The Grand Union is a Marston's pub on King Street in central Leicester, a cocktail bar and music venue rolled into one. Reopened by Marston's in September following a full refurbishment of the former Vin Quatre / Broood site, it pairs an impressive list of real ales and ciders with regular live music, traditional pub games and a food menu that runs from a popular vegan burger to freshly prepared pub classics. The stylish, well-kept interior and family-friendly atmosphere make it a comfortable city-centre spot for both casual nights and live entertainment.
Leicester · Every other Thursday · Free
Grand Union Open Mic
Leicester's thursday open mic.
Open mic at a glance Grand Union · Leicester
Thursday
Open mic night
May 2026
Listed since
25 Jul
Last verified
Free
Entry
—
Sign-up time
Verified
Listing status
Run a Leicester open mic? List it free — verified within 48 hours
Last updated: 25 July 2026
Grand Union Open Mic — Quick Facts
✓ Verified activeLast verified
The Details
Everything you need before you turn up
DayThursday
Start19:30
Sign-up walk-in
Slot length–
EntryFree · all ages
Capacity–
Performer typesMusic
Sound engineerBYO / hire on the night
View on map
Where
Grand UnionLeicester
Leicester — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
Free entry for all
PA system provided
Walk-in sign-up
Music welcome
How do you rate this open mic?One tap, no sign-up required.
Spotted something wrong with this listing?Closed, moved night, different start time? Let us know and we'll re-verify within 48 hours.
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About Grand Union
About This Open Mic
Every other Thursday in Leicester
Kicks off at 19:30
Free entry for performers and audience
Slot length — we’re on it, no info yet
PA provided — BYO instrument
Part of the Leicester open mic directory
The Night
The Grand Union is a relaxed bar on New Walk in Leicester, known for good food and a friendly music scene. Its open mic runs twice a month on the second and fourth Thursday, hosted by Jack & Tasha, welcoming all genres and abilities — a warm, community-driven night that's an easy place to try out new material. Free to come down and play.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
PA + monitors
Drum kit
Guitar amp
Bass amp
Keys / keyboard
Vocal mics
In-house engineer
The Night at a Glance
How Grand Union’s Thursday night runs.
19:30Kick-off
00:00Venue closes
Every other Thursday Free entry
Find Grand Union
Leicester
Planning Your Thursday Night
Arrive early to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until late. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Leicester live music scene.
What should you charge for paid gigs?Most open mic musicians are ready for paid work sooner than they think. Check live UK rates by role, city, and venue size.
Try the Rate CalculatorCommon Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Leicester's Grand Union open mic.
Walk-in sign-up only, opens at . Arrive early — slots fill on the night. See other Leicester open mic nights for alternatives.
PA + vocal mic provided. BYO instrument and amp.
Slot length varies — check with the host.
Yes — free entry for performers and audience. Most Leicester mics are free; browse the list.
Solo and duo acts work best given the gear available; ask the host before bringing a full band.
Mostly fellow musicians, friends and Leicester regulars across the Leicester open mic scene. Leicester open mic crowds tend to listen attentively.
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