Merchant of Venice Blog

Dining guides, event news and stories from our Italian restaurants in Leicester and Nottingham.

The Merchant of Venice Italian Coffee Bar frontage on Granby Street, Leicester, a short walk from Leicester train station
Local Guide · 15 October 2026

Best Italian Restaurant Near Leicester Train Station: Granby Street Guide

A short walk from Leicester train station, Merchant of Venice on Granby Street serves authentic Italian food, brunch, coffee and desserts. Menu, parking and booking.

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The Merchant of Venice restaurant frontage at 19-21 Loseby Lane in the Lanes quarter of Leicester, near Highcross
Local Guide · 15 October 2026

Italian Restaurant Near Highcross, Leicester: Loseby Lane Dining Guide

Italian dining in the heart of Leicester's Lanes, steps from Highcross and Jubilee Square. Handmade dishes, coffee and cocktails at Merchant of Venice, Loseby Lane.

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Warm interior of Merchant of Venice, an Italian restaurant in Leicester city centre
Dining Guide · 15 October 2026

Best Restaurant in Leicester: Why Diners Choose Merchant of Venice

Recognised Italian restaurant in Leicester with two city-centre venues, Granby Street and Loseby Lane. See what makes a great Leicester restaurant, plus menus and booking.

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Inside Merchant of Venice at Patchings Art Centre, Calverton, an Italian restaurant near Nottingham
Local Guide · 15 October 2026

Italian Restaurant Near Nottingham: Visit Merchant of Venice at Patchings Art Centre

Looking for Italian food near Nottingham? Merchant of Venice at Patchings Art Centre, Calverton has free parking, a relaxed setting, brunch, dinner and Vantom Village events.

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Merchant of Venice gift card with a red ribbon, a Christmas gift idea for Leicester and Nottingham
Gifting · 15 October 2026

Italian Gift Hampers & Gift Vouchers for Christmas 2026

Give the gift of Italian this Christmas: Merchant of Venice gift hampers and restaurant gift vouchers for Leicester and Nottingham. Order before Christmas.

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A table set for a private dining celebration at Merchant of Venice
Events · 15 October 2026

Private Dining & Party Bookings at Merchant of Venice

Birthdays, work parties and celebrations at Merchant of Venice in Leicester and near Nottingham. View the party menu and enquire online.

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Wine glasses at a Merchant of Venice wine tasting evening at Patchings Art Centre, Calverton, Nottingham
Events & Tasting · 15 October 2026

Wine Tasting at Patchings Art Centre: Wednesday 11th November 2026 (£25pp)

Join us at Patchings Art Centre, Calverton for a guided Italian wine tasting evening on Wednesday 11th November 2026 at 7:00 PM. £25 per person, with small plates.

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Your Christmas Party Starts Here - Vantom Village Christmas Party Nights flyer
Christmas · 15 October 2026

Christmas Party Venues in Nottingham & Leicester 2026

Planning a Christmas party in Leicester or near Nottingham? Compare party nights, group dining and the Christmas menu at Merchant of Venice and Vantom Village.

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A margherita pizza, one of the classic dishes to order at an Italian restaurant
Food Guide · 15 October 2026

What to Order at an Italian Restaurant: 10 Dishes You Must Try

New to Italian dining? Here are ten classic dishes worth ordering, from antipasti to tiramisu, and how to build a proper Italian meal.

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A plate of fresh pappardelle with ragu, an example of authentic Italian pasta
Food Guide · 15 October 2026

Authentic Italian Pasta vs 'Restaurant' Pasta: What's the Difference?

What makes pasta authentically Italian? Learn the difference between fresh and dried pasta, how sauces are made, and what to look for on a menu.

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Red wine being poured alongside a plated dish, an Italian wine and food pairing
Events & Tasting · 15 October 2026

A Guide to Italian Wine for Beginners (Before Our Wine Tasting)

New to Italian wine? A simple beginner guide to regions, grapes and food pairings, ahead of our wine tasting evenings in Leicester and Nottingham.

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Nottinghamshire countryside near Calverton, close to Patchings Art Centre
Local Guide · 15 October 2026

Things to Do in Calverton: Vantom Village, Patchings Art Centre & Lunch

Planning a day out in Calverton, Nottinghamshire? Explore Patchings Art Centre and Vantom Village, then enjoy Italian lunch or dinner with free parking.

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A cup of Italian coffee, the story of coffee from Venice to Leicester
Coffee Culture · 15 October 2026

The History of Italian Coffee: From Venice's First Cafes to Your Cup

How did Italy become the home of espresso? A short history of Italian coffee, from the first coffee houses in Venice to the modern espresso bar.

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Latte art in a cup of Italian coffee
Coffee Culture · 15 October 2026

Espresso, Cappuccino, Macchiato: How to Order Coffee Like an Italian

Espresso, cappuccino or macchiato? Learn how Italians order coffee, when to drink each, and what to ask for at Merchant of Venice.

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Glasses of wine, an Italian-style New Year toast
Seasonal · 15 October 2026

Italian New Year's Traditions & Where to Celebrate in Leicester

From lentils for luck to a midnight toast, discover Italian New Year's traditions and ideas for an Italian-style celebration in Leicester and Nottingham.

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A romantic table set for a Valentine's Day dinner in Leicester
Seasonal · 15 October 2026

Valentine's Day Dinner in Leicester 2027: Where to Book

Planning Valentine's Day dinner in Leicester in 2027? See why Loseby Lane is a romantic choice, when to book and what to expect.

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A family sharing Italian food at a Mother's Day lunch
Seasonal · 15 October 2026

Mother's Day Lunch in Leicester & Nottingham 2027

Treat Mum to lunch this Mother's Day (Sunday 7 March 2027). Italian dining at Merchant of Venice in Leicester and near Nottingham.

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Shared Italian dishes on a restaurant table, the kind of spread diners look for among the best Italian restaurants Nottingham has to offer
Dining Guide · 27 September 2026

Best Italian Restaurants in Nottingham City Centre: The Merchant of Venice Guide

Ask ten locals for the best Italian restaurants Nottingham has to offer and you'll get ten different answers. Here's how to pick well, from Merchant of Venice at Patchings Art Centre.

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An intimate table set for dinner at Merchant of Venice, worth the trip from Nottingham
Dining Guide · 27 September 2026

Italian Food in Nottingham: Why Merchant of Venice Is Worth the Trip

If you love Italian food, Nottingham has plenty of choices — but every so often a meal is good enough that you're happy to travel for it. Here's why the short trip to Merchant of Venice pays off.

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Planning a day out in Leicester that ends with dinner at one of the best Italian restaurants in the city
Local Guide · 27 September 2026

Best Italian Restaurants in Leicester: Merchant of Venice's Full Guide

Ask around for the best Italian restaurants Leicester has to offer and the answers will depend on who you ask. This guide covers what to look for, what to order, and how to book.

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Wine glasses at a Merchant of Venice guided Italian wine tasting evening in Leicester
Events & Tasting · 27 September 2026

Wine Tasting Leicester: Italian Wine Evenings at Merchant of Venice

A relaxed, informative wine tasting experience built around genuine Italian wine culture, paired with dishes designed to bring each glass to life — on Loseby Lane, Leicester.

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The cosy bistro interior at Merchant of Venice, Loseby Lane, Leicester's hidden gem
Local Guide · 27 September 2026

Loseby Lane's Hidden Gem, One Month On: What's New at Merchant of Venice

A month ago we wrote about the little corner of Loseby Lane locals keep quietly recommending. Here's a catch-up on what's changed, what you told us, and what's coming next.

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A Merchant of Venice gift card wrapped with a red ribbon, the perfect Italian restaurant gift for Leicester
Gifting · 27 September 2026

Restaurant Gift Vouchers in Leicester: The Perfect Gift from Merchant of Venice

Instead of giving someone another thing to store in a cupboard, give them an evening to look forward to. Here's why a Merchant of Venice gift voucher makes a great gift.

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Elegant dining table set with wine glasses at Merchant of Venice, close to Leicester city centre
Local Guide · 27 September 2026

Italian Restaurant Near Me: Finding Merchant of Venice from Leicester or Nottingham

Typing "italian restaurant near me" into Google is usually the first step in a very simple decision: where am I eating tonight? Here's how to find us from Leicester or Nottingham.

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Elegant dining room at Merchant of Venice on Granby Street, Leicester, set for a wine tasting evening
Events & Tasting · 27 September 2026

Wine Tasting Evening at Granby Street: 14th October 2026 (Event Ended)

Event ended: our 14th October 2026 Granby Street wine tasting has taken place. Next wine tasting: 11th November 2026, 7PM at Patchings Art Centre (£25pp).

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Christmas in Venice — the Merchant of Venice festive Christmas menu postcard for Granby Street, Loseby Lane and Patchings Art Centre
Christmas · 27 September 2026

Christmas Menu 2026 in Leicester & Nottingham: 3 Courses for £36.95

Our Italian Christmas menu from 1st December 2026 at all three locations: 3 courses for £36.95pp. See the full menu and book your table.

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Your Christmas Party Starts Here — Vantom Village Christmas Party Nights flyer for 21st November and 5th December 2026
Christmas · 27 September 2026

Christmas Party Nights at Vantom Village, Patchings (Nottingham) 2026

Christmas Party Nights at Vantom Village, Patchings (near Nottingham) return on 21st November & 5th December 2026: festive 3-course dinner, live music, a magician and dancing till late, £39pp.

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Christmas at the Village — festive market scene at Vantom Village, Patchings Art Centre, Calverton
Christmas · 27 September 2026

Christmas at the Village: The Christmas Market at Vantom Village 2026

The Christmas Market at Vantom Village runs 6th–8th November and 18th–20th December 2026 — independent traders, festive food and gifts, right next to Merchant of Venice.

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Merchant of Venice gift card, part of planning Christmas 2026 at Merchant of Venice and Vantom Village
Christmas · 27 September 2026

Plan Your Christmas 2026 at Merchant of Venice & Vantom Village

One guide to Christmas 2026 across Merchant of Venice and Vantom Village — the festive menu, Christmas Party Nights, the Christmas Market and gift vouchers, all in one place.

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Colourful weekend brunch spread with fruit, pastries and coffee at Merchant of Venice Leicester
Brunch & Breakfast · 20 September 2026

Best Brunch in Leicester City Centre: Italian Brunch from 8am

Italian-style brunch, artisan coffee and fresh pastries in Leicester city centre. Discover why Granby Street and Loseby Lane are the brunch spots worth setting aside a morning for.

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Warmly lit intimate restaurant bar, ideal setting for date night dining in Leicester
Date Night · 20 September 2026

Romantic Restaurants & Date Night Dining in Leicester

Candlelit Italian dining on Loseby Lane, Leicester — the perfect setting for date nights, anniversaries and private celebrations.

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Golden Nottinghamshire countryside near Calverton and Oxton at sunset
Local Guide · 20 September 2026

Best Italian Restaurant Near Calverton, Oxton & Woodborough

Looking for Italian food near Calverton, Oxton or Woodborough? Merchant of Venice at Patchings Art Centre is the closest authentic Italian restaurant for Nottinghamshire's surrounding villages.

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Colourful fresh vegetable bowl, part of the vegetarian menu at Merchant of Venice Leicester
Dietary Guide · 20 September 2026

Vegetarian, Vegan & Gluten-Free Italian Dining in Leicester

Authentic Italian food for every diet. Discover the vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options at both Merchant of Venice Leicester locations.

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A glass of red wine overlooking a vineyard, representing the Italian wine tasting experience in Leicester
Events & Tasting · 20 September 2026

Wine Tasting Near Me: A Guide to Wine Tasting in Leicester

Discover Italian wine tasting in Leicester at Merchant of Venice — guided tastings, small groups and a curated Italian wine selection.

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Busy artisan coffee bar in Leicester city centre, serving handcrafted espresso drinks
Coffee & Dessert · 20 September 2026

Best Coffee in Leicester City Centre

Artisan coffee in Leicester city centre — discover why Granby Street and Loseby Lane are worth a visit for coffee alone.

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Sharing a pizza together, a family-friendly meal at Merchant of Venice Leicester
Family Dining · 20 September 2026

Family-Friendly Italian Restaurant in Leicester City Centre

Looking for a family-friendly restaurant in Leicester? Discover why Granby Street and Loseby Lane welcome families with a warm atmosphere and a menu for every age.

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Warmly lit restaurant interior, one of the best places to eat in Leicester city centre
Dining Guide · 20 September 2026

Best Places to Eat in Leicester City Centre (2026 Guide)

Looking for the best places to eat in Leicester city centre? See why Merchant of Venice is a local favourite for authentic Italian dining.

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Friends planning a day out exploring Leicester city centre together
Local Guide · 20 September 2026

Best Places to Visit in Leicester (& Where to Eat Afterwards)

Planning a day out in Leicester? Discover the best places to visit in the city centre, and where to eat once you're done exploring.

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Elegant dining table set with wine glasses, close to Leicester train station
Dining Guide · 20 September 2026

Restaurants Near Leicester Train Station

Looking for a restaurant near Leicester train station? Merchant of Venice on Granby Street is a short walk away, open from breakfast through to dinner.

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Family and friends enjoying a relaxed shared Italian meal together at a restaurant table
Family Dining · 1 August 2026

Family-Friendly Restaurants Near Patchings Art Centre: Where to Eat After a Day of Art and Adventure

Just finished a day of art, gardens and animal paddocks at Patchings? Discover why Merchant of Venice is the family-friendly Italian restaurant Nottingham visitors keep coming back to.

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Elegant pre-theatre dinner table set with wine glasses and a plated Italian dish at Merchant of Venice Granby Street Leicester
Pre-Theatre Dining · 1 August 2026

Best Italian Restaurant on Granby Street Leicester for Pre-Theatre Dining

Dining before a show at Curve Theatre? Discover why Merchant of Venice on Granby Street is one of the most convenient pre-theatre dining spots in Leicester city centre.

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Atmospheric restaurant interior tucked away on Loseby Lane in Leicester's historic Lanes quarter
Local Guide · 1 August 2026

Why Loseby Lane is Leicester's Hidden Gem for Authentic Italian Food

Tucked into Leicester's historic Lanes quarter near Highcross, discover why Loseby Lane is home to one of the city's most-loved authentic Italian restaurants.

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Fresh handmade Italian pasta dish served at Merchant of Venice, one of the best Italian restaurants in Leicester
Dining Guide · 26 July 2026

Best Italian Restaurant in Leicester for Authentic Italian Cuisine

If you've been searching for the best Italian restaurants Leicester has to offer, discover why Merchant of Venice is the city centre's home for authentic, tradition-rooted Italian cooking.

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Merchant of Venice Logo – Authentic Italian Restaurant Leicester