The Soar Point, Leicester

Surprisingly jumbo bar (converted from a warehouse) for the De Montfort students. Over two levels and you're presented with stairs as you enter in order to access the main bar area rather than the mezzanine upper it opens on to. Comic strip-topped tables and a very Millennial viewpoint as to what's hot and what’s not – run by people who were students in 2005, I suspect. The outside astroturf has a view of the glacial River Soar (not the canal, as everyone else seems to think!). Place shouts a lot about 'craft' but the craftiest thing you'll see here is a pair of macro-owned Beavertown pumps. So I went for an Old Moult berry cider and the barman and I bonded over the value of cash; this place has gone back to accepting coin after the big Iberian electricity outage. I didn't dislike it here and a seat outside during the day is a draw.

Fairly large and boisterous student-type bar entered from the end of the bridge over a canal, from where you descend down some steps into the main drinking space level with the canal itself. This is very much a craft beer bar, but the staff seemed to know their beers which were listed as Brewdog Planet Pale, Beavertown Gamma Ray & Neck Oil, Thornbridge Quiet Storm - Eclipse, Camden Pale & Top Rope Blobbymania. In addition there were 4 of the Lilley's range of fruit ciders - Pineapple, Mango, Tropical & Rhubarb. With Leicester City playing at home, it was quite busy with football fans (including ourselves) who were using it as a session venue or for us as a stopping point on the way to the stadium. This is a convenient place to know about, especially with the football stadium being only 15 minutes walk away along the canal.