I haven’t been to the Bakers Arms in Blaby for a while. I remember the food, the menu being really good and the pub at the front is a lovely country style spot. It’s a tied pub owned by the Leicestershire based Everards brewery managed in partnership very well by the current proprietor Chris Smart.
Pub hours; Mon - Thurs & Sun: 12 noon - 11pm, Fri - Sat: 12 noon - 12 midnight
Food Served; Mon - Sat: 12pm - 3pm & 5pm - 9pm Sunday: 12pm - 4pm
I don’t think anyone could be disappointed with the experience offered at the Bakers Arms especially for the price. We joined the team for Sunday lunch and the food and service was truly faultless and wonderful value for what is delivered.
A absolutely gorgeous quaint low ceilinged, mind your head, 15th century thatched building with an oldie worldly restaurant at the back, traditional pub at the front, serving cask ales and over 100 different gin options. It’s decorated with a casual charm, mismatched cushions and homemade napkins all different which lend a “we don’t have to try too hard to be fabulous” “we do things our way” quiet nod to the proceedings. Like any good restaurant the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, but run smoothly and calmly with precision. They have a really well selected wine list which includes vegan wine and non alcoholic options sometimes difficult to get in smaller more parochial settings. If you are visiting the area looking for a global experience with genuine British charm it would be difficult to top the hospitality you’ll find at the Bakers Arms.
The menu on a Sunday offers a prix fixe, two courses for £24, three for £29 but with 4 or 5 starter options and 5 or 6 pudding options including a cheese board that is wonderful, (I’ve had it before) there is definitely something to suit everyone, even additional sides at £4.95 if you are feeling especially hungry but be warned the portions are generous and you might just find your eyes were bigger than your belly. If you order the cauliflower cheese get one between two, even three, they are massive and cheese loaded. It was the only thing we didn’t devour and not because it wasn’t good. It was delicious. We both thought we’d go for the cheese for dessert before we ordered and found after scoffing the mains we barely had room for pud let alone more cheese.
On the Sunday lunch options there is a choice of beef, lamb, roast gammon or for the veggies a beetroot and squash wellington with all the trimmings. You can even have a trio of meat if you’d like to sample a bit of everything. The vegetables were cooked to perfection and the Yorkshire puddings we couldn’t fault, light and crispy, the chef in the kitchen is clearly a very good cook. The only thing for me was the vegetarian gravy wasn’t the best I’ve tasted but everyone else raved around the red wine beef stock gravy which did have a lovely colour and gloss.
The puddings were the usual crowd pleasers, sticky toffee, apple and berry crumble, a chocolate tart or a selection of homemade gelato, which I can vouch for, it was creamy, tasty and exactly the right amount. Not too much after a big meal.
The wine was decent and affordable, half the price you’d pay for the same quality in other establishments. I guess that’s the benefit of eating in the local pub, even though it actually feels more like a boutique restaurant.
For the quality of the food and the service, the Bakers Arms have a fantastic offering, probably the best value for fabulous food in a beautiful country setting with charm and atmosphere, oh and great music you’d find anywhere else in Leicestershire.
The staff told us about taco Tuesdays if you like Mexican food and they also host themed psychic nights if that’s your thing but if not don’t let that put you off visiting the restaurant. For a local pub in the heart of the Leicester suburbs close to expansive farmland and rural life this is sophistication you’d struggle to stumble upon.
We take friends here from all over the world and guests used to London food and prices get a real surprise when they taste the food and then see the bill, a good shock. The kind of shock that makes you want to leave a big tip.
If you are looking for a job in hospitality the Bakers Arms are hiring and it felt like it’s a happy place to work. All the staff were smiling. On their website it says the first step to apply for a job is to email a CV to thebakersarms1485@gmail.com.