Where the Cabaret Shines, the Music Swings & the Drinks Flow
Vibrant bar located in the heart of Leicester City Centre, nestled within St Martins Square.
Welcome to The Cork & Case
Our Story
Why the name The Cork and Case and the history behind it…
The building on Hotel Street, Leicester, carries a rich and fascinating story.
Originally designed to be the city’s very first hotel in the early 1800s, it even gave the street its name, Hotel Street. But when the developer ran out of funds, the project stalled. It was only completed thanks to public subscriptions from local gentlemen and businessmen, including the Duke of Rutland.
Ironically, it never opened as a hotel. Instead, the building became a luggage factory, producing fine cases including those destined for luxury liners such as the Titanic.
Fast forward to 1990, when restaurateur David Hartshorn transformed the site into The Case Restaurant and Champagne Bar. For over three decades, “The Case” became a landmark of Leicester’s dining scene. It was a vibrant hub for the city’s business community and a destination for fine food, champagne, and live entertainment,
before closing its doors in 2023.
Our name, The Cork and Case, reflects this unique heritage
“Cork” celebrating the pop of the champagne cork, a nod to the building’s long association with champagne and fine dining.
“Case” a tribute both to the building’s luggage-making past and to the legacy of The Case restaurant.
Today, The Cork and Case proudly continues this remarkable story welcoming you to the next generation of history. We’re bringing new life to Hotel Street with live music, cabaret, performances from local to national bands, and strong ties to our
Leicestershire community.
This isn’t just a venue it’s the next chapter in Leicester’s history.