10 quirky independent must-visit stores in Leicester's Lanes

A trip down Leicester Lanes

We took a trip down the popular 'lanes' and found some of our favourite shops in Leicester city centre.

Here's what you too can find in this quirky area of town.

The Vintage Scene, Silver Street

From Levi denim jackets to American college and sports sweaters such as retro NBL, NFL, Adidas, and Nike.

The Vintage Scene always have something eye-catching in their shop window that lures you in to explore their two floors.

The store interior is always very Instagram worthy with pretty displays, bright pink changing rooms and green painted mirror frames.

Some vintage stores can be a little overwhelming with rails overflowing and antique trinkets everywhere you look. It can be difficult to know where to start looking especially if you’re new to vintage shopping.

The Vintage Scene really know how to use white space to their advantage and their displays are simpler with less pieces on show, so you’re drawn to the individual garments from across the room, rather than having to search for hours to find it.

They’re a great starter shop for anyone wanting to get into vintage thrift and sustainable clothes shopping with their motto being 'Shop vintage, save the planet! Good vibes'.

Dollymix Vintage, Malcom Arcade

A one-of-a-kind vintage clothing store with men’s fashion on the ground floor and ladies on the first.

You’ll find well-preserved pieces from early 20th century gems to 90s designer. Pieces like Royal Marines jackets to folk dresses.

If you’re looking for something a bit unusual and certainly something that no one else owns, this is the place to find it!

Dollymix Vintage has relocated to this new premises in the Lanes, just on the corner of Silver Street and at the entrance to Malcom Arcade.

With their stock frequently changing, it’s worth a visit every time you’re in town just to see if you can grab something unique before someone else beats you to it.

If not sold in-store the pieces end up being posted on their Etsy shop but once these one-of-a-kind pieces are gone, they’re gone!

The Wardrobe, Silver Street

The Wardrobe offers a more 60s to 80s retro style of clothing featuring bold prints and colours.

They stock some truly vintage pieces such as their Adidas and Nike trainers and Levi’s denim jackets whilst also stocking current brands such as Motel, Rock Off and Native Youth.

You can also shop their own collection of retro inspired clothing and accessories which incorporate current trends, these are available to browse and buy on their website if you’re struggling to get into the store.

From dungarees to 70’s flower power and a variety of pin badges and merch from old school but still very much-loved characters such as Snoopy and Moomin.

Forbidden Planet, Silver Street

If you’re looking for somewhere to geek out, Forbidden Planet is undeniably the place.

Packed with everything from cute cuddly plushies to collectible pop figures and all the best merchandise from your favourite TV shows, anime’s, and video games. The second floor is filled with shelfs of comic books and graphic novels.

Their stock is always changing so if you keep checking back in, you may find something rather rare to add to your collection, at a steal price.

Kazbah, Silver Street

The go-to piercing and tattoo shop on the lanes with the friendliest customer service to calm your nerves.

Their bright yellow exterior and the group of shoppers who gather outside waiting for their turn to be pierced is what you’ll first notice about Kazbah.

What students especially love about Kazbah is their great prices for piercings and thorough knowledge which helps you to trust in their ability.

From the reception to the actual piercing, the customer service is very informative and friendly. They tell you you’re doing great even when you have a needle going straight through your nose!

Recently, three of Niche's staff got piercings from Kazbah, you can read all about their experience here!

Just… Fair Trade, Silver Street

The Just store opened in its current location in 2009 and now offers three floors filled with varying ethical and sustainable fair-trade products.

Their aims are to get people excited by fair trade ethical and sustainable living whilst showing the real difference our purchasing decisions makes to disadvantaged communities all over the world.

Just Fair Trade, strive to sell the best range of top-quality fair-trade products which includes everything from bags and clothing to homeware items and food produce.

As a result of the pandemic, they have opened their e-commerce website and now offer local delivery and click and collect options on a wide range of their products online.

Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe, Hotel Street

A family run business since 1988, Ye Olde Sweet Shoppe is as traditional as they come with their old school methods of weighing out their wide array of classic sweets and handing them to you in a paper bag. A bonus for the environment with less packaging waste!

Here you can browse and pick n’ mix your favourites from the retro sweets we all know and love, to the shops newer additions of vegan and vegetarian options.

The aroma really does hit you as soon as you enter, and the memories are sure to take you back to your childhood. To the first stop on any child’s mind when looking to spend their pocket money.

The Very Bazaar, Silver Street

The perfect place to shop for unique furnishings and quirky gifts.

The Very Bazaar is a family run business greeting shoppers with the scent of burning incense and magical energies for over 40 years.

There’s so much character in this little shop on the lanes, you’ll be sure to find something you don’t already own.

You’ll find a large assortment of items such as crystals, jewellery, ornaments, dream catchers, mandala-design bedspreads and art tapestries – to name but a few.

Be sure to keep an eye out for special sessions of Mehndi art in henna, Chakra alignment (a form of energy healing) and tarot card readings.

The Pantry, Loseby Lane

The Pantry is a vegetarian and vegan deli and coffee shop, offering a variety of healthy options. They even make and bottle their own juice smoothies.

Its been reviewed as the best place for vegan cakes and lunches in Leicester, with a modern yet homey interior and welcoming atmosphere.

The owner, Arti Chudasama has written her own cookbook titled, The Plant Based Kitchen which includes healthy vegan recipes from The Pantry to help the public bring more plant-based alternatives into their diet.

Mrs Bridges Tea Rooms, Loseby Lanes

Established in 1975, Mrs Bridges tea rooms is a great little café for everything from a pot of tea and scones to a delicious breakfast and freshly cooked meals.

Take a peek at all the sweet treats in the desert display or enjoy an Instagram worthy set up of afternoon tea featuring miniature cakes, macaroons, and sandwiches – what better way to treat yourself?