Coventry's oldest pub that has 'cosy fireplaces' and is the 'perfect place' for a drink and conversation
As autumn sets in and night falls earlier, the last of the summer sun will be a mere distance. However, pubs across Coventry will offer cosy and warm premises alongside a delicious meal and fresh pint to end the week.
Some pubs across the city offer fireplaces to stay toasty, indoor bars, log fires, and terraces to make the most of the seasonal changes. Despite the weather change, you can still enjoy the pub atmosphere and its amenities.
One pub which is always worth a visit is The Old Windmill. It is located in the heart of the city on Spon Street which has three original fireplaces where you can relax on a cold autumn or winter day. The 15th-century ale house has kept the original features pristine while keeping the decor to a high standard.
Read more: Best pubs in Coventry to visit as autumn sets in
The premises is a Grade II listed building with a history dating back to the 14th century when it was constructed around a tree trunk. The original feature of the fireplace conceals a priest's hole, while the pub had its brewery at the rear until 1930, and is still preserved as a display. It was renovated in 1985 to expand the bar area into an open courtyard and a room that was previously used as a toyshop.
Bosses say when you step through the doors, you feel like you have 'stepped back in time' but also have the blend of old and new. A visit to The Old Windmill is an 'experience' where you can take a tour around the pub with staff and sample classic ales, wine from their collection or choose from over 35 gins. The heart of the Windmill is cask ale, with seven hand pulls, and offers four permanent and three guest beers.
The pub also has achieved a reputation for it's infamous pork pies and cheeseboards which are locally sourced, with cheese matured from the Somerset caves to the mountains of Snowdonia. It is also a multi-award-winning pub, as they are the winners of the Great British Pub Awards in 2022, winner of the best divisional pub for Stonegate, and previous winners of CAMRA's Pub of the Year.
Beer festivals are also held throughout the year, with live music and displays from the local Morris men and Coventry Mummers; ordinary members of the community who come to sing, act, dance and play instruments.
Take a look below at some of the food items on offer:
Sharing Ploughmans - Pork pie, 2 cheeses, cold meats, pickled egg, pickled onions,salad, artisan bread and chutney. £19.00.
Chilli Pork Pie - with spicy chilli jam and chilli flakes on top. £9.00 for whole, £5.00 for half.
Brie and Cranberry Sauce Batch - £4.50 with salad and crisps or £3.50 from the bar.
Pate Board - served with grapes, butter and toasted artisan bread. £6.75.
Charcuterie Board - a selection of cold deli meats, with pickles, mustard, chutney and artisan bread. £8.00.
Stilton Pork Pie - Pork pie topped with thick creamy stilton. £7.50 for whole, £4.50 for half.
The Old Windmill has a 4.5* rating on TripAdvisor with ratings including food (4.5/5), service (4.5/5), value (4.5/5) and atmosphere (5/5).
Lorraine T said: "Amazing building so warm in the winter with the open fires Have been in this pub so many times Lovely batches, cheese boards, lovely atmosphere, and quality drinks."
James said: "Have been to this secret little gem 3 times now just for the cheese and meat board, they have a selection of different platters with a variety of cheeses that you get to choose from. It’s nice to try different cheeses each time, the staff are fantastic and they refill the crackers anytime if you are running low, on top of this it is also an excellent place just to have a nice drink and conversation."
Katherine M added: "The most beautiful old pub I have ever visited. Lots of cosy books and interesting features. Incredibly wide selection of ales and still ciders, and divine local pork pies. The landlady was also really wonderful, telling us lots about the history of Coventry, and of the pub."
The Old Windmill is located at 22 Spon Street, Coventry, CV1 3BA. For more information about the Old Windmill pub, visit the website.
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