O.W. at The Grand

In the heart of Leicester City Centre, O.W. at The Grand marries British comfort with the pulse of the city. The menu roams from pub classics to spice-kissed plates, a nod to Leicester’s Golden Mile, all anchored by solid technique and generous flavour.

Opening moves are assured: duck liver pâté on brioche with a glossy sweep of Cumberland sauce, or a playful pulled ham bon bon sharpened by apple and pork crackling. Masala chicken skewers arrive bright with tandoori warmth and mango chutney, the kind of starter that whets the appetite and refuses to overstay its welcome.

Hearty mains lean familiar in the best way, whether fish and chips with proper mushy peas and tartare, or a flame grilled sirloin steak with all the trimmings. Streetwise touches appear in the Golden Mile chicken kati wrap, while the wild venison burger has local pride in Red Leicester and a sweet lick of chutney. Lighter moods meet in the warm Cajun chicken salad or a king prawn and mango number lifted by coconut, chilli, lime and coriander. Sides of Parmesan truffle fries or Dauphinoise potatoes tip things into indulgence, and desserts keep it classic with sticky toffee pudding and a chocolate brownie crowned with vanilla ice cream.

Drop in for a quick bite or linger over a long lunch; either way, it suits both the impromptu and the indulgent. Book a table, follow your cravings, and let Leicester do the talking — the rest is gravy.