Leicester combines excellent transport links, diverse dining, and genuine character. For contractors seeking comfortable, practical accommodation, here's everything you need to know about working in this East Midlands city.
Contractor life demands particular things from accommodation. Fast, reliable WiFi for evening admin. Proper kitchen facilities to avoid restaurant fatigue. Laundry options for extended stays. A comfortable bed after physically demanding days. Leicester delivers on all counts—and offers rather more besides.
Why Contractors Choose Leicester
The city sits at the heart of England's transport network. The M1, M69, and A46 converge nearby, making surrounding construction sites, manufacturing facilities, and commercial projects easily accessible. Leicester Railway Station connects to London St Pancras in just over an hour, with Birmingham, Nottingham, and other Midlands cities equally reachable.
Major employers—from logistics operations to healthcare facilities to manufacturing—create consistent contractor demand. The result is a city that understands working visitors and caters to their needs.
Transport Practicalities
Driving is often essential for site work. The good news: Leicester's ring road system makes navigation logical, and parking is significantly easier (and cheaper) than comparable cities. Our Leicester City Retreat includes free secure parking—a genuine advantage for those with tools and equipment in their vehicles.
Leicester's bus network is comprehensive and affordable. The city centre is compact enough that most amenities sit within walking distance of central accommodation. For site travel, having your own vehicle generally makes more sense.
Need to visit the head office? London St Pancras is 70 minutes by train. Birmingham New Street takes 50 minutes. East Midlands Airport sits 30 minutes away. Leicester's central location makes it an excellent base for contractors working across multiple regional sites.
Where to Eat (Without Breaking the Budget)
Contractor budgets matter, and Leicester excels at affordable, excellent food.
Belgrave Road hosts one of Britain's best collections of Indian restaurants. Bobby's serves legendary vegetarian dishes at remarkable prices. Nearby options cover regional Indian cuisines you'd struggle to find elsewhere in the UK. This isn't tourist food—it's authentic cooking that locals have enjoyed for generations.
For variety, the Highcross area offers everything from casual chains to independent restaurants. The Case, a Michelin-recommended restaurant, provides special-occasion dining when contracts conclude or celebrations warrant.
After a long day, sometimes you just want to cook something simple. Properties with proper kitchens—not just kettles and microwaves—make extended stays sustainable. Stock up at the city centre Sainsbury's or nearby supermarkets and eat well without the restaurant markup.
Evening and Weekend Entertainment
Contractors need downtime. Leicester obliges.
Leicester City FC at King Power Stadium offers Premier League football. Leicester Tigers bring top-tier rugby. Leicestershire Cricket Club provides summer entertainment. The city punches above its weight sporting-wise.
The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells an extraordinary story—a king's remains discovered beneath a car park, now properly interred in Leicester Cathedral. The National Space Centre fascinates space enthusiasts with its distinctive rocket tower. New Walk Museum offers free entry to impressive collections.
The city centre has options for every preference, from traditional pubs to modern bars. Nothing excessive, but enough variety to unwind after work.
Accommodation That Works
What do contractors actually need?
Our Leicester City Retreat, in the EQUINOX building, ticks every box. Central location (three minutes' walk to the bus station), modern facilities, and the flexibility that extended contractor stays require.
Working in Leicester soon? Book accommodation that understands contractor needs.
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