Coventry is a city in the county of west midlands in England and is well known for
its rich history of industry. By the 14th century, Coventry was the fourth largest
town in England with an estimated population of 8,000. It was an important centre of
the cloth trade, and throughout the Middle Ages was one of the most important cities
in England. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Coventry became one of the three main UK
centres of watch and clock manufacture. In 1885 in Coventry, Rover produced the first
bicycle to include modern features such as a chain-driven rear wheel with equal-sized
wheels on the front and rear. By the 1890s the cycle trade was booming and Coventry
had developed the largest bicycle industry in the world. To this day, the bicycle is
called 'Rover' in Poland and western Ukraine. The first British motor car was made
in Coventry in 1897 by The Daimler Motor Company Limited. Coventry's darkest hour
came during World War II when it was singled out for heavy bombing raids. The symbol
of the mythical phoenix, which the University has adopted is a reminder of the way in
which the city of Coventry rebuilt itself after Second World War. Today the city is a
centre of post-war reconciliation. Coventry is also known for the legendary 11th
century Lady Godiva who, according to legend, rode through the city on horseback
clothed only in her long hair, in protest of high taxes being levied on the cityfolk
by her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia.
Coventry has won the title of UK City of Culture for 2021. For more details see the
event website.
Pubs
Note that pubs and restaurants are two different species in England, although there
are some hybrids. Traditionally, one goes to a pub to drink beer and relax with
friends. Restaurants are for eating. Nowadays some pubs also serve food, typically
nothing too fancy and not late in the evening. So, if you’re looking for decent nosh,
skip to the restaurant section. Tipping is not expected in pubs (but it is in
restaurants).
Earl of Mercia:
High street, CV1 5RE
This pub caters for an older clientele. It has no piped music. It is cheap and
cheerful and centrally located. They have a good selection of real ales and the
qualitity is consistently very high. They serve cheap food which is also quite
reasonable.
Phoenix:
122 Gosford Street, CV1 5DL
This is a lively student venue nestled in Coventry University campus.
Browns:
Earl Street, CV1 5RU
Browns is situated directly opposite the School af Art and Design. It has a wide,
international selection of lagers and it is popular amongst the arty set. They also
serve food.
Whitefriars Olde ale House:
114-115 Gosford Street, CV15DL
Whitefriars is real ale pub in the centre of Coventry. They have a reasonable
selection of ales, bitters and lagers, Pub food is available at lunchtimes throughout
the week. Used to be a favourite amongst Coventry University staff but has declined a
bit recently.
Golden Cross:
8 Hay Lane, CV1 5RF
This is one of the oldest pubs in Coventry dating from 1583. It is reputed to be the
most heavily haunted in the city. The structure of the building is typical of the
Tudor-style with three vaulted or ‘jettied’ upper floors. Handy location in the city
centre.
The Establishment Bar & Grill:
Bayley Lane, CV1 5RN
Situated in the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, it is set in the old County
Hall, which dates back to 1783. It was the nain courthouse in Coventry up to the
1980’s. The building is infamous as the place where the last hanging in Coventry took
place. Features from the old courtroom have been beautifully restored, including the
judge’s seat, dock and viewing gallery.
The Squirrel:
Corner of Greyfriars Lane, CV1 2GY
A clean, relaxing and comfortable place to unwind after a busy day. Tend to close
early (about 9pm) during weekdays, however.
Inspire Cafe Bar:
New Union Street Coventry CV1 2PS
A cafe bar located in one of Coventry's famous three spires. Quite small inside --
butthey have plenty of outside seating if the weather is OK. They also have a range
of snacks which are reasonably priced. The beer is a bit on the expensive side,
however and it only comes in bottles – no draught. The atmosphere is arty and
bohemian.
Restaurants
Coventry is a very multicultural city. If you are not from these parts, we recommend
you try some of Coventry’s excellent Indian and Chinese restaurants. It is reported
that Britain’s most popular dishes are the chicken tikka masala (Indian) and stir fry
(Chinese). However, we also have excellent Arabic restaurants. Tipping is usual in
restaurants (about 15%).
Oriental Palace:
27 London Road, CV1 2JP
| Tel |
024 76551533 |
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Our verdict: |
Excellent Chinese food at reasonable prices if you can ignore the outdated decor and style.
|
Turmeric Gold:
166 Medieval Spon Street, CV1 3BB
| Tel |
02476 226603 |
| Cuisine: |
Indian |
| Our verdict: |
Ranked number 5 in Coventry according to Tripadvisor. Highly recommended if you like spicy food.
|
Pizza Express:
10 Hay Lane
| Tel |
+44 (0)24 7663 3156 |
| Cuisine: |
Italian |
| Our verdict: |
This is a chain. Drinks are very expensive but atmosphere is good and the pizzas are consistently good (for the UK – not by German or Italian standards).
|
COSMO:
36-42 Corporation Street, CV1 1GF
| Tel |
02476 553 366 |
| Cuisine: |
Pan-Asian |
| Our verdict: |
Buffet style – all you can eat. Reasonably priced, friendly efficient
staff. Very good for large groups.
|
Aqua Food and Mood Restaurant:
14 The Butts, CV1 3GR
| Tel |
024 7622 9551 |
| Cuisine: |
Lebanese. Halal. |
| Our verdict: |
Excellent.
|
Bella Italia Restaurant:
4 Belgrade Plaza, Upper Well Street, CV1 4BF
| Tel |
024 7622 6811 |
| Cuisine: |
Italian |
| Our verdict: |
Reasonably prices, comfortable. Nice atmosphere.
|
Browns Cafe:
Earl Street, CV1 5RU
| Tel |
024 7622 1100 |
| Cuisine: |
Coffee & Various |
| Our verdict: |
This is a hybrid – part pub, part restaurant.
|
China Red Restaurant:
58 Hertford Street, CV1 1LB
| Tel |
024 7622 9333 |
| Cuisine: |
Chinese |
| Our verdict: |
Authentic Chinese.
|
Habibi’s Restaurant:
142 Far Gosford Street, CV1 5DY
| Tel |
024 7622 0669 |
| Cuisine: |
Arabic |
| Our verdict: |
Halal restaurant – very high quality food and well worth a visit. They
don’t serve alcohol but you can buy beer or wine at one of the shops nearby (which
are open late) and bring with you to the restaurant.
|
Thai Dusit Restaurant:
39 London Road, CV1 2JR
| Tel |
024 7622 7788 |
| Cuisine: |
Thai |
| Our verdict: |
Good quality Thai restaurant. Slightly more expensive than average for
Coventry.
|
