One of Leicester’s best-known riverside pubs is set to reopen this month following a major six-figure refurbishment and transition to independent management.
The Soar Point will officially reopen on Friday 22 May, with a launch party taking place to celebrate its new chapter under experienced publican Michael Duke and his partner Sarah, who together bring more than 24 years of experience in the pub trade.
The venue has transitioned from Stonegate Group’s managed estate into a leased and tenanted operation, meaning it will now be independently run by Michael and Sarah through their company, MCR Pub Co Solutions Ltd, while continuing to work closely with Stonegate.
The reopening follows a major six-figure refurbishment, including a full interior redesign, new décor and branding, upgraded flooring, improved toilet facilities, a new sound system, refreshed outdoor riverside terrace, new gaming machines, pool tables, and interactive darts.
The venue will retain its well-known Soar Point name but will unveil a fresh new logo and identity inspired by the publicans’ other successful sites.
The relaunch marks a complete overhaul of the pub’s food and drink offer, replacing the previous concept with a new menu focused on:
- Gourmet grilled burgers
- Southern fried chicken burgers
- Italian-style hand-stretched pizzas
- Small plates and pub classics
- Loaded fries
- A dedicated wing menu featuring unique sauces, including roasted pineapple and habanero chilli
A new “Wing It Wednesdays” promotion will allow customers to enjoy wings for just 50p each, while a new lunch and drinks offer will target local students and office workers.
The venue is also aiming to establish itself as Leicester’s leading bottomless brunch destination, building on the success of the concept at the operators’ Derby venue, The Hideout, where more than 400 brunch bookings are served weekly.
A revamped drinks range will include rotational guest craft ales, expanded wines and spirits, and new products including Hooch on draught.
The relaunch party on Friday 22 May, starting at 7.30pm, will feature:
- Live DJ entertainment
- Free VK and Hooch giveaways
- Party games
- Free food tasters
- Exclusive drinks offers
In the days leading up to the reopening, staff will also be distributing 500 promotional flyers across Leicester city centre and the university area, each including a voucher for a free Jägerbomb.
The pub’s new vision is to create a venue with broad appeal, welcoming students, office workers, sports fans, families, local clubs and societies.
Live sport will form a key part of the offering, with the venue planning to go big for major sporting events including the World Cup.
The venue will also include a designated dog-friendly area and makes full use of its prime location beside the river and directly opposite a public park.
Michael Duke said: “Taking on The Soar Point is hugely exciting for us. After so many years in the trade, we’ve seen both the peaks and the troughs of the industry – that’s why opportunities like this mean so much.
“As a small, independent and passionate pub company, we love taking on venues like this, giving them a new lease of life, keeping people in jobs, and creating somewhere guests can genuinely enjoy with great value, great energy and something for everyone.
“We want The Soar Point to become Leicester’s go-to place to start your night and finish your night, whether that’s for live sport, great food, bottomless brunch, or just a brilliant atmosphere.”
Michael and Sarah launched MCR Pub Co Solutions Ltd in December 2024 and have since successfully taken on and revitalised several venues, including The Hideout in Derby and The Priory in Grantham.
Following the Leicester reopening, the pair say they plan to pause further expansion temporarily as they prepare for their wedding this August.
The Soar Point will reopen from Friday 22 May.