Shopping in Leicester

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• Uncover the story - Who doesn’t love shopping, whether that’s browsing market stalls or splashing out on a pair of designer heels? It’s always been an important part of life in Leicester, from the Roman market hall, or macellum, on what is now Highcross Street, to 21st century shopping mecca Highcross Leicester. <hr> Over the past 700 years, markets were scattered throughout the city, from Eastgate to Loseby Lane, and at the junction of Highcross Street and High Street, where medieval traders would shelter beneath the 8-pillared High Cross. <hr> Today, visitors to Leicester Market – said to be one of Europe’s largest outdoor covered markets – can buy anything from clothes and flowers to fruit and fish, while High Street shoppers will see the one remaining High Cross pillar standing proud in its original spot. They’ll also see evidence of Victorian wealth etched into grand façades decorated by ornate sculptures, art nouveau features and colourful tiles. <hr> In the Old Town cherubs gaze upon shoppers entering the 19th century Silver Arcade, and The Lanes offers visitors a meander through the city’s quirkiest corner. Dip in and out of independent galleries, gift shops, clothing and homeware stores, before pausing for refreshments. An array of restaurants offers everything from Indian street food to South American cantina-style small plates, and drinks can be sipped in Champagne and cocktail bars, traditional pubs, cafés or tea rooms.<hr> The former East Gates Coffee House, founded by Temperance Movement supporter Thomas Cook, still offers fresh brews, with this 19th century building now a contemporary café. Famous as the father of modern tourism, Cook’s first trip left Leicester in 1841, and the Thomas Cook building, on the shopping street of Gallowtree Gate, features relief panels telling his story. Another striking building is the flamboyant Turkey Café, where in contrast to Cook’s anti-alcohol stance, an espresso martini is a post-shopping pick-me-up.<hr> Highcross Leicester brings shopping bang up to date, with flagship store John Lewis’ stunning façade reflecting the city’s textiles heritage. A real hay market in its day, the Haymarket Shopping Centre has an eclectic mix of stores, and together the pair offer something for everyone, all within a stone’s throw of Leicester’s original Roman macellum.<hr>