We're in the midst of Christmas party season, and, once you have chosen your outfit, the next important thing to decide on is which bar, or bars, to visit.
Whether you're heading out with work colleagues, or a group of friends or family, there is a fantastic selection of bars in Leicester.
Here are seven that we reckon are well worth a visit:
33 Cank Street, Cank Street
If you're a fan of innovative cocktails, you'll no doubt be familiar with this brilliant little bar which has a feeling of old fashioned glamour.
Its regular menu is inspired by Leicester’s wonderful heritage and culture, and features the likes of the Old John Fashioned and the New Walk Sour.
There are also seasonal classics and unique festive specials including the Mince Pie Daiquiri.
This is made with Chairman's rum, fresh citrus, home-made mince pie syrup and shortbread!
The Bottle Garden, St Martin's Square
This botanical bar has the feel of an indoor urban garden, and looks amazing.
There's plants, ambient lighting and a variety of wall textures such as concrete and aged bricks.
It was opened last year by the Suffolk family, who own Outerspace and Utopia - the home and garden shops in Francis Street, Stoneygate, and at Wistow Rural Centre.
Cocktails served here have a botanical element to them - such as herb infusion, edible flowers and plant-based garnishes.
Spirits Bar, Hotel Street
Launched this summer, Spirits bar has a gothic style with a modern twist.
Eye-catching features include a statue of Icarus (the character from Greek mythology who ignored his father's instructions not to fly too close to the sun) behind the bar, a church window, and a huge, colourful lightbox on the wall.
The bar focuses on cocktails, with classics and unique blends available.
There's also festive specials, including Eggnog Surprise, The Grinch and Snow White (topped with a cinnamon foam).
Plus, if you fancy taking on a challenge, you could always try out the escape rooms - including a Richard III themed one - downstairs!
Haycock and Tailbar, Belvoir Street
Ssh - it's a secret! Haycock and Tailbar is Leicester's hidden cocktail bar, located in the former Youngs Cameras shop.
We love the fact that in order to get in, you need to ring a doorbell!
Christmas in Leicester 2019
Haycock and Tailbar only offers table service, so if there are no seats available, you won’t be able to get in.
Due to its secret nature, the venue has a hint of a speakeasy about it - heightened by the low level lighting inside.
The cocktail offering majors on the Old Fashioned selection, where you choose your preferred spirit, sugar and bitters, and have it smoked if you like. There are 2,048 varieties available, so there is plenty to try!
Manhattan 34, Rutland Street
This 1930s themed cocktail bar has a great atmosphere and a brilliant cocktail menu.
There are some fantastic festive specials currently available, including Deck the Beams, which is festive twist on the classic whisky sour, made with Jim Beam, Grand Marnier, lime juice and sugar syrup.
There are also Boughs of Holly, which is made with Suntory Japanese whisky, grenadine, citrus and cranberry juice and served on the rocks with a maraschino cherry, and Miracle on 34 Street - a classic festive cocktail made with Macallan Gold single malt, Cinzano 1757 and a dash of maraschino cherry liqueur.
1901 - The Turkey Cafe, Granby Street
In a gorgeous Grade II Listed building, The Turkey Cafe serves some incredible, creative cocktails.
The Christmas cocktail menu has just been launched, and features the likes of the Merry Cherry Christmas - made with Luxardo sour cherry gin, Disaronno amaretto, cranberry and cinnamon.
The Gadabout, Guildhall Lane
In Leicester's Heritage Quarter, this cocktail and wine bar is housed in a building which dates back to 1625, and even has a cave!
There is bar service and table service available, and there is a great range of festive cocktails to enjoy.
This includes Baptism of Fire - made with sherry, cognac, whisky, plum bitters, orange, and toasted marshmallow, and the gadabout version of eggnog, called 'Polar Egg-spress', which features boozy egg custard, bourbon, sugar, and nutmeg.
