Derelict Grange pub in Wyken becomes Co-Op food store

A new supermarket was due to open today at a former derelict pub in Coventry.



The Heart of England Co-operative Society has invested £1.8million in transforming The Grange pub, in Alfall Road, Wyken, creating 20 jobs in the process.

The new development has 3,000 sq ft of retail space, including a bakery.

The pub previously served the community for 80 years, before closing down and becoming a magnet for vandals and arsonists.

Peter Fletcher, general manager of the society’s food division, said: “We are delighted with the positive feedback we have received from the local residents since work began on transforming The Grange.

“In keeping with our society it is our aim to work closely with our local communities which is why we were delighted to receive so many applicants from the immediate area itself.

“As a society we are keen to work with the local community, serving the needs of the customers for many years to come.”

I have really mixed views on this.

I spent many happy hours in there as a kid (with my parents) and later as a young adult. It's so sad to see yet another pub go.

On the other hand, at least it's now being used and isn't the eye-sore that it had become.

Every Co-Op 'foodstore' I've visited was little more than a glorified off-licence.