2015 · rugby-world-cup ·Aug 28, 2015

Rugby World Cup 2015: Leicester (King Power Stadium)

So with just a few weeks until the start of the Rugby World Cup 2015 why not take a look at Centurion-rugby's guide to places to stay, eat or go out - this week we've chosen Leicester.

Eleven cities across England and Wales have been selected to host the Rugby World Cup 2015, and this week we've picked Leicester as our chosen city of interest. The King Power Stadium is home to Leicester City Premier Football Club and has a capacity of 32,312. Replacing an old, decaying ground, the stadium is now a state-of-the-art all-seater facility.

If you're looking for places to stay, eat or go out, we've put together a short guide below to Leicester, to help celebrate the Rugby World Cup 2015.

Matches

Sunday 4th October - Argentina v Tonga - 14.30

Tuesday 6th October - Canada v Romania - 16.45

Sunday 11th October - Argentina v Namibia - 12.00

Top places to stay

Holiday Inn Express (Opposite Stadium)

Located opposite the King Power Stadium and just minutes from Leicester City Centre and the M1/M69 motorway, the Holiday Inn Express makes the perfect base for a rugby match. Rooms offer free WiFi , air conditioning and Freeview TV, and there is free parking available onsite. The hotel also offers guests a fully stocked bar and a restaurant located next door serving lunch and dinner every day.

Mercure Leicester The Grand Hotel (1 mile from Stadium)

The 4-star Grand Hotel is a large Victorian hotel located in the centre of Leicester boasting many original features as well as an elegant restaurant. Leicester railway station is just 350 yards away. Rooms feature flat-screen TVs with on-demand movies and free WiFi. Onsite is Marco's New York Italian Restaurant which serves a selection of American-Italian food. Guests can also enjoy light meals and fresh coffees from the hotel lounge bar.

College Court (1.4 miles from Stadium)

College Court offers something different for the discerning visitor. Situated in the heart of Leicester just 8 minutes' drive from the city, the modern newly-built facility features free WiFi, free onsite parking and a fine dining restaurant. In addition, there is a bar and lounge which has views across the gardens, and serves a menu of light meals and bar snacks. College Court is just under 10 minutes drive from Leicester Train Station and a short walk to King Power Stadium.

Top places to eat

Cafe Two Ten (#10 if 896)

Reviewed by Trip Advisor as #10 of 896 cafes in Leicester, Cafe Two Ten is conveniently located on 210 Narborough Road, only half a mile from King Power Stadium. Described as a "little gem", the small but welcoming cafe offers a selection of delicious food served by friendly, efficient staff. The breakfasts are raved about by reviewers - freshly cooked, and at a great price!

Jamal Balti House

If you fancy a curry after the match, why not head down to Jamal Balti House on Narborough Road. Located just 0.7 miles from King Power Stadium, it's an easy walk to or from the match and is rated as #17 of 871 restaurants in Leicester! The restaurant is described as serving amazing food, providing excellent service and you can also bring your own booze - an added bonus. Each curry is cooked separately in Karahis so guests can choose the strength of their curry and the naans have been hotly tipped as an absolute must - they come straight from the clay oven and melt in your mouth!

Crafty Burger (#1 out of 747)

Located at 2-6 St Martin's Walk, the Crafty Burger is located 1.1 miles from the stadium, and offers a wide selection of juicy burgers with fries and starters. The beef is fresh and grounded on site and you can order anything from a pork belly burger to a rice crispy chicken and an El Gordo. You can also "pimp" your fries which comes highly recommended!

Top places to drink

Swan & Rushes

Recommended to rugby and football fans in particular, and located fairly close the King Power Stadium on Infirmary Square, the Swan & Rushes is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide and provides the perfect venue for a quiet drink before or after the match.

The Pub

Close to the station located in the old pedestrian area of New Walk is 'The Pub', a modern bar boasting 15 hand pumps for real ale (many of which are supplied by local microbreweries), plus continental beers and lagers as well as cider too. The pub

puts a modern spin on a timeless classic and has been renovated in a contemporary style. The Pub also serves a good selection of well priced English pub grub.

The Western Pub

Founded by two Leicestershire locals with a passion for good beer, Steamin' Billy Brewing Co. operates a handful of pubs and bars in and around Leicester serving locally-sourced produce and a selection of home brewed ales. Situated in the West End of Leicester, The Western is a great spot for match-day (or none match-day) beers - in the know fans of football and rugby love this place.There's also a large beer garden and a log burning fire, depending on the weather you can enjoy either!

Getting there and away

Leicester City
King Power Stadium
Filbert Way
Leicester
LE2 7FL

By Road:

Drivers from both North and South should exit the M1 at junction 21, then take the A5460 towards Leicester. On passing under the railway bridge, turn right at the lights (about 200 yards) into Upperton Road (signed “Royal Infirmary”), then right again into Filbert Street. The King Power Stadium can be seen to the rear of the old Filbert Street ground.

Parking:

This official car park in Filbert Street has to be pre-booked with the Club and costs £15 per car. Alternatively, you can park at Leicester Rugby Club (£3) which is a ten minute walk away from the stadium. It is well worth considering parking further away from the stadium if you want a quick exit as some of the nearer car parks become grid locked post-match therefore you could be stuck there some time getting out.

By Train:

The train station in Leicester City Centre, is situated around 1.5 miles away and is walkable from the ground and should take you around 25-30 minutes. A walking route to the stadium is signposted from across the road from the station.

By Bus:

Arrivabus 84, 84A and 85, Centrebus 302, or First Bus 88 connect the stadium with the city centre and rail station.

By Air:

The nearest airport is East Midlands 17 miles away. The “Leicester SkyLink” bus service offers regular connections to Leicester city centre.

By Taxi:

There are several taxi companies in Leicester that can take you to and from the King Power Stadium. You can always prebook a private hire taxi, or hail a black cab on any highway.