Win the ultimate Independent Leicester Weekend!

To celebrate the launch of the Independent Leicester website, we’re giving one lucky winner and a guest the opportunity to experience the ultimate Independent Leicester weekend!

The lucky winners will sample the delights of some of the city’s finest independent businesses and leave the city feeling pampered and well fed and watered… not to mention thoroughly entertained!

Take a look at the itinerary below…

SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER

10am: Arrive at St Martins Lodge

This beautiful Grade II listed building is where you will be spending the night, but don’t get too comfy yet! Leave your bags at reception and pick up the voucher we have left for you because you’re weekend is only just beginning!

11am – 1:30pm: Chocolate Workshop at Cocoa Amore

That’s right! Your voucher was for a chocolate workshop at Cocoa Amore! Chocolate Workshops are a great way to learn the history of Cocoa and the secrets of Chocolatiering. It’s an immersive experience in the art of chocolate making, this will give you the skills to recreate your own indulgent treats at home.

2pm: Lunch at James Café Bistro

Tucked away behind Highcross Leicester, James’ Café Bistro is a real gem. The cosy feel will have you as comfortable as you are in your own home… but no cooking for you! The only dilemma you’ll have is what to pick off the menu… we recommend the pancakes!

3:30pm: Treatments at Femi Health & Beauty

Once lunch is done, head over to Femi Health & Beauty and it’s time to relax! You and your guest will be pampered with a massage treatment… what better way to unwind in preparation for a great night ahead.

5pm: Head back to hotel for check in and to relax & get ready for the evening. There’ll be some treats from Independent businesses waiting for you in your room, including a bottle of bubbles from The Exchange, a goodie bag from Harriman & Co, and vouchers from SET & Pilot.

7:30pm: Dinner at King Richard III Pub & Chophouse

Head over to one of Leicester’s newest dining options, the King Richard III Pub & Chophouse, for an evening meal fit for royalty.

The rest of the night is yours – maybe you’ll head to The Exchange, who kindly provided your pre-dinner drinks in your hotel room, for a few more? Or check out any of the bar options listed on the website to extend your evening. Don’t party too late though – there’s still another day of Independent Leicester adventures to come!

SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER

Have breakfast at the hotel at your leisure; check out of room and leave your bags at reception to collect later

11am: Time to shop!

Head into the city centre and spend your vouchers!

SET is a beautiful gift shop where you’ll be sure to find something you never knew how much you needed it til you saw it! They have books, candles, plants, jewellery, cuddly toys and all manner of trinkets and treasures – it’s the perfect place to treat yourself!

PILOT is an independent fashion store, so is the perfect place to revamp your wardrobe with some of your favourite styles – and maybe branch out and try something new too!

1:30pm: Afternoon Tea at Queen Victoria Arts Club

What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with afternoon tea? Scones with strawberry preserve & devonshire clotted cream, finger sandwiches on farmhouse bread, a selection of cakes & pastries, all washed down with Bird & Blend speciality tea… sounds like heaven.

3:30pm: Private whiskey tasting at 23 Wine & Whiskey

Make your way over to 23 Wine and Whiskey for a private tasting session. Maybe you already know your whiskeys and want to try something a bit different, or maybe your completely new to ‘the water of life’! If you think you don’t like whiskey, you might find yourself being proven wrong by the end of this private tasting session. Don’t be shy! Tell the team the tastes you like and they will accept the challenge to find your perfect bottle. Who knows, maybe you’ll end up taking some home for your own collection!

4pm: Gelato from Gelato Village

Ok, so this one can technically be redeemed at any point over the weekend, but we think there’s no sweeter way to finish your trip than by sampling some authentic Italian Gelato. Don’t worry about the weather, their cosy interior will have you feeling all snug inside as you enjoy your final treat and reflect on the ultimate Independent Leicester weekend.

…Sounds pretty good, hey?

So what you all want to know is: how do I win this amazing prize?!

It’s really simple – just sign up to our e-newsletter! The sign up form is at the bottom of every page on the website, pop your email address in and tick the box to receive our newsletter. You have until midnight on 13 October to enter.

Terms and conditions apply – click here to read them.

Think this sounds incredible? Tell your friends about the competition too and maybe they’ll take you as their guest if they win!

All that’s left to say is… Good Luck!