Good Beer Guide Ticks - #321-326
An afternoon walking the Coventry Canal Art Trail, a bus from Exhall to the City Centre and 5 Good Beer Guide Ticks to be gained in a City that I know little about.
This pub crawl was combined with an AA walk that pointed out the major buildings of historical significance.
Before we get to the pubs. A couple of photos from the City walk.
Old Cathedral |
New Cathedral |
Possibly Older than Ye Olde Fighting Cocks and Trip to Jerusalem |
The Council House |
The Earl of Mercia, 18 High Street, Elliswood Brewery Royal Standard
I was going to ban Wetherspoons from 2019 Good Beer Guide Ticking. I was mildly annoyed by their pro-brexitering beermats (my dad taught me never mix politics and beer) but was almost angry enough to take a horse to my local when they banned dogs earlier this year.
However, this one in Coventry is in such a beautiful location - with outdoor seating opposite the stunning Council House pictured above - that I was seduced against my better judgement.
Better looking out towards the Council House |
The Golden Cross, 8 Hay Lane, Adnams Ghost Ship
More like it - deeply impressive medieval building, right next to the Cathedral. One stray Luftwaffe bomb and it wouldn't be here for us to enjoy today. Inside, its had a gastro pub make over that can be described as tasteful. The beer? A definite improvement but nothing to write home about.
Golden Cross |
Makes a change from a picture of a pint |
The Old Windmill, Spon Street, Hogsback TEA
Here's Coventry's hidden beauty. Spon street has an amazing collection of Tudor Architecture and is home to a number of takeways, restaurants, one classic pub and the frankly unexpected Samoan Joe's Tiki Bar.
Spon Street By Night |
My Sort of Place |
My Cranny for the Night |
The Town Crier, Corporation Street, Closed on Sundays
Ahh.... I had the chance to be here before 6pm. Better research required next time.
No Cask Marque App Check In For Me |
Here we have it - pub of the evening. What a delight. A little tricky to find, its tucked down a side street and completely at odds with the other buildings along it, but its worth the effort.
As you would hope, the beer was top draw. Owed one by the closure of the Town Crier, I had two perfect pints, both served in their ceremonial chalices.
Inside, there's a friendly bar with plenty of pubby paraphernalia and good pub chat, with more space around the back. But this pub has a secret - the Donkey Box.
A little door to the front leads to a bar with two stools and enough room, presumably, to fit a donkey. Perfect for the solo pub ticker, who failed to convince any future punters who mistakenly came in to share the space.
If you only come to one Coventry Pub, Make it this one |
The Gatehouse Tavern, Hill Street, Bass
Not going to leave any Good Beer Guide Pub in the Coventry Ring Road behind, I make the short walk to the Gatehouse Tavern.
Not going to leave any Good Beer Guide Pub in the Coventry Ring Road behind, I make the short walk to the Gatehouse Tavern.
Night Falls in Coventry |
It's a sports pub - even when the only sport on is darts. In a feng shui disaster, the largest TV is high in the ceiling above the front door. This leads to the off putting effect of having every one staring at you when you enter.
Anonymity surrendered, I can only hope that my beer choice meets with approval. Bass seemed to do the trick - and it was a damn fine example.
Anonymity surrendered, I can only hope that my beer choice meets with approval. Bass seemed to do the trick - and it was a damn fine example.
Bass, Under the TV |
The end of an enjoyable and varied day in Coventry that exceeded expectations. GBG 2019 proving to be a perfect guide to a new city.
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