Live music at Firebug Leicester
Opened in the summer of 2004, Firebug has fast become an essential part of Leicester’s night life and a quiet retreat from city centre shoppers during the day. A light and spacious main bar is complemented by a surprisingly quiet and sheltered beer garden. Boasting one of the cities most extensive drinks ranges, a carefully selected cocktail menu and a great selection of home-cooked food available every day.
Firebug’s relaxed dress code and music policy attracts visitors from all walks of life – from students at the near-by universities to professionals working in the city centre and has a reputation nationally as an essential stopping point for visitors to the city.
Proving incredibly popular for private parties, intimate club nights, live music and stand-up comedy, as well as photography and art exhibitions, independent film screenings and all manner of other events. Over the last few years we’ve seen live performances from many notable live acts including Foals, Dutch Uncles, Johnny Foreigner, Frank Turner, Frightened Rabbit and The Twilight Sad. In terms of comedy, Firebug has seen Stewart Lee, Richard Herring, Russell Howard and Josie Long, amongst many others, appear as part of the regular Bottle Rocket Comedy night and The Leicester Comedy Festival.
See what’s on and venue hire sections for more info.
Greening up the Laughs Award
– Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2018 & 2019
Best Promoter Nominee
– Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2019
Best Venue Under 200 Capacity Nominee
– Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2019
– Time Out
Best Venue Under 200 Capacity
– Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2018
Best Promoter – CCCP
– Leicester Comedy Festival Awards 2017
“Local Hero” Award Shortlist
– The Fly Awards 2014
“Leicester’s thriving bar and music scene simply wouldn’t be what it is today without Firebug. Since opening in 2004 it’s been an essential place to visit…”
—Niche Magazine
“Best Independent Bar” and “Best Independent Overall”
—Leicester Best Bar None Awards 2013
“A lava lounge for the student crowd, the Firebug has a great selection of beers on tap, as well as theme nights, stage shows and gigs.”
—Lonely Planet
“Best Bar in Leicestershire 2010” + “Runner Up: Best Entertainment Venue + Best of the Best 2010”
—Leicestershire Best 2010 presented by Leicester Sound
“One of the leading live music venues in Leicester as well as a jolly good place for a late drink.”
—Summer Sundae Weekender 2009
“A sweetly decadent end to a perfect evening.”
—The Food and Drink Guide 2008
“Best Leicester Bar 2007”
—Leicester Bar Awards 2007 (Also Best Large Venue & Best Bar Team)
“Best East Midlands Bar 2007 – Runner Up” / “A crowd-pleasing combination of informal dining, adventurous cocktails and live entertainment.”
—Metro Life Awards 2007
“Best Bar July 2006”
—The Guild
“Best Live Music Venue 2005”
—Pineapster
“Best Live Music Venue 2005”
—LMS
“Firebug is still lighting up Leicester…”
—Paul Clarke, Metro Jan 2006
“A real find for blinding food, beer, tough pub quizzes and lots of live music.”
—NME Student Guide 2005
“Firebug food is fantastic and I cannot recommend it more.”
—Food & Drink Guide 2005