The investment in the Donkey, located on Welford Road, has been funded by Heineken-owned Star Pubs and ingoing multiple operators Ollie and Jonathan Wainright.
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It includes a new festival-themed garden aimed at re-establishing the pub as a major music venue, according to Star.
Contractors will begin work at the Donkey on Monday 3 August, with the pub expected to reopen by mid-September, creating 20 new jobs.
Due to the scale of the project, the pub will reopen first, with the garden set to open a few weeks later.
The external works include a full refurbishment of the late-1800s building, with new signage, lighting and a repaint.
Historic character
A derelict tarmacked area at the rear will also be redeveloped into an outdoor space designed for year-round use.
It will include a bar, a stage and screens, with around a third of the area covered by a timber-framed transparent canopy with heaters.
Inside, the refurbishment will retain the building’s historic character while introducing new décor, including timber floors, exposed brickwork and industrial-style finishes.
The works also include new furniture and soft furnishings, including booth seating and a log burner, as well as refurbished toilets and a refitted kitchen.
Other improvements include a new indoor stage and furniture, alongside an upgraded cellar with new dispense equipment.
Following the renovations, the Donkey will serve a street food-style menu including burgers and fried chicken.
Meanwhile, the drinks offer will include premium lagers, cocktails and barista-quality coffee made with beans from St Martin’s Coffee Roasters in Leicester.
Regular events
The relaunch will also include a new events programme, featuring quiz and comedy nights during the week and live music at weekends.
Going forward, the Donkey also plans to support local emerging artists through open-mic nights and other opportunities for performers to develop their live skills.
Star Pubs investment manager Craig Foweather said: “We’re delighted to be teaming up with Jonathan and Ollie to restore such a well-known pub to its former glory.
“They’ve got a track record for turning round struggling pubs and an in-depth knowledge of Leicester – they’re just the people for the job.
“Their plans for the Donkey are incredibly exciting, and the garden will be a destination in its own right.
“We’re giving the Donkey the works inside and out; it will be a premium community pub for the city’s residents as well as a superb music venue that attracts music lovers from far and wide.”
