Long-standing Leicester music venue, The Donkey, is set for an exciting new chapter as experienced hospitality operators Jonathan and Ollie Wainwright have officially taken on the lease of the iconic live music venue on Welford Road. The Donkey becomes the third venue in the brothers’ growing Leicester family business, joining the award-winning Cradock Arms on Knighton Road and The Clarendon on West Avenue.
Having taken on the lease from pub company Star Pubs, renovation work is officially underway, with the venue set to open to the public during September 2026.
Following recent speculation about the future direction of the pub, the new owners want to reassure the community that their vision is simple: to restore The Donkey to its rightful place at the heart of Leicester’s grassroots music scene while creating a welcoming venue that everyone can enjoy.
JJ Wainwright, Co-Owner of The Donkey, said:
“The Donkey has been part of Leicester’s musical story for decades. This project isn’t about reinventing the venue. It’s about protecting its legacy and investing in its future.”
Despite rumours circulating online, one thing is absolutely certain, The Donkey is staying The Donkey.
JJ Wainwright, added:
“We love the name. It has decades of history, memories and affection attached to it, we would never want it to be called anything different. We’d like to reassure everyone that we have every intention of building on that history with the new and improved venue.”
Investing in the building
The refurbishment will take place over two phases, with the interior work underway before the full garden redevelopment comes later in the year. This first phase will consist of essential improvements to a building that has sadly deteriorated over recent years, and will focus on restoring The Donkey to the quality that its legacy deserves.
Alongside the major internal upgrades to the main pub, stage, backstage areas, and most importantly, the toilets, the new owners will also be installing a brand-new commercial kitchen to support their new food service.
Ollie Wainwright, Co-Owner of The Donkey, said:
“The work is much needed. Sadly, the building has deteriorated over the past few years and simply wasn’t fit for purpose. A modern kitchen will give us the tools we need and we’re developing a simple but really tasty menu of quality pub food that’s competitively priced.
“We want The Donkey to be welcoming and accessible for everyone. You shouldn’t have to be a huge music fan to pop in for a drink or something to eat. At the same time, we’re keeping everything that gives this place its character. It won’t become a themed pub or lose its identity. It’ll remain a genuinely cool music venue where everyone feels comfortable.”
Following the reopening, attention will turn to Phase Two of the project: transforming The Donkey Garden.
The outdoor space has long been one of the venue’s gems but requires significant investment. Plans are already being developed to restore it into a vibrant destination for customers to enjoy throughout the year.
JJ says:
“In the same way that we want The Donkey Pub to be welcoming, we want The Donkey Garden to be a space where you can catch up with friends, enjoy a great night of live music, or even stop off for a pint and a bite to eat before heading to watch Leicester Tigers or Leicester City.”
Listening to the community
The new team says they’re determined to work with Leicester’s music community rather than dictate its future. Much-loved events including the iconic Sunday Sessions and the legendary Music Quiz will be returning, while new ideas will be introduced carefully as the venue evolves.
They will also be working with those who know the venue and the local scene best, as local music legend Gaz Birtles, whose work was central to The Donkey during the much-loved Warren and Zoe years, is returning to help shape the venue’s future.
Joining him are his sons, Peri and Jordan Birtles, alongside Gilroy Guedes, who together have spent the past 15 years touring the world. Jordan is a member of Hard Life, while Peri and Gilroy are highly accomplished sound and lighting engineers whose credits include live productions on Glastonbury Festival’s iconic Pyramid Stage, as well as recording sessions at Abbey Road Studios.
Together they bring a unique combination of experience, technical expertise and passion that perfectly reflects the venue’s ambition: honouring its heritage while embracing the future.
JJ added:
“We have plenty of exciting ideas for the future, but we don’t want to walk before we can run. We want to listen to the people who have made The Donkey what it is. We’ll build an eclectic programme of live music, comedy and events, but we’ll do it together with the community. This venue has always belonged to Leicester and we want people to help shape its next chapter.”
Share your Donkey memories
The history of The Donkey has always been written by the people who’ve walked through its doors. Whether you played your first gig there, watched your favourite band, worked behind the bar or simply shared unforgettable nights with friends, and now the new owners want to hear your story.
The team is inviting people to submit photographs, posters, gig tickets, flyers, stories and memories which will form a permanent heritage wall celebrating one of Leicester’s most iconic independent music venues. The wall will continue to be added to as artists play.
Every contribution will help preserve The Donkey’s remarkable history for future generations.
Looking ahead
The long-term ambition is clear: to restore The Donkey as one of the Midlands’ leading grassroots music venues, whilst also offering a much improved, comfortable and welcoming new pub to the heart of LE2.
By investing in the building, listening to the community and putting live music back at the centre of everything they do, they hope to restore not only the venue itself, but the magic that made The Donkey one of Leicester’s most loved independent music venues.
The pub is expected to reopen in September, creating 20 jobs.
For all enquiries and to share your Donkey memories please get in touch at : hello@thedonkeylive.co.uk.
Promoters interested in hosting events at the venue are also encouraged to get in touch.
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