Originally a private house that was turned in to a pub prior to World War II by Marstons.
I don’t think we will be far wrong to suggest that the pub was named after the Speedway track nearby on Melton Road.
When World War II broke out in September 1939, plans were already in place for an army of Air Raid Precaution Wardens called. The Chief Constable produced a list of ARP Wardens for Leicester and their posts. One for the Melton Road area was The Speedway Hotel. His post was located in the Gentlemen’s toilet.
I’ll bet there was some ‘piss’ taking in the Speedway at that time – typical of Britain’s attempts to form some kind of order, so underprepared were we. My father, who was in the artillery on horseback at the time, told me of training with pick axe handles and broom sticks, so short rationed were rifles.
Although the TV comedy Dads Army tended to poke fun at Hodges the ARP Warden, their actual jobs were very important in the smooth running of the country at war. They were to supervise the Black Out, (where all lights had to be out at a certain time, so as the German bombing planes couldn’t see a target), sound the Air Raid sirens and make sure everyone got to the shelters safely. The wardens had to be authoritative
Barry Lount
At some point in the c1970s Whitbread took over from Marston’s and the name was changed from the Speedway Hotel to the Fosseway. Entertainment became the order of the day. The amalgamation of two local bands that played the Fosseway – the Golden Hammers and Choice – were to make the eight piece hit factory, Showaddywaddy.
Showaddywaddy were amongst many Leicester groups to perform at the Fosseway. Another performer – saxophonist turned comedian, Roy Tilley – was a regular there. Roy though turned to male stripping and lewd comedy, which culminated in him being charged with offending public decency. That came about when he did a show, circa 1976, for about twenty women: unfortunately for him two plain cloths police women were in the audience. The media had a field day – exposing his private life even. Roy ended up in the Crown Court and was fined £100 for behaving in a lewd manner.
His show was obscene, but no-one was forced to go, I can’t say I was offended, but then again I was with a crowd and we thought it a laugh. Roy became persona non grata in the business after his shows had been raided a few times.’
Barry Lount
The entertainment died and the Fosseway was to extend in early 1980s with a restaurant, but by 1999 the end was up. It became another Indian Restaurant, called Indigo. Sad in someways as the Fosseway was one of only three Leicester pubs included in CAMRAs first edition of the Good Beer Guide 1974 for its keeping of Marstons beer.
No mention then of great times had by all when the place was regularly packed dancing and being entertained by Lee Douglas, hosted by Bill & Betty McEwen.
Only to pleased you have pointed that out Ray, covering which years?
Back in the early 70’s my husband and I used to go to The Roy Tilly Reviews at The Fossway, I was the only girl in the audience, much to the embarrassment of a large proportion of the guys. We were both Rockers/Greasers back in the day and I always had my leathers on. I used to talk to the girls in the ladies loo and there was nothing to offend the people there, they knew what to expect and it wasn’t harming anyone, but then again Magistrates have always been sour faced grumps much too busy trying to make everyone act to their version of decency.
Great comment Susan, I took my wife too,you knew what to expect, some people seem to like to be offended, Different times, to much wokeism now, thanks again
There was nothing obscene about Roy’s shows, I worked behind the bar there for a while. Does anyone remember the name of the Go-Go girl in the bikini who turned stripper later?