Coventry
About Coventry city
Coventry is a city in the county of west midlands in England and is well known for its rich history of industry. By the 14th century, Coventry was the fourth largest town in England with an estimated population of 8,000.
It was an important centre of the cloth trade, and throughout the Middle Ages was one of the most important cities in England. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Coventry became one of the three main UK centres of watch and clock manufacture. In 1885 in Coventry, Rover produced the first bicycle to include modern features such as a chain-driven rear wheel with equal-sized wheels on the front and rear. By the 1890s the cycle trade was booming and Coventry had developed the largest bicycle industry in the world. To this day, the bicycle is called 'Rover' in Poland and western Ukraine. The first British motor car was made in Coventry in 1897 by The Daimler Motor Company Limited.
Coventry's darkest hour came during World War II when it was singled out for heavy bombing raids. The symbol of the mythical phoenix, which the University has adopted is a reminder of the way in which the city of Coventry rebuilt itself after the Second World War. Today the city is a centre of post-war reconciliation.
Coventry is also known for the legendary 11th-century Lady Godiva who, according to legend, rode through the city on horseback clothed only in her long hair, in protest of high taxes being levied on the cityfolk by her husband Leofric, Earl of Mercia.
Arriving in Coventry
Coventry is located in the heart of England, conveniently served by Birmingham and East Midlands airports as well as the London airports. We are connected to London Euston by an hour's train ride.
By plane
The best connection is from Birmingham Airport. Take the Rail-Link to Birmingham International Station which is connected to Coventry main station in around 20min intervals.
Other options are the airports in London (Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick, Stansted), all of which are connected either by train or bus/coach to Coventry in 1-2 hours. Finally, you might also consider the East Midlands Airport in Leicester, which has a number of budget connections, in particular to Middle European destinations including Poland, Hungary and Latvia.
By train
The relevant stop is Coventry main station. There are convenient connections from London Euston served by Avanti West Coast trains.
Your stay
Ramada
To benefit from a steady pre-agreed Techcamp exclusive price of £119 (limited availability) contact them on the phone - +44 (0)2476 238110 - mentioning Coventry University 17th – 20th Oct. You can also start by sales@ramadacoventry.co.uk with Coventry University 17th – 20th Oct in the text, but they may request you to call with your credit card details for the reservation.
Other recommended options:
Coventry City Centre (Belgrade Plaza) - Reservations here
Telegraph Hotel - Reservations here
ibis Coventry Centre - Reservations here
The venues
Coventry University simulation centre - venue for sessions
Could there be a more appropriate venue for this Techcamp? Most sessions will be hosted in this venue.
As part of Coventry University, it is an award-winning, advanced, leading-edge, people development training centre. Utilising digital technology, the centre is used to create fully immersive, real-time changeable, virtual training environments. More here
St Mary’s Guildhall - dinner venue
Located in Coventry’s historic Cathedral Quarter, immerse yourself in the city’s historical seat of power and debate.
St Mary’s Guildhall, located in the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter, astonishingly escaped bombing raids during the Second World War. As one of the only remaining medieval buildings, it still stands as a testament to medieval Coventry’s power and wealth. The Guildhall is home to the magnificent Coventry Tapestry, which along with its spectacular interiors, provides a glimpse into Coventry’s fascinating history.
Note that pubs and restaurants are two different species in England, although there are some hybrids. Traditionally, one goes to a pub to drink beer and relax with friends. Restaurants are for eating. Nowadays some pubs also serve food, typically nothing too fancy and not late in the evening. So, if you’re looking for decent nosh (food), skip to the restaurant section.
Tipping is not expected in pubs (but it is in restaurants).
Pubs
Earl of Mercia
📍 High street, CV1 5RE
This pub caters for an older clientele. It has no piped music. It is cheap and cheerful and centrally located. They have a good selection of real ales and the quality is consistently very high. They serve cheap food which is also quite reasonable.
Phoenix
📍 122 Gosford Street, CV1 5DL
This is a lively student venue nestled in Coventry University campus.
Browns
📍 Earl Street, CV1 5RU
Browns is situated directly opposite the School of Art and Design. It has a wide, international selection of lagers and it is popular amongst the arty set. They also serve food.
Whitefriars Olde ale House
📍 114-115 Gosford Street, CV15DL
Whitefriars is real ale pub in the centre of Coventry. They have a reasonable selection of ales, bitters and lagers, Pub food is available at lunchtimes throughout the week. Used to be a favourite amongst Coventry University staff but has declined a bit recently.
Golden Cross
📍 8 Hay Lane, CV1 5RF
This is one of the oldest pubs in Coventry dating from 1583. It is reputed to be the most heavily haunted in the city. The structure of the building is typical of the Tudor-style with three vaulted or ‘jettied’ upper floors. Handy location in the city centre.
The Establishment Bar & Grill
📍 Bayley Lane, CV1 5RN
Situated in the cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter, it is set in the old County Hall, which dates back to 1783. It was the main courthouse in Coventry up to the 1980’s. The building is infamous as the place where the last hanging in Coventry took place. Features from the old courtroom have been beautifully restored, including the judge’s seat, dock and viewing gallery.
The Squirrel
📍 Corner of Greyfriars Lane, CV1 2GY
A clean, relaxing and comfortable place to unwind after a busy day. Tend to close early (about 9pm) during weekdays, however.
Inspire Cafe Bar
📍 New Union Street Coventry CV1 2PS
A cafe bar located in one of Coventry's famous three spires. Quite small inside -- butthey have plenty of outside seating if the weather is OK. They also have a range of snacks which are reasonably priced. The beer is a bit on the expensive side, however and it only comes in bottles – no draught. The atmosphere is arty and bohemian.
Restaurants
Coventry is a very multicultural city. If you are not from these parts, we recommend you try some of Coventry’s excellent Indian and Chinese restaurants. It is reported that Britain’s most popular dishes are chicken tikka masala (Indian) and stir fry (Chinese). However, we also have excellent Arabic restaurants. Tipping is usual in restaurants (about 15%).
Oriental Palace
📍 27 London Road, CV1 2JP
Tel: +44 (0)24 76551533
Cuisine: Chinese
Our verdict: Excellent Chinese food at reasonable prices if you can ignore the outdated decor and style.
Turmeric Gold
📍 166 Medieval Spon Street, CV1 3BB
Tel: +44 (0)2476 226603
Cuisine: Indian
Our verdict: Ranked number 5 in Coventry according to Tripadvisor. Highly recommended if you like spicy food.
Pizza Express
📍 10 Hay Lane
Tel: +44 (0)24 7663 3156
Cuisine: Italian
Our verdict: This is a chain. Drinks are very expensive but atmosphere is good and the pizzas are consistently good (for the UK – not by German or Italian standards).
COSMO
📍 36-42 Corporation Street, CV1 1GF
Tel: +44 (0)2476 553 366
Cuisine: Pan-Asian
Our verdict: Buffet style – all you can eat. Reasonably priced, friendly efficient staff. Very good for large groups.
Aqua Food and Mood Restaurant
📍 14 The Butts, CV1 3GR
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 9551
Cuisine: Lebanese. Halal.
Our verdict: Excellent.
Bella Italia Restaurant
📍 4 Belgrade Plaza, Upper Well Street, CV1 4BF
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 6811
Cuisine: Italian
Our verdict: Reasonably priced, comfortable. Nice atmosphere.
Browns Cafe
📍 Earl Street, CV1 5RU
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 1100
Cuisine: Coffee & Various
Our verdict: This is a hybrid – part pub, part restaurant.
China Red Restaurant
📍 58 Hertford Street, CV1 1LB
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 9333
Cuisine: Chinese
Our verdict: Authentic Chinese.
Habibi’s Restaurant
📍 142 Far Gosford Street, CV1 5DY
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 0669
Cuisine: Arabic
Our verdict: Halal restaurant – very high quality food and well worth a visit. They don’t serve alcohol but you can buy beer or wine at one of the shops nearby (which are open late) and bring with you to the restaurant.
Thai Dusit Restaurant
📍 39 London Road, CV1 2JR
Tel: +44 (0)24 7622 7788
Cuisine: Thai
Our verdict: Good quality Thai restaurant. Slightly more expensive than average for Coventry.