a few snacks. Laid back and easy going

Enjoyed a nice coffee before going to the curve to see a show. We’ll situated and nice atmosphere. Really comfy seats.

Lovely bar, perfect for an afternoon drink or a tea/coffee especially when they have live music playing. More

Quirky but amazing place if you don't want the same old chain pubs. Staff are amazing. Good range of drinks.

Beautiful bar with in a great area. Definitely worth a visit if you have been to the local Theatres.

Lovely Pub. Cannot wait to visit again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5

best wine bar in Leicester cocktails and winter specials my favourite is the gingerbread cider

Really cosy place, sat and had a few drinks in the cellar, not too expensive either.

Asahi Dry on tap! Lovely. Chilled yet warm atmosphere.

Live music venue, great location, great service

Lovely little bar with a warm atmosphere.