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Episode details

Radio Leicester,14 Oct 2025,6 mins

Leicester’s famous flamboyant Turkey Café

Secret Leicestershire

Available for over a year

Leicester’s Turkey Café on Granby Street was designed by local architect and former mayor Arthur Wakerley in the British Art Nouveau style. Built in 1900, and now a listed building, it reflects Wakerley’s interpretation of Turkish architecture, with Turkey the country and turkey the bird both being themes woven into his design. As a tea room, the cafe was popular with women. Not only was it a respectable venue for gathering, but it provided a convenient meeting place to discuss the progress of women's rights. BBC Leicester’s Ben Jackson went to find out more with Leicester historian Cynthia Brown. Produced by Pete Wardman. If you want to know as soon as a new episode is available, make sure you subscribe to Secret Leicestershire on BBC Sounds and have push notifications turned on.

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