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Exploring Coventry’s Best Beer Spots
Today, I’m exploring Coventry with a tour of some cool spots. We’ll kick things off at Triumph Brewhouse, where they focus on eco-friendly brewing and craft beers inspired by local history. Next up is The Golden Cross, a charming pub that’s been around since the 16th century, known for its warm vibe and community roots. Then there’s The Old Windmill, which has been serving since 1451 and is steeped in history. Hops d’Amour is perfect for those who love a friendly atmosphere for enjoying ales. Other must-visit places include The Gatehouse Tavern, Gonzo, and Byatt’s Brewery, all adding to Coventry’s lively beer culture. We’ll wrap things up at Twisted Barrel Brewery and Spire Bar.
Coventry is a city with a cathedral, situated in the West Midlands, and it’s famous for its deep-rooted history and industrial importance. It was founded in the early Middle Ages and officially became a city in 1345. In the 19th century, Coventry was a key player in the bicycle industry and later evolved into a major centre for the British motor industry in the 20th century. Unfortunately, during World War II, the city faced significant destruction from German bombings, especially in November 1940 when a large part of its historic centre was wiped out. After the war, Coventry underwent a major reconstruction, turning it into a modern urban landscape.
Triumph Brewhouse
A short journey on the train to nearby Coventry. A short walk from the station brings me to Triumph Brewhouse. This is a microbrewery and tap house that opened on August 4, 2023, and has quickly made a name for itself in the local scene. Founded by Noel Stansfield, who has a real love for Coventry’s history and culture, the brewery is all about honouring that heritage with its craft beers, each one named after key moments in the city’s timeline.
They take an eco-friendly approach by opting for stainless steel kegs instead of using cans or bottles, which helps cut down on waste. Plus, they give back by donating water and spent grain to Spencers Trust children’s farm for animal feed. Most of their beers are vegan-friendly, with just two exceptions.
When you walk in, you’ll notice the open-plan design that promotes socializing while still feeling cosy. I had an awesome warm welcome from Courtney and the crew today; they really made me feel at home. They’ve got a fantastic range of beers, including some brewed right there and a bunch of guest options. Plus, the food menu looks amazing with sandwiches, cakes, sausage rolls, pies, and so much more.
I tried out two beers during my visit today, both brewed right on the premises. The first one was the “Brewhouse IPA,” which was super tasty, hoppy, and packed with flavour. Then I switched to “1919,” a malty amber bitter that was really enjoyable.
The Golden Cross
A short 10 minute walk brings me to The Golden Cross. This is one of the oldest pubs in Coventry, with its first mention as an inn dating back to 1661, though it actually goes as far back as 1583. It’s built in the classic Tudor style, showcasing three jettied upper floors and a unique ‘dragon beam’ in the ceiling. Over the years, the pub has seen quite a few changes, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it was extensively restored using timber from the original bell tower of St. Michael’s Church. In 1955, it earned the title of a Grade II listed building because of its architectural significance.
Back in the day, the Golden Cross was a key gathering spot for local groups, including the Golden Cross Philanthropic Society, which was founded in 1859 to help the less fortunate by raising funds for hospitals and schools. The upstairs club room has been a hub for live music since the 1970s. Plus, it’s conveniently located near several historic sites that made it through the bombings of World War II, adding to its cultural importance in Coventry.
This place has a super cosy vibe with plenty of comfy seating options. The walls are filled with interesting old photos, maps, and other cool stuff to check out. A delicious smelling food menu is offered Plus, there are four different cask beers on tap at the bar. I went with “Darling Buds” from Warwickshire Beer, which is located in Royal Leamington Spa. It’s a tasty, refreshing blonde ale that’s got a nice full body to it.
The Old Windmill
A stroll to the other end of Coventry brings me next to The Old Windmill. This is a historic public house with origins dating back to around 1451. Initially named simply “The Windmill,” it was renamed “The Old Windmill” in 1836 to avoid confusion with another inn of the same name nearby. The building is recognized as a Grade II Listed structure, showcasing its architectural and historical significance.
Throughout its history, the pub has been associated with the Brown family from 1931 to 1975, particularly Ann Brown, who was the licensee from 1940 to 1967, earning it the nickname “Ma Brown’s.” The Old Windmill features several original elements, including a fireplace that conceals a priest’s hole and remnants of its own brewery that operated until 1930. A significant renovation occurred in 1985, expanding the bar area and preserving historical aspects of the building. Today, it stands as one of Coventry’s oldest and most well-known pubs, reflecting both local heritage and community spirit.
Stepping inside feels like a trip back in time, and it’s amazing. The place has a variety of rooms, with the bar situated on the left. Those lovely fireplaces really enhance the atmosphere. The bar boasts an impressive lineup of 7 cask ales, and the food menu is top-notch, featuring a selection of cheese and meat boards. I came across a Kernel Brewery beer on cask, so I decided to try the “Bitter Simonds 1880.” It’s an old-school Bitter recipe from Simond’s Brewery, which used to be in Reading. What a great beer!
Hops d’Amour
A few minutes walk brings me to my next spot. Hops d’Amour is the first micropub in Coventry, opening up in May 2021 right after the COVID-19 lockdowns. It is housed in the former Singers Sewing Centre. It was started by local duo Gregg and Vyx Spencer, who always dreamed of making a cosy spot for real ale lovers. They wanted to fill a niche in the local pub scene by providing a close-knit atmosphere that emphasises great beer and community vibes.
The idea for Hops d’Amour started brewing in 2019, but finding the perfect spot took a while. The couple envisioned a place that felt like a living room, where folks could chat without the noise of entertainment or rowdy crowds. This concept has really resonated with customers, making it a hit.
Vyx and Gregg gave such a warm welcome today, and it was awesome catching up with both of you. The beer selection is impressive, with five cask ales and several keg options, so there’s definitely something for everyone! I decided to try a collab beer from Ossett Brewery and Vault City Brewing. It’s called “Fruited Pale,” and it’s a delicious mix of blackberry, plum, and vanilla that results in a juicy, smooth finish.
The Gatehouse Tavern
A few minutes walk brings me to my next spot. The Gatehouse Tavern opened its doors in 1994, rebuilt by the landlord from the shell of the former Leigh Mills gatehouse of the Leigh Mills Weaving Company, which was known for its silk, worsted, and cotton production. Martin McKeown, the pub’s landlord, has been a key figure in its development and has been running the place since day one. With a vibe that’s all about sports, the tavern showcases beautiful stained glass windows that pay tribute to rugby’s Six Nations.
Over the years, the Gatehouse Tavern has become a beloved spot in the local scene and even further afield. It’s been featured in the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) Good Beer Guide for 29 straight years since it opened. Plus, it boasts the biggest beer garden within Coventry’s Ring Road, making it a go-to hangout for shoppers and sports enthusiasts alike.
I got a super friendly welcome from Andy when I showed up, and it was awesome to chat with him. The bar had an amazing selection of 6 cask ales today, showcasing some local breweries along with a few from a bit farther away. I tried out two beers here. First up was “Blonde Star” from Silhill Brewery in Birmingham, which is a nice, light blonde ale that’s super refreshing. Then I switched to “Fallen Angel” from Church End Brewery in Nuneaton. It’s a rich, full-flavored bitter and definitely a solid choice.
Gonzo
The next place is around a 25 minutes walk away (or a taxi ride). Gonzo is a popular bottle shop, wholesaler, and taproom in Coventry that started with a mission to showcase rare and niche beers. It’s built a solid reputation for offering unique brews, especially those that use mixed fermentation methods. The founder, Anthony Akers, wanted to create a place that not only sells beer but also teaches customers about the intricacies of craft brewing.
But Gonzo is not just about selling drinks; it’s a gathering spot for beer lovers. They host regular events like meet-the-brewer nights, giving customers a chance to connect with the makers and dive deeper into the brewing process. They more recently expanded from just being a bottle shop and tap room to including a deli inside offering a rank of different foods and really adds to the experience of visiting this spot.
Inside is split into 3 distinct sections as to put it. Firstly the bottle shop which offers a huge range of cans and bottles from shelves or fridges, and includes a large amount of European beers. In the middle is the deli, if you’re wanting a snack, some fresh bread or more. The rear the taproom, with modern stylish seating and a very clean feel.
Mark and Sarah gave an awesome warm welcome this afternoon, and the bar had an impressive selection of 15 beers to pick from. There was a great variety of styles and strengths, so there’s definitely something for everyone, or just select something from the shelves or fridges. I chose to grab a beer from Holy Goat Brewing, which is based in Dundee. The one I picked was “Damnation IPA V4.” It’s a super hazy and hoppy brew made with Citra, Azacca, and El Dorado hops.
The Broomfield Tavern
Around a 20 minutes walk from Beer Gonzo brings me to my next call. The Broomfield Tavern, found in the Spon End neighbourhood of Coventry, has a fascinating history that mirrors the area’s growth. Spon was first mentioned way back in the early 12th century when Ranulf de Gernon, the Earl of Chester, granted parochial rights. Over the years, Spon transformed from a small village with common lands into a bustling urban area, especially during the industrial boom of the 19th century.
By the mid-1800s, as more people flocked to Coventry, land was rapidly developed for new homes. This was a significant time for the tavern, especially after the enclosure of Lammas and Michaelmas lands in 1860, which paved the way for more urban development. The Broomfield Tavern became a local hotspot, known for its community vibe and as a hangout for workers from the nearby factories.
This place has such a cosy vibe, making it feel like a home away from home. It’s warm and inviting, especially with the stove to snuggle up next to. The pub has a classic look, featuring a wooden floor and walls adorned with tons of photos and beer memorabilia. Outside, there’s a spacious area for enjoying drinks, with seating both at the front and across the street on a nice, quiet road.
As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted with warmth from the customers and the friendly staff, Claire and Angie. When it comes to drinks, they’ve got a fantastic lineup of 8 cask ales from various breweries, plus around 17 different ciders to try out. I went with “Hornswoggle” from Froth Blowers Brewing Co in Birmingham. It’s a bold IPA that’s bursting with flavor and has some awesome floral hints.
Byatt’s Brewery
A taxi journey now as the next spot is too far to walk. Byatt’s Brewery kicked off in 2011, thanks to Lee Byatt, who had a deep love for brewing. It marked Coventry’s first major brewery since World War II, filling a big void in the local craft beer scene. In 2014, Lee’s wife Shelley came on board as co-director to help with the growing business. By 2016, they moved to a bigger space, which let them boost their production to a 12-barrel brew length and set up a brewhouse bar.
The brewery is all about crafting top-notch ales using traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, with fan favourites like Urban Red, Phoenix Gold, and Coventry Bitter.
When you step into the taproom at Byatts Brewery, you’re met with a lively and welcoming vibe that showcases their dedication to quality beer. The place has a modern yet rustic feel, with exposed brick walls and wooden décor that make it super inviting. There’s plenty of room to relax, with comfy seating at tables and along the bar. Another seating area is available upstairs, and outside in warmer weather.
Mark gave a fantastic warm welcome tonight, and there’s an awesome selection of beers with six cask ales to pick from, varying in style and strength. It’s also cool to check out the brewery in the unit next door. I tried a couple of beers tonight. First up was their “White Mild,” which was a really nice and refreshing light mild. After that, I switched to the “Hummingbird,” a delicious session pale ale that was bursting with flavour.
Twisted Barrel Brewery
Another taxi ride back towards Coventry. Twisted Barrel Brewery and Tap House kicked off in March 2014 in Coventry, stepping onto the scene as a trailblazing “Pico-brewery” with a modest brewing capacity of just 60 litres. It didn’t take long for them to make a name for themselves, prompting a move to a bigger spot at FarGo Village in June 2015, where they upgraded to a 1000-litre brewing system. This change allowed them to ramp up production and diversify their beer offerings.
As the years rolled on, Twisted Barrel kept expanding, boosting their brewing capacity by adding another 3000 litres and enlarging their tap house to fit up to 300 guests. They’re all about inclusivity, offering gluten-free and alcohol-free choices while making sure all their products are completely free from animal ingredients.
In a spacious area with the brewery off to one side, there’s a big bar and serving area. You’ll find an impressive lineup of 18 keg lines and a single cask ale, which is fantastic to see. They serve food on the weekends too. Dylan gave me a warm welcome tonight, and it was awesome to chat with him. I tried out two sour beers brewed right here. The first one was “Mino,” which had a fruity, tangy kick with notes of apricot and strawberry. The second was “Denise Macabre,” a cranberry and cinnamon gose that was another awesome sour with some really nice flavours.
Spire Bar
A short 20 minute walk back into the centre of Coventry brings me to my last visit of the day. Spire Bar is operated by Dhillon’s Brewery and serves as a café and bar located at the base of Christchurch Tower. This tower is a well-known historical site in Coventry, originally part of the medieval St. Michael’s Church, built in the 14th century. It showcases stunning Gothic architecture and has a rich history, including its use for community events like bell ringing.
Dhillon’s Brewery started in 2015 and has made a name for itself as a craft brewery in Coventry. It kicked off as a local project focused on creating top-notch craft beers that capture the region’s unique flavours. Over time, it has expanded and become a key player in the Coventry community. In addition to Spice Bar, they also opened the Sky Blue Tavern, which is the official bar for Coventry City Football Club.
The interior is amazing, featuring the church’s stunning stained glass windows and beautiful ceiling. You really need to take a step back and appreciate how great it all looks. The outdoor space is much bigger than the inside, filled with plenty of cosy heated huts that create a wonderful vibe. When it comes to drinks, there’s a nice variety of keg beers along with some cans from Dhillon’s Brewery. I went with “Bright Eyes GPA” because it’s a light and nicely balanced pale ale.
Micropub Adventures 