Riverside Views and Student Vibes: Run The Soar Point in Leicester
Few pubs capture the spirit of Leicester quite like The Soar Point.
Perfectly positioned on the banks of the River Soar and right next to De Montfort University, this landmark pub brings together the best of city-centre energy, riverside charm, and warm community spirit. It’s where students, locals, and visitors meet — for food, sport, and the simple joy of good company in a great setting.
For an ambitious operator, this is a rare opportunity to take on one of Leicester’s most recognisable venues and make it their own — building on strong existing trade and a loyal customer base while bringing new ideas and creativity to one of the city’s most popular riverside pubs.
A pub with personality and presence
Set on the edge of the city centre, The Soar Point enjoys an enviable position overlooking the river — giving it both curb appeal and a built-in sense of place.
The spacious balcony terrace is the star of the show: a suntrap spot with 50 covers where guests can relax with a drink or meal while taking in the water views. Inside, the open-plan layout seats around 120 guests, offering flexibility for all-day trade — from casual lunches and study sessions to evening get-togethers and weekend events.
With pool tables, multiple screens showing Sky and BT Sport, and a lively atmosphere, it’s a place where there’s always something happening. Whether it’s a midweek quiz, a student social, or a big match day, The Soar Point offers an environment that’s fun, friendly, and unmistakably Leicester.
At the heart of Leicester’s social scene
The pub’s location is one of its greatest strengths. Sitting between De Montfort University and the River Soar, it attracts a broad, reliable customer base:
Students and university staff during the day and evening.
Locals and city workers popping in for lunch or after-work drinks.
Visitors and tourists exploring the riverside and cultural quarter.
That mix keeps The Soar Point busy throughout the week — making it a true all-day, all-week venue.
It’s within walking distance of Leicester city centre, Highcross Shopping Centre, and King Power Stadium, ensuring steady weekend traffic, while nearby residential areas and university halls add consistency and community all year round.
The perfect blend of comfort and energy
What makes The Soar Point so appealing is its ability to be both relaxed and lively.
During the day, it’s a welcoming spot for brunch, study sessions, or riverside lunches. As the sun sets, it transforms into a vibrant social hub, filled with laughter, music, and the buzz of Leicester nightlife.
The versatile layout supports that dual identity — with open seating areas for dining and socialising, plus defined zones for sport, events, and entertainment. The atmosphere is friendly, accessible, and full of personality, giving it wide appeal across age groups and interests.
Opportunities for growth
While The Soar Point already enjoys strong trade and an excellent local reputation, there’s still huge scope for growth under the right operator.
Potential areas to develop include:
Events and live entertainment: expanding student nights, quiz themes, or live acoustic sessions.
Food and drink innovation: enhancing the current offer with fresh menus, local sourcing, or new categories like brunch or craft beer.
Seasonal activations: making the most of the balcony terrace for summer events, sport screenings, and community gatherings.
Digital and social media marketing: building visibility and loyalty among students and young professionals through engaging, local-first content.
With its prime riverside setting and built-in audience, The Soar Point has all the ingredients for success — it just needs a passionate publican to continue the momentum and put their own stamp on it.
Who we’re looking for
This is a role for a hands-on, energetic operator who thrives on atmosphere and connection.
You’ll be:
Experienced in busy, all-day venues, ideally with a background in student or community pubs.
Creative and adaptable, able to build on an established rhythm of the week with new ideas and activations.
Marketing-savvy, confident using digital channels to attract students and locals alike.
A people person, with the ability to engage customers, motivate staff, and create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.
Operationally sharp, maintaining consistency in service, quality, and profitability.
For the right operator, this is more than a pub — it’s a social hub with the space, location, and potential to become Leicester’s go-to riverside destination.
Why Leicester?
Leicester is a city full of life, culture, and opportunity — and The Soar Point sits right at its heart.
As a university city, it offers a steady stream of students who bring energy and creativity year-round. The riverside setting provides natural charm, while the proximity to the city centre ensures strong weekend trade and constant visibility.
Leicester’s hospitality scene is thriving, with a mix of independents and national operators helping create a vibrant, competitive market. The Soar Point’s established reputation and flexible layout make it ideally placed to stand out as a flagship social venue that captures the city’s spirit.
A regional manager’s view
“The Soar Point is one of those pubs that just works,” says the Regional Manager.
“It’s got the location, the atmosphere, and the versatility to cater to everyone — students, locals, and visitors. The riverside views give it that bit of magic, and the community connection keeps people coming back.”
They add:
“For the right operator, this is a dream opportunity. The pub already performs well, but there’s so much more potential here — especially for someone who loves events, creativity, and being at the centre of a lively, social scene.”
Why The Soar Point stands out
Prime riverside location overlooking the River Soar.
Strong, consistent trade from students, locals, and visitors.
Spacious layout — seating for 120 inside and 50 outside on the balcony.
Established food, sport, and event offer with room to grow.
Hands-on, energetic role with scope for creativity and innovation.
A truly iconic Leicester venue ready for its next chapter.