Ball Hill

Hello all I'm about to start a new business in what used to be the accountants office on Ball Hill, on the corner of Walsgrave Road and St Michael's Street. I'm informed this used to be the Co-operative shop and offices. I'm very interested in researching the history of this building, and would appreciate any anecdotes or photos you may have. Thank you all for your help! Chris

Hello & welcome to you ChrisRamsbottom We hope that you have a happy time with us. Let's see what transpires from your post. I will highlight it as a question.

Hi, I don't know the building but there might be something about it in this book about the Co-op. The Co-op

This one? Or is it the opposite corner?

Hi Midland Red and thanks for your reply. I think that shop is what is now the Smile Centre, and the premises I'm taking on is on the opposite corner of St Michael's Road. It's an interesting photo though, thank you!

Our first house was on St Michael's Road (between 1998 and 2002). Never seen this photo before. I guess that when the road became busy the owners of the houses turned them into shops. Fascinating photo, thanks for posting! The store opposite was a fireplace store for years (with an office above it). Now it's some sort of bargain shop selling home goods.

I'm doing some family research and have found out my husband's uncle Frank Prestidge had a cafe in Ball Hill in the 70's. I only know of the Rosebud owned by the Greeks, could they have owned this earlier or was there another cafe on another part - appreciate any info from my fellow Coventrians.

I remember in the late sixties /early seventies there was a cafe we use to use on Ball Hill, it was either next to or a couple of doors away from Mathews barber's. It was run by a couple of elderly ladies, it had a couple of pinball machines and the bacon sandwiches were fantastic.

I see to remember a St Margaret's Cafe in Ball Hill, it was nearly opposite the 'Old Ball Pub'. Greg Rogan used to run it in the late sixties if my memory is correct, he also ran the pub later. Alan H

This cafe was the same side of the road as the Old Ball, but towards the forum.

I've now had it confirmed that the family owned the Rosebud cafe

Does anyone remember the joinery shop/woodyard on Ball Hill opposite Hobdays pet shop?

Hello & welcome to you, Stubbsj1 Thank you for your post. I will highlight it with a question sign.

I asked in the pet shop and they said the joinery business was 'Lords'. Apparently he owned property at the front of his joinery business, a few cottages were there. Many years later there was a garage. The pet shop owners - Hobdays - are very knowledgeable.

Hello all, here is an image from a City of Coventry Directory. This seems to confirm what they told me in Hobdays.