Built as the Midland Counties Railway Inn, circa 1840 and named after the railway company.
In 1842, the victualler was James Waring. The Midland Counties name wasn’t to last long as in April 1843 a notice in the LC stated. ‘A Horse now at the Engine Queen St the property of Mr Hickling Northampton Street, will be sold next Wednesday unless redeemed by paying the expenses.’
The Engine stood on a large plot with stables and brewery. A slaughter house also stood in the grounds, with access also from Southampton Street.
In June 1857, William Willford of the Engine Hotel was declared bankrupt. The pub was auctioned complete with stock, f&f contents of the brewery including the ‘finest Kent Hops.’
William Kellam would advertise regularly his home brewed ales, spirits from the docks during his tenure circa 1876. Robinsons of Burton on Trent purchased the pub circa 1896, later to become Ind Coope.
Circa 1960s showing the Engine. Southampton Street can be seen in the background, with a massive fire behind the Victoria. Photo taken from St George Street.
Another angle, with businesses prior to demolition. The property was bought by the Leicester City Council in 1960 for redevelopment.
The licence of the Engine was later transferred to Howden Road.