Coventry city centre pub reopens after long hiatus

The pub is no longer in a rut - the Stag is serving once again



A landmark city-centre pub which has lain dormant for months has reopened.

New licensee Tony King is refurbishing the pub, which dates back to the late 1960s, to provide a warm welcome with a traditional touch.

Also known as the Old Stag, the pub on the corner of Lamb Street and Bishop Street was originally an M&B brewery outlet and its decor, with bay windows and stained glass windows, evokes the pub look of the era.

It was once run by Sky Blues legend, Big Jim Holton, and was a popular drinking haunt for the thousands of staff who worked at the Royal Mail depot across Bishop Street.

Since the closure of the sorting office, the pub fell on hard times - but the regeneration of the north of the city, bringing in thousands of new residents to the Bishop Gate development, could revive its fortunes.

Tony King said: "We hope to change it round and bring it into being a traditional boozer again, with hand-pulled ales, log fires, it will have a warm atmosphere.

"It was a very successful M&B pub at one time and I always thought it would be good to get hold of it and bring it back to what it used to be."

The interior has new fireplaces to make a cosy spot in the winter, and there will be entertainment at weekends.

I've a feeling this is going to be like the Summerland which opened and closed repeatedly under a succession of new owners?

If it's the Tony King I know he'll likely do well out of it. He's had several pubs/clubs in the past and has done wonders on the catering front.

As a 'traditional' pub there, he's well placed for the new student blocks. - If that's what students want these days?