Coventry Pubs

Ah! That name rings a bell!

The one at the Argos end was indeed The Thistle and if I remember correctly could only be accessed via a staircase at the end of the arcade? It opened in 1962 and closed in 1991.

Don't recall the access, 'cos by the time we got there, we'd done The White Lion Bar (Leofric), Market Tavern and Climax and were in no fit state to take notice of the entrance Later upgraded to just The Golden Cross which avoided having to move around town - there was a Gent's only room downstairs, but the room upstairs was mixed and always heaving They say if you remember the 1960s you weren't there - oh well!

Oh yes, the Thistle, ha ha ha - a small dark, dingy pub but a little gem nonetheless. Thank you for clearing this up so swiftly.

Oh my, the Market Tavern - I remember this lovely place from, again, the early 90's when it was definitely past its best. Still went in there though!

Does anyone know why the Golden Horse on Smith Street is called The Donkey.

I vaguely remember in the mid-eighties having a swift half in the Thistle before/during/after rehearsing downstairs in the West Indian Centre on Lower Holyhead Road, which I think morphed into Positive Image/Coventry Artspace?

Photos of The Golden Cross here

Is the Parkgate on Parkgate Road still closed?

I know it's not a Coventry pub, but surely a favourite over the years with Coventrians - just read that the Axe & Compass at Wolvey has closed Sign of the times !

I seem to remember that before it became The Thistle, it was The Steakhouse.

Yes, it is still closed.

Hi Tricia, If I remember correctly the Steak House was on the left hand side about halfway down the Arcade & the Thistle was where Argos & the hairdressers is now. Regards, creteskyblue.

Apparently, the Parkgate reopened last Friday. Does anyone have any memeories of this particular pub?

My best memories of the Parkgate pub were the guard geese that the landlord had instead of a dog.