The Phoenix, Coventry

Busy student bar in an interesting-looking street-corner building also housing the Dark Room club. However, nothing much left to see within the opened-out 'L'-shaped interior. Semi-modern furniture and decor, with relatively loud music in competition with the sports TV screens. Patio beer garden off to one side. Typical Stonegate menu. Four handpumps on the counter, dispensing the 'house' Phoenix Gold, Hogs Back TEA, Bullmastiff Welsh Red (£3.95) and Hogfather cider. Also has five anonymous but numbered craft keg taps that you have to check a chalkboard to decipher.

The is a detached corner pub, now a part of the Scream chain of student bars. It was opened some time around 1910 when the road was cut through the create the cross roads. The rounded shaped pub has glazed brick lower and grey rendered upper frontage with an entablature. The interior is an open plan room and I do believe the upstairs is used too. The décor is white, red, green and brick with a wood floor. The TVs had footy and sport on, the music was charty and loud, the service was fine and yes, the clientele was student. They do food but I didn't eat. Beer; usual tap stuff with Hobgoblin, Robinson's Trooper, Spekky Hen and Everard's Sunchaser on handpull. The Sunshine was fine. Student place that was getting louder at our visit, be warned.