Coventry has a range of pubs and bars which have come back to life after two difficult years for the hotel industry due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But things are back to normal and there are pubs, bars and clubs to suit everyone.
But what are the best pubs the city has to offer? To find out, we took a look at Tripadvisor.
The following have been listed as the top 10 pubs and clubs the city has to offer. Read below for the rankings.
READ MORE: Locals left baffled after Binley Mega Chippy went viral with millions on TikTok
twisted barrel
The best pub, bar or club in Coventry according to Tripadvisor is the Twisted Barrel. The vegan brewery and tap house is located in the village of Fargo.
The bar and brewery is described on its Tripadvisor page as follows: “Twisted Barrel Ale is a brewery and tap house located in the new creative arts development, FarGo Village. We offer a wide range of locally brewed beers, guest beers, cold and hot meals and snacks.
“We are a fully vegan company, which makes us probably the only cruelty-free brewery and tap house in the world! We also regularly host themed parties, rock music nights, quizzes, brewery tours and more .”
It currently has a 4.5/5 rating on the website. One reviewer, chatterboxmegan, gave it 5/5 and said, “My husband and I visited the Tavern this weekend. There was a good selection on tap.
“We tried the Belgian farm beer, the sour, the DIPA and the session IPA. All were enjoyed. There was plenty of space between the seats and we felt very safe.”
Aardvark
The second highest ranked bar is The Aardvark. The pub, located on Butts Lane, has an average rating of 4/5.
Sophie S, rating the pub 5/5, said: “Amazing customer service, very attentive staff, popped in with friends for cocktails and small plates. The cocktails were beautiful and well presented and the small plates were perfectly cooked. “
The Broomfield Tavern
The Broomfield Tavern pub comes third. It has an average rating of 4.5/5 and was particularly appreciated for the range of beers on offer.
Rating the pub 4/5, DaveyLS said: “I’ve been here several times and it’s an interesting place to say the least. It’s first and foremost a proper beer pub, with a selection of seven beers on tap, including some good ones There are light ales and stouts Impressive range of bar snacks.
“Ate my pork [scratchings] under the pleading gaze of one of the many dogs that often bask here. It’s cool with me because I love dogs.
“It always seems either packed or empty. Quirky overall. Gets the stamp of approval.”
The Milpool
Another popular establishment is The Milpool gastropub, which is on Hipswell Highway. It has an average rating of 4.5 on Tripadvisor.
Christine Jackson, rating the Milpool 5/5, said: “Fabulous meal, again, amazing menu with plenty to choose from, wonderful staff and soon to be very reasonably priced return service for quality food.”
In another top rated review, Jane E said: “John and his staff helped make a surprise birthday party a huge success. A great local pub with amazing customer service which I will visit often.”
Build the head
Rated 4/5, The Bulls Head in Binley Road is another of the best pubs in town, according to reviewers. There was particular praise for the “charming” and “polite” staff members.
Aimee-Jaye K, rating her experience as 5/5, said, “The service was really good, the staff Lee and Zack are all lovely here and they make us feel welcome, the food is always top notch. “
Ellie P said: “The service is lovely and the food was amazing, the staff are really polite. The staff that stood out for me were Lee and Zack.”
Gold Cross
The Golden Cross is one of Coventry’s oldest buildings and the city’s oldest pub. It was originally built in 1583 and has been a pub since 1661.
Although it has been a pub for almost 200 years, it still retains its reputation as one of the best places to have a drink in Coventry.
On its Tripadvisor page, the pub is described as follows: “The interior has exposed oak beams and is believed to have been restored with timber from the steeple of St Michael, when the pub was restored in the 19th century. The exterior is in the typical Tudor style in black and white, with jet upper floors.
“The pub also features a dragon beam, which is a large piece of wood, which allowed the thrown upper floor to pass around a corner. The pub is close to the old cathedral which was bombed during the war and who surprisingly remained unscathed in the attacks!
“So come visit a little piece of Coventry history that has remained in one place for over 400 years!”
In a 4/5 review, Thomas M said: “The Golden Cross is a very good pub near Coventry city center set in a lovely half-timbered building. The spacious pub is nice and clean, really a place to hang out. kick back and relax. You will find the selection of real ales to be adequate, in the setting of a well stocked bar. Good atmosphere, friendly staff, recommended for Coventry!”
HMV Empire
(Picture: HMV Empire)
Since its grand reopening last year, the HMV Empire has already hosted stars like Ed Sheeran and is hosting a series of popular events. As the city’s main live music venue and with a balcony/beer garden in the city center, it’s no surprise that the Empire ranks high on this list.
The venue currently has an average rating of 4/5 on Tripadvisor. In a 5/5 review, Paul M said: “Excellent venue, great location. Rooftop bar and balcony. Great acoustics and good price, best place for a gig.”
The arms of the brickmakers
Rated 4.5/5, the Brickmakers Arms on Station Road is next on the list. In a four star review, JPR said: “This was a splendid pub/restaurant for family and friends.
“Highly recommend as the food is outstanding. They do the best camembert cheese and a great southern fried chicken burger.”
Rating the Brickmakers 5/5, JandE551993 said, “Excellent tours and good pub food. Good atmosphere, tasty food. Close to station, 2 stops from NEC.”
Rileys Sports Bar
A sports bar is next on the list, with Rileys being named the ninth best bar in Coventry with a four-star rating. The site description on Tripadvisor reads: “We are your number one destination for cue sports in the UK; offering Billiards, American and English pool facilities. We also offer several digi-darts tracks for that you can practice your arrows and have 2 ping-pong tables!
“If you are looking for a place to watch the game we show all the sports live which you can watch in our fan zone which has a big screen projector and comfy chairs or you can watch on one of our many screens around Pool/Snooker We serve food all day and offer a wide range of drinks.
“We are proud of our sporting heritage and our mission is to give you the experience you deserve.”
Jack F said: “Good vibes, nice atmosphere, I was served by a polite lady called Emilia who made me feel welcome, can’t wait to come back.”
Trevor S added: “I have been to Coventry Riley many times for the pool and just for the food and have always found the staff polite and helpful, loved it so much I have recommended it to fans from my club Fulham who attended a few when they played Coventry before and after the game and thought it was brilliant.”
The Royal Oak
The Royal Oak rounds out the top 10 and earned a rare average rating of 5/5 from eight reviews. Scotrae said: “Three of us enjoyed a lovely relaxed lunch here, eating fabulous food from the Street in the Garden menu and served by Lucy, who was just fabulous.”
Lee Oliver said: “Wonderful staff, always friendly, helpful and available. Great selection of beers and spirits and always a bubbly atmosphere! The Oak offers a small selection of classic bar snacks which are expertly put together and made to order. ‘occasion (rugby matches) they have tvs on so you can enjoy a pint, free hotdogs and rugby with friends!
