Coventry Pubs

I think you'll find that was the one in Clarendon Street, Leamington? As far as I remember the one in Coventry didn't have a hanging sign.

It's quite possible Mr Hipkiss worked in the Co-op next door at one time. I'm dubious about the Whitefriars connection though. The Mermaid Inn was much closer and built on much higher ground yet had a totally unremarkable cellar.

Tom Hipkiss kept the Minstrel Boy in Allesley Park for several years after the Fox, I never knew he was a butcher with the Co-op.

It's been all action on here by the looks, I noticed the photo had been uploaded and then I had a visitor and had to leave the Forum, I couldn't wait for him to go so that I could have a good look on here Great shot and I have never heard of that particular book and must locate one a.s.a.p. Then to top it all, a great photo of the last publicans

Thanks for responding so quickly and for the tip, I'll keep a watch for it. Luckily, we do have you though for references from it, you saved the day with the Fox and Vivian

Does anyone know anything about The Old Star pub that was in Cox St or Evans batch bar.

Are you sure about the name of the pub because according to my records the Old Star closed in 1920?

From what I know it's that name of the pub but could be wrong, my great-grandparents worked there 1901 then a pork butchers 14 Cox St. which later become Evans Batch bar.

Probably correct then. It became a private members club after 1920 with a very strong Irish theme. That part of Cox Street was very badly bombed. Few of the original buildings survived. Some were replaced by temporary shops but even those had gone by the time I moved to the area in 1960 and it had become a caravan sales park.

My grandad's house was bombed in the early raid, they lost everything but a few photos. Then they moved to Grove St. I found some info of Milligans Pork butcher in the directories and that when he died his son in law took it over Evans. It sounds like you moved into the area as we were moving out.

Just found this interesting site : Real Ale Pubs of Coventry The Pub History tab links to some interesting facts about our olde Coventry Ale Houses Plenty of

Hi Neils Yard, Typical, "Beer is proof that God loves you and wants us to be happy" My father 'bless him' would have agreed wholeheartedly with that. He enjoyed a good pint of Ansells. to all.

Hi Again, Not sure about the licensee dates on the pub link with regards to the Navigation Inn, as my father was the landlord in '62 and the Broomfield does not give any during the 60's. More good ol' days.

"Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy" is a misused quote, supposedly made by Benjamin Franklin. For the record, here, in a letter addressed to Andre Morellet in 1779, is what Benjamin Franklin actually did say: "Behold the rain which descends from heaven upon our vineyards, there it enters the roots of the vines, to be changed into wine, a constant proof that God loves us, and loves to see us happy". Great line though. The "Real Ale Rambles" site has been created by a number of individuals, the pub history section in particular by Fred Luckett who is also a CAMRA magazine contributor and who regularly organises walks and rambles for the city council and his friends. Fred has sourced most of his info from the records section of the Herbert Art Gallery in Coventry, which is to some extent (in particular the recent entries) incomplete, which may be why we don't have your Father as licensee of the Navigation. John Ashby is also now on board, who has a wealth of photos and newspaper articles going way back. We are gradually working our way through that and so much more vital stuff before it gets lost forever. I am webmaster of the site and try to get everything together in an easy to access format, although I do have a love of pubs and clubs having been brought up in the trade in the 1970's in Leeds, and now enjoy a regular pint with Fred and the crew in Earlsdon and Chapelfields. The history of pubs and beer houses in Coventry is a huge undertaking and as far as we are aware has never been attempted before. We are currently attempting to reconcile the hundreds of beer houses in Coventry which may or may not have become pubs prior to 1925 when the Nugget at Coundon was the last in the city. It's also a never ending task as pubs close and new ones open every day. If you have any further information, we'd be glad to have it and make our records complete. Your contribution, and anyone else's would be fantastic and we'll gladly credit you on the site with links to your own projects. Our site would not be as good as it is without the valuable contributions from this one. Thanks everybody.

Mister Bridger, Good news indeed and thank you for the information. I certainly look forward to future findings of Coventry pubs especially those of the areas known to the Toseland family. Thank you again.