Hogarths, Leicester

Amber Taverns place but could in another life could have been a Spoons. Undeniably impressive (if modern) interior with ceiling plasters, banquettes, pub carpet and a couple of large booths with stained and leaded glass surrounds. Library style section at the back with a jumbo painting. Reeks of old fags, suspect this might enjoy the odd lock-in. A fairly dull selection of keg, my Guinness was a shadow of its claimed provenance but the out-of-place well-spoken young barmaid was polite enough. The punters seemed alright, though I have seen it a lot more rumbustious on occasion; there are four robust pubs all close to each other here with bizarre opening hours which the same clientele seem to magically teleport between depending on the time of day. I suspect this was a classy place when it first opened – maybe it could be again. 5.5

Hogarths is a vast pub carpeted throughout with a large open plan area at the front that is sparsely furnished with some banquette seating and three high tables that look a bit lost in the centre of the room. On the left wall is a fireplace with large television above and opposite on the right is some panelling with another large television. The long bar runs up the right-hand wall and faces two seating areas with banquettes, tables and stools. At the rear are more banquettes and a couple more high tables. A flight of stairs to the left lead up to the toilets and some steps at the rear lead up to the Library that is a long and thin room with seating and a fireplace. Unfortunately televisions are found in every nook and cranny which detracts somewhat from the effort put in to make this feel like a traditional Victorian gin palace. There was only a handful of people in here during my recent midweek evening visit so I got to have a good look around, but I wonder what this place is like at the weekend considering its size and lack of anything other than keg. I’m glad I had a nose around, but I don’t plan on revisiting.

Large place with the toilets up endless stairs. Didn't think I was going to get there! All keg rubbish.