Coventry Pubs

Whilst stopping to view and photograph the Massey Ferguson plaque on Bannerbrook Park, we noticed the new public house on the estate, called "The Penny Farthing" - wasn't there last time, and we both commented on what a strange choice of name, given the history of the site Just done a search on Google and found this in the "Coventry Telegraph" pages, which says it all "Your correspondent Mrs M Pollard (Letters, June 15) is right to query the choice of name for the new pub being built at Bannerbrook Park, on the former site of the Massey Ferguson factory. The name Penny Farthing may well recall Coventry's cycle-making heritage but, if Marston's Brewery had spoken to anyone locally before choosing the name, they would quickly have identified that this is not at all relevant to the site they occupy. There is an excellent and hard-working residents' association at Bannerbrook Park which would have been delighted to solicit local views on the subject, had they been asked. My own suggestion would have been The Little Grey Tractor, in honour of the much-loved Fergie which exported a little bit of Coventry around the world in the immediate post-war years. It is high time that developers listened to the community when naming their schemes, and like Mrs Pollard I feel that the brewery has missed an opportunity to work with local people, particularly in view of the opposition to their plans from many nearby residents. Instead they have chosen a name which seems to have been picked at random by a focus group at Marston's HQ in Wolverhampton. Councillor Steven Thomas, (Lab, Woodlands), Coventry City Council. Not sure if Marston responded

So sad to read talk of the impending demolition of the Rocket. I was landlord there from 1988 to early 1991 and have many fond memories of great times and great people. Contrary to a previous post suggesting the place was not up to scratch for "decades" it certainly wasn't like that back then and I felt lucky at the time to be there. Such an eclectic mix of people - wonderful wonderful regular locals, with such great generosity and humour - the way they looked out for and looked after "Albert" was legendary- office folk at lunchtime and "early doors" , Students , people popping by before or after a train journey, groups of tradesmen from around the UK staying in local B&B's whilst working on a contract and adopting the Rocket as their temporary local, and finally the footie fans on Saturdays arriving by train who were never a problem if you actually spoke to them ! So much variety and so many stories and rarely any problems My sons were young and also have great memories - being allowed downstairs on Christmas mornings to experience the fantastic community atmosphere - my youngest was actually born whilst we were there and there was much wetting of the babies head I had lost track over the years but did hear of its change in reputation, saddened by my old locals reasons for seeking elsewhere - that was their choice but it seems that choice will no longer be an option and that lovely photo from the 1890's just seems even more poignant. Bill

Good morning BillR, & welcome to our forum. A sad event now, where you have such memories from your direct involvement. We do hope you will at least enjoy your time with us on our forum, as we share so many of the sad, but sometimes happy events in our city. Best wishes to you Bill.

Fear not Bill - there may be salavation! (Welcome BTW) I have been in touch with someone in the Council and someone involved with the Friargate Project and The Rocket may not now disappear after all The platforms are being extended with the requirement for longer high speed trains - across on to the Goods Yard/Central 6 (why did they call it that?) side. They are looking at ways to incorporate the Rocket/Railway Hotel buildings in to a new 'side' entrance to the whole redeveloped area from Warwick Road. I have made them aware of this forum and our interest and theres even a hint of our input in to proposed ideas! Watch this space!

They called it Central Six after the ring road junction so I've been told.

People Power eh? I saw plans for station alterations 20 odd years ago that obviously never happened and even then, the Rocket was being incorporated into the plans with access to the pub being direct from the platforms via the area of the car park that runs alongside it. So it would have survived major redevelopment of the station area back then and possibly still may do this time

Pilgrims Rest LINK

I really cannot go through all these posts, I am too tired, too old. At my age time is precious. The few posts that I did read I picked up on the name Wal Hayden. Could this be the same Wal that once kept the Hare and Hounds corner of Bramble St? Norman

Telegraph 100yrs ago Coventry 250 pubs LINK

Excellent one Morgana. I think the lads would agree, even the old 'pub crawls' are not the same any more. Thank you for the link.

Glad you enjoyed the link Dreamtime

I was born in Nuffield Road in 1955 and lived there for 49 years. My grandfather, Bertie Rawlins was head bar-cellar an at the Courthouse pub when it opened in, I believe, 1957. I actually played for the pub football team for one season, sometime during the 1980's. Sadly the pub was demolished a few years ago and the new housing was built on the site.

General wolf Coventry Telegraph nostalgia http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/lifestyle/nostalgia/fangs-memories-general-wolfe-foleshill-4020046

Inspire. I had some friends (From London, Cardiff and Lancashire) visiting this weekend so I took them to inspire (In the old Greyfriars' Tower) for a few drinks. They were most impressed with the place. There aren't many towns that have bars selling a wide range of beers in a medieval tower that's had its church building destroyed twice!

For the sake of clarity, Inspire is in the remains of Christ Church