"Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after."
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
- Anne Morrow Lindbergh
We believe that Leicester deserves to enjoy the aromatic, gourmet flavours of authentic Italian coffee, ice cream, pastries, salads and more… So prepare to step onto the stage of the city's most imaginative new coffee adventure at 173-175 Granby Street, Leicester, LE1 6FE and 19-21 Loseby Lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR.
Because, nearly 500 years since the Venetians became the first to embrace café life, we've created a special space that's inspired by Shakespeare's classic tale.
It's for the cognoscenti.
It's for everyone who appreciates that barista is an Italian word!
(Manager)
The history of coffee in Europe began in Venice. In fact, historical documents reveal that the ambassador in Constantinople, Gianfrancesco Morosini, was the first European to mention the word 'coffee', in a report to the senate of Venice in 1585.
Credit for this was given to the Venetian merchants. They followed the sea routes that linked the far east with Venice and Naples, bringing the first bags of coffee into Venice.
Some ancient papers dated from the early 1600s testify that coffee was initially very expensive and considered a valuable medicine (prepared as infusion with powder of roasted coffee beans).
Towards the end of the century, the infusion of coffee became so popular and required by the people, and the senate issued an order for they were procured and imported larger quantities of coffee for the City of Venice.
Then a momentous event happened in 1683: the first-ever 'coffee shop' opened in Piazza San Marco. It began an unstoppable phenomenon with dozens of coffee shops soon opening. These were both commercial and meeting places for intellectuals, academics, politicians, students, artists and ordinary people. Interiors resembled comfortable living rooms with large coffee tables.
As Antonio Lamberti describes in 1802: "The Café had become the house of people of all classes, of all ages, of all social conditions. The rooms were modest, unadorned, no glass windows, badly lit by a flickering light and uncertain. But like in a breath of elegance and pleasure, wearing charming clothes, the glad crowd inside the dark rooms was divided into little noisy groups where hard gossip and rampant backbiting flourished."
Centuries later, the entire world understands the pleasure of spending relaxed time in their own favourite coffee shop.
And we hope The Merchant of Venice will soon be yours, too.
Click here to view the Party Menu
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Merchant of Venice is known for its authentic Italian cuisine, handcrafted coffee, artisan desserts and elegant Venetian-inspired interiors, making it one of the most popular Italian restaurants in Leicester city centre.
Merchant of Venice Nottingham at Patchings Art Centre offers authentic Italian food, fresh coffee, brunch, desserts and a relaxing dining atmosphere inspired by traditional Italian café culture.
Yes, Merchant of Venice serves Italian-style brunch, breakfast, gourmet coffee, pastries and freshly prepared dishes throughout the day at its Leicester locations.
Merchant of Venice offers a wide selection of Italian dishes including pasta, pizza, salads, desserts, pastries, coffee, brunch and vegetarian-friendly options.
Yes, Merchant of Venice provides a welcoming and family-friendly dining experience with comfortable seating, spacious interiors and menu options suitable for all ages.
Yes, Merchant of Venice offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options across its menu at both Leicester and Nottingham locations.
Yes, customers can reserve tables online or contact Merchant of Venice directly for bookings at Leicester and Nottingham branches.
Merchant of Venice has two Leicester city centre locations at Granby Street and Loseby Lane, offering authentic Italian dining, coffee and desserts in beautifully designed interiors.
Customers choose Merchant of Venice for its unique interior design, authentic Italian flavours, relaxing atmosphere and highly rated dining experience in Leicester city centre.
Yes, Merchant of Venice is popular for its authentic Italian coffee, artisan pastries, cakes, desserts and gelato-inspired café experience.
