Earlsdon

Another absolute Beaut from Nicola Smith and the M.Toms collection. Earlsdon Street in its Heyday -

Thanks to Gray Forster on FB - I hadn't realised the Lloyds Earlsdon branch (though it's now closed, sadly) was originally this different building - but the same address.

One from the Earlsdon History Group on FB - I think this is looking from the rear garden of 4 Spencer Avenue across the Park. Not sure what the celebration is but a great image -

The other day, having a bit of time to kill, I parked in Poplar Road and walked... nay, sauntered up Earlsdon Street. I was amazed how much it has changed. Not as I remember it when I lived in the village. The Live and Let Live Stores went years ago. Lloyds Bank, where my mum used to go every week - all boarded up. Pennycooks, where I bought my £30 Avia watch that lasted over 10 years - closed for good. All changed. I lost count of the number of bars, restaurants and cafes. But nowhere did I find a good old-fashioned English greasy spoon, i.e. a proper cafe, on which I was weaned. I guess it's progress. Things change over time. I've heard a whisper that a new business may be opening up in future, the type of business that has never been seen in Earlsdon before. Earlsdon was always an upmarket area. My father was raised there. Upper working class, as opposed to lower working class, the Spon End where my mum lived. The Spon End gang used to taunt my dad and his mates with comments such as "Earlsdon - lah-di-dah, brown boots and no breakfast. Casement curtains and no food in yer belly." Oh, the type of new business. Err... let's just say the word iniquity might form in some people's minds. But then, what I've heard is only a rumour, so I'm not putting any money on it (as a wager, I mean!). Time will tell. The one thing that is still there is Ma Cooper's, now run by Wetherspoons. I went in for a coffee. Excellent VFM.

Nice one Slim I'm an Earlsdoner - my Mum was born in Berkeley Road North and I live back there now. You are right it has changed in as much as it wasn't that long ago you could barely get a coffee anywhere - it's now all places to eat/drink.....and get a haircut! It's still a great community though. Spoon's is alright by us - The Orland's and I love their breakie's as you know! As far as greasy-spoons they are all a lot more up market now but I hear O'Toole's on the corner of Westwood Road is supposed to be very good now.

When we were visiting last summer, we ate in a really good Italian place called Da Vinci's( I think). We were surprised by the white linens, lovely service and delicious food at a reasonable price.

Da Vinci's is lovely linda but usually considered pricey. Nice for a special occasion. Rod Stewart was in there a few years ago (his son played for Coventry Blaze Ice Hockey team).

OOOH, I love Rod Stewart, from the time I used to see him with Long John Baldry and the Steampacket at the jazz club in the Leofric. Mind you, the last time I saw him was about 12 years ago in Washington, DC. I wish the Da Vinci had dedicated a chair to him - some people might pay good money to sit on it!!

I've pinched this one from t'interweb linda but especially for you!

This morning I was reading Dirty Stop Outs Guide to the 80's chapter on eating out at more exotic venues and it mentioned da Vinci's restaurant on Earlsdon High Street. It was described in the late '80's as up market with silver service and formally dressed waiters and also as being a little expensive. We ate there last year while visiting Cov. and were really impressed by both the service and the food. It was worth every penny. I don't know when the opened but they're having a long run.