The lost Coventry pub which now houses a builder's merchant site...

[dutchman]

The Darlaston builder's merchant was once The Prince William Henry pub for decades on Foleshill Road



The pub trade in Coventry has suffered over the years, with many calling their last orders. In recent times, Flanelly's and The Roseycombe Pub were the latest to cease trading due to the cost-of-living crisis and move on to new ventures.

However, one Coventry pub which was lost in 2010, is now used as a builder merchant called Darlastons. Located on Foleshill Road, the Prince William Henry Pub was opened in the 18th century.

Prince William Henry was the grandson of George II and King George III's third son. Before 1794, the pub was called the Green Dragon. Records show the name was changed to Prince William Henry after the prince, who later became King William IV, raised a mug of ale there. In the 18th century, the premises was listed as a 'beerhouse'.

In 2005, there were plans to demolish the pub to build a three-storey apartment block but these plans were turned down by the council due to the loss of a locally listed building, loss of an area of urban green space, no evidence of the need for the proposed development and failed to show an acceptable standard of living next to considerable traffic noise.

However, that didn't make the pub viable and by 2010, it became the office for Darlaston builders merchants. It still maintains the pub structure, with the Prince William Henry sign still present in the middle of the building.