‘Drinking In an Old English Town’ A history of the alcohol trade in Coventry. By Fred Luckett.
CovSoc founder member Paul Maddocks reviews a new book written by fellow CovSoc member Fred Luckett. Fred has written several books about Coventry pubs, and this is his latest. Paul writes…
Fred Luckett’s new book represents a lifetime of work, and it shows in its sheer size and weight. This 544-page volume is crammed with interesting facts, from very early brewing to modern-day drinking habits. Along the way, we learn about the history of Coventry, from its origins through to early medieval alewives, vintners and taverns. It also explores the involvement of the church, the guilds and the city council in the making and selling of ale. We discover the terms for different barrel sizes, the difference between ale and beer, the licensing laws, and a comprehensive list of public houses—sadly, most of which have now gone.
Pubs have played a very big part in the social life of Coventry’s citizens. Originally the domain of men, they evolved alongside the rise of social clubs, which were more open to everyone, even welcoming women and, in some cases, children. Today, pubs are places for all to enjoy.
The book also looks at the effects of social change, including shifts in local manufacturing and industry. It examines how major developments—such as the Wars, roads, mining, canals and the railway—have influenced the beer trade. It also considers how politics, laws, entertainment and leisure licensing have changed over time.
Today, more and more pubs are closing down. They are fighting to survive against difficult challenges: alcohol is more easily available in supermarkets and shops; smoking indoors is banned; and the very sensible drink-driving laws are in place. In addition, younger people are generally drinking less, meaning pubs increasingly need to focus on food to remain profitable.
As the saying goes, “use it or lose it”, and campaign groups such as CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) have helped to change the landscape.
Interest in local brewers and micropubs in the Coventry area has kept alive enthusiasm for different types of beer and ale. There are no less than seven in Coventry, including Twisted Barrel Brewery at Fargo Village; Byatt’s Brewery at Lythalls Lane Industrial Estate; Dillon’s Brewery at Hales Industrial Estate; Triumph Brewhouse in Parkside; Underground Medicine Brewery at Unicorn Lane; Hops d’Amour micropub in Corporation Street; and Beer Gonzo micropub in Earlsdon Street.
It is difficult in a short article like this to give a true flavour of the wealth of information contained in this book, which I obtained from Gonzo, 3a Earlsdon Street, Coventry, for only £15.
ISBN 978-1-0369-6722-2