The Castle Grounds, Coventry

A Craft Union pub with several rooms, including one that is available for hire. Two hand pumps with Boltmaker on one (good enough, £4.20/pint) and a fruit cider on the other. Clean and tidy, efficient service. No outstanding features, or none that I could discover in a 10 minute visit.

The Castle Grounds is now a Craft Union pub that has set its sights on the student population of Coventry, which is odd because they normally target pensioners. This is the largest of this chain I’ve visited. The entrance leads to a serving counter that runs up the left-hand wall where it faces a couple of tables. Standard and premium keg were available alongside Neck Oil and three hand pumps. Two were in operation drawing London Pride and Hobgoblin Gold, the former was well served by a very friendly barperson. In a raised area opposite the counter to the right are some small seating areas and a pool table. Steps also lead up to the larger first floor where there is lots more seating. There was a poorly attended Monday evening quiz just about to kick off before I left, I got the feeling that this place is much busier from Thursday onwards when the students hit the town.

A very jumbled place, with multiple levels and areas and extending into the building next door. It has a sub-Spoons feel and is probably aimed at students from the nearby uni. The 4 handpumps looked promising but transpired to be just Hobgoblin and a Lilley's fruit cider with Purity Mad Goose and London Pride being off. Not totally unpleasant though, at least at a quiet time.

Fairly busy pub which is aimed at the student market. Only Hobgoblin on offer plus a Lilley's cider. There are also a couple of craft keg fonts serving Beavertown beers. I went for the hobgoblin which was OK. Glad I called in.