COVENTRY

Welcome news is the imminent arrival of a new pub on Spon Street. At the time of writing the Green Dragon (in the wooden framed building located next door to the Old Windmill) was still being refurbished. It will be run by the team behind the Jacobean Hotel on Holyhead Road. The pub has four handpumps but will also stock keykeg as well as cask beers. The beers will be sourced from Purity, Brew Dog and Twisted Barrel. At the time of writing refurbishment works are underway but it is possible the pub may be open by the time Pint Sides is published. Interestingly, the building was until the mid-19th century also The Green Dragon pub and the new owners have resurrected the name. It was originally located on Much Park Street, but following a partial collapse of the building it was dismantled in 1972 and stored before being moved to Spon Street and rebuilt there piece by piece between 1981 and 1982. Since then a number of businesses have occupied the building including 1460 Bar, Bar Blue and Truth and Alibi. The Old Hall on Tamworth Road in Keresley has re-opened following a long period of closure. It is now a hotel bar and restaurant and claims to offer contemporary comfort with an elegant setting. The building which was a Victorian townhouse was converted to a pub and restaurant in the 1960s and became a designated listed building in 1974. The owners have development plans which will see the estate restored with some of the original features lost over the years reinstated. No real ale is currently available. Sadly, Inspire Craft Bar located inside the old Christchurch spire on New Union Street, has ceased trading. Again, sadly, the operators of the Squirrel, also on New Union St left on 17 January after 15 years of trading. They were saddened to leave but had no option as Punch Taverns, who own the pub, decided to sell it. We wish John, Cara and family every success in future. At present nothing is known of what will become of the pub. It is to be hoped that the sale does not mean yet another good pub gone from the city centre. Dhillon’s Brewery have won three awards in the 2019 European Beer Challenge for filter bottle beers. The European Beer Challenge (EBC) is held annually, with the EBC Blind Tasting taking place at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, London. The awards were as follows: - Alegre Vienna Lager - silver Fair Lady American IPA - gold Red Rebel IPA English IPA - gold

KENILWORTH

As reported in the last edition the Old Bakery on High Street is now under new ownership. It’s a fond farewell to Alan & Janet after almost 15 years serving the community of Kenilworth and beyond. We wish them well in projects new. A warm welcome to local family members Suny, Sanj, Shyam and Sarj to this new venture for them. The beer range has already increased to include a more diverse range of beer styles, from golden ales through ambers to stouts. Some minor changes are to be made over the coming months with extended opening hours in the afternoon and a coffee machine in the bar area to give a different ambience. Congratulations to Ted Bear of the Engine Inn on Albion St, who has made it into the final six of the national Star Inns ‘Heart of the Community’ awards. Star Pubs & Bars who own the pub and have an estate of 2,700 pubs present national awards in fourteen areas ranging from social media and retailing to live sports and community engagement. Reaching the final six of the competition reflects the pub’s success as a popular pub combined with its role as a hub of the community. The pub is well known for its charity work and support for local sports including a partnership with Wasps RFC. In recent months it has organised community litter picking and helped organise a golf tournament to raise awareness of men’s mental and physical health. Stop Press Ted has won the national award - he has raised a staggering £50,000 for Myton Hospice! He has also helped countless other causes by hosting activities ranging from collections to fundraising barbecues. The pub also holds prostate cancer awareness evenings, sponsored local allotment open days and become involved in Kenilworth Carnival. Ted, who is Kenilworth born and bred, also runs the local darts and dominoes leagues in his spare time! The Three Horseshoes in Bubbenhall has closed. There is a “To Let “ sign outside the pub.