On Lockerbie Walk in Leicester, Royal Leicesters is more than just a pub or restaurant—it’s a place where people come together to enjoy great food, a warm atmosphere, and a sense of community.
Owned by Rocky Zain, the restaurant has won the Best Pub Restaurant award at the Leicestershire Curry Awards in both 2024 and 2025, reflecting years of dedication, passion, and hard work.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Rocky bought the business in 2008. “It used to be a traditional pub,” he says. “We had pool teams, darts, poker nights, and sports on TV. We also served food, but it was more about drinks and pub life.”
Over time, he noticed how customer habits were changing, especially after Covid.
“People started drinking more at home, and the cost of running a pub kept rising,” he explains. “So we shifted our focus to families and food. Now, people come mainly for the meals, but they can still enjoy a pint if they like.”
The pub has kept its traditional charm. Built in 1972, it has a cosy, welcoming atmosphere and a garden for summer dining. The bar area has been converted into a function room that can host 40-50 people for parties, buffets, and family gatherings.
Picture credit: Rocky Zain
“It’s about creating a space where people can come together and enjoy themselves,” Rocky tells Pukaar.
Like many in the hospitality industry, Rocky has faced challenges over the years. Rising food and energy prices following the war in Ukraine and Russia made 2022 and 2023 particularly tough.
“People have bills to pay and groceries to buy,” he says. “Going out became a luxury. That’s why we focused on bigger bookings and family meals—it’s more sustainable and it works for us.”
Despite these challenges, Rocky’s focus on quality, service, and atmosphere has kept customers coming back.
“People will pay for quality—good food, good service, and a comfortable environment,” he says.
“It’s about making people feel welcome, happy, and well-fed. ”
Food isn’t Rocky’s only passion. He is also a professional musician, arranger, and composer, performing
Bollywood and classical music in concerts and orchestras. His 14-year old son is following in his footsteps as a professional pianist.
“Music keeps us going,” Rocky says. “No matter how tired I am, sitting at the piano relaxes me.
“Music and food go hand in hand for me. Both require patience, attention to detail, and love.”
Picture credit: Rocky Zain
Rocky’s entry into the restaurant business began by chance. Renting a flat above the pub in 2006, he helped a friend run it. When the opportunity to buy it came up, he took it.
“I love socialising and meeting people,” he says. “And I love Indian food—my mum is from Kerala, and watching her dedication to cooking inspired me. Food and music are both part of my life.”
Since taking full ownership in 2010, Rocky has built a loyal and close-knit team. The restaurant now employs ten staff, including chefs, kitchen staff, and waiters, who he describes as “like family.” Living above the restaurant also allows him to balance work and family life. His daughter Ariah is a key
part of the business journey. At 16 she is described as a very good host and the backbone of the restaurant.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Even though he doesn’t cook every dish himself, Rocky knows the menu inside out. He designed it and oversees the quality of every dish, from the colour to the presentation.
Signature dishes include his mother’s recipes and popular fish dishes like ‘Zain’s Fish Fry.’ “I can tell if a dish is right just by looking at it,” he says.
Winning the Leicestershire Curry Awards was a proud moment for Rocky. “It gives us a boost and shows that people appreciate our hard work,” he says. “It’s not about competing with others; it’s about doing our best and making customers happy. The awards also introduce us to people who may not have known about us before—they try our food and come back if they enjoy it.”
For Rocky, the best part of running Royal Leicesters is seeing people enjoy themselves. “When people leave happy, that’s the most rewarding thing,” he says. “I want people to feel at home, enjoy good food, and be welcomed warmly. That’s what Royal Leicesters is all about.”
Beyond awards and recognition, the restaurant embodies Rocky’s love for culture, family, and community. Music is always a part of the life here, whether through occasional live Bollywood performances or the piano in the corner used for practice.
“Even after a long day, music relaxes me,” Rocky says. “It inspires me to keep going, both in the restaurant and in life.”
Today, Royal Leicesters stands as a place where families, friends, and communities can come together. It’s a warm, welcoming space where music, food, and hospitality meet. Thanks to Rocky’s passion and dedication, it’s more than a restaurant—it’s a home away from home in the heart of Leicester, where people can eat well, celebrate together, and leave feeling happy and valued.
