Cafe Chimini

Family. That’s what I consider Café Chimini. It’s my second home. My spot. My family.

For a very long time, the boys and I would come here, hug the guys behind the counter of what is now Leicester’s most beloved places for guys like us, order our usual watermelon, grape and mint, hang back and enjoy the company of our good friends.

Café Chimini is not only home to me. It’s home to some of the best customer service around. Mo, Faiyaz and Jamal would go to extraordinary lengths to make you happy. I mean, they really go all out. Once I remember, it was Ramadhan. We were just chilling on the comfy sofas, and it was getting pretty late. Now I’m not saying you should expect this, but just to give you a taste of how amazing these guys are, they ordered pizza for the staff for sehri, and they just came and sat next to us, offered us a few slices and we just sat together and enjoyed the final few moments before the next day’s fast began again.

They say you don’t remember what people say; you remember how they made you feel. And whilst I haven’t got a clue what we talked about; I can clearly remember how I felt. I felt at home.

And each time I go, whether it’s with Zainab, my mates or even on my ones to just get away and be alone, I’m always greeted by Mo or one of his staff, offered some of the recommendations, his wide selection of teas from peppermint to all sorts of crazy ones, to a burger or even my favourite, a warm waffle with my signature bananas and strawberries, Nutella, two scoops of ice cream and a cuppa, and given a great spot next to some heating and a view of the many wide screen plasma TVs that are dotted around. These often show some of the biggest games, and the vibe here is great when there’s a big match on.

I’m one of the guys who remembers when Chimini first came to Leicester. It was pretty basic at first. Not much in the way of TVs or furniture. But, with great customer service comes great loyalty. And with great loyalty comes the ability to constantly improve the place. This is so clear now. The boys, over the years, have invested in revamping the place, from modernising the till area so its more open with tons more space, it’s warmer now, there’s new furniture and fixtures, as well as an expanded menu. It's no wonder that Amir Khan came here to relax with his boys once - a testament to the quality and reputation of this place. I clearly remember the fanfare and hype about such a huge celebrity coming over with his boys and kicking back to some of Chimini’s freshest flavours, supported with the place’s renowned customer service.

It’s tough running any business. One of the things you often juggle is where to put your time (and money)! But at Chimini, it’s clear where the attention is. It’s on staff training, and great service. Always feel reassured that these guys have your back!

Pricing

Without Halal Honours Card:

Approx. £10.00 per shisha

With Halal Honours Card:

Approx. £8.50 per person

Saving: Approx. £1.50 per shisha

Travel information:

Uber

From DMU: Approx. £4

From UoL: Approx. £5