The Old Windmill, Coventry

The Old Windmill is a wonderful multi roomed pub on the historic Spon Street and is thought to date back to the 1580’s.You enter into a flagstone corridor, from which a number of rooms can be accessed and which eventually reaches the bar area. The bar was originally located in what is now a snug at the front of the pub and it’s intriguing to learn that the area between the current bar and the toilets was, until the 1980’s, a central open courtyard. There are rooms to suit all moods, from the lively bar area buzzing with a mix of locals, tourists and ale lovers, to the dark, almost mysterious front snug with its pleasant fireplace and range. The rooms on the right hand side of the pub are interconnected and the largest seating area can be found on this side, opposite the bar. The majority of customers were sat in here around the impressive central fireplace. There is a brightly lit room at the front left, which is carpeted with some nice wall panels, a lit fire and a tiny serving hatch. At the back of the pub is the room known as the brew house which is quite well hidden and still has some brewing equipment on display. Music was playing at a fairly loud volume which distracted from the traditional feel of the place a bit, but in the busier, noisier rooms it wasn’t too intrusive. On the bar there was a choice of Wytchwood Hobgoblin, Oakham JHB, Morland Old Speckled Hen, Greene King Abbot Ale, Sharps Doom Bar, Taylor Landlord and Theakston Old Peculiar. I plumped for a pint of the Old Peculiar which was absolutely spot on and a timely reminder of what an excellent beer this can be. A lone barmaid coped well with a steady stream of customers and service remained prompt and friendly. If you’re visiting Coventry, it’s worth having a wander down Spon Street to have a look at the lovely old buildings that give you a sense of what the city must have looked like before the war. The Old Windmill is a survivor and you’d be doing the city a disservice if you didn’t go and check it out.