Staff said it had been a ‘privilege’ to serve the community
Mowgli was known for its signature fairy lights and swing seats(Image: Leicester Mercury)
A ‘lovely’ Indian restaurant located in the heart of Leicester has closed after seven years in business.
Staff at Mowgli Street Food, in St Martin’s Square, said that the decision to permanently shut was “difficult”, and one made after “careful consideration”. The restaurant opened in September 2019, and became known for its cosy atmosphere.
Diners were surrounded by the UK-based chain’s signature fairy lights when inside, and some could also sit for their meal on the brand’s signature swing seats.
The menu featured ‘street plates’, which included yoghurt chat bombs, Himalayan cheese toast, gunpowder chicken, and more. Its ‘House Kitchen’ section offered a range of options from the Mowgli house chicken, Goan fish curry, and picnic potato curry.
As well as sharing options, the menu also featured ‘Curry Companions’ which had roti breads, miniature popadoms, and Mowgli basmati rice, among others.
Chief executive Lucy Worth said it has been a ‘privilege’ to serve the community after closing on Monday, December 29. Ms Worth said: “We are sad to announce that our Leicester restaurant closed on December 29.
Mowgli, in St Martin’s Square, closed in December 2025.(Image: Leicester Mercury)
“This was a difficult decision, made after careful consideration. We would like to thank our wonderful team and our loyal guests for their support over the years, it’s been a privilege serving the local community.”
Ms Worth added that the brand remains positive for the future, which could include some ‘exciting’ new openings in the years to come, as well as refurbishments to some of its restaurants in locations such as Nottingham and Birmingham.
She said: “The future remains bright for Mowgli as we anticipate some exciting new openings in the next few years and look forward to the refurbishment of some of our older Mowgli restaurants soon, including our nearby restaurants in Nottingham and Birmingham.”
Recent reviews on Google credited the restaurant, alluding that it will be missed by people in Leicester. It had an average of 4.2 stars, across a total of 1,237 reviews.
One person wrote: “Great food and an absolute bonus to have a dedicated gluten free menu and a gluten free beer! Will certainly be revisiting!” Another diner wrote: “Had a really lovely evening. The food was fantastic. Raheem was our waiter and he was very attentive and friendly.”
A third customer said: “Really good food and really good service – staff were super friendly and welcoming.” Someone else wrote: “Lovely food, great atmosphere and friendly staff.”
Another added: “Raheem gave us excellent service. The food was as good as always. The menu is getting thinner with fewer choices but still good.”
A sixth visitor added: “Amazing atmosphere, lovely servers who gifted me a birthday cake, especially Raheem.”