iQ in the city: Coventry

With the opening of our Weaver Place building in Coventry one of the big events of the iQ 2020 calendar, we’ve taken a look at what’s around the city to keep our new residents entertained.

Entertainment

The Empire – 17 min walk

A 5-minute walk from Coventry University, this live music venue serves up regular club nights and rock gigs. Some are the real deal, some are tribute acts, with a recent visit from the actual Primal Scream and an upcoming one from fake Oasis on the listings as we write. Conveniently located for much of the city’s student crowd, it’s a place you’re sure to hear a lot about during your time in Coventry.

Warwick Arts Centre – 35 min bus

Currently undergoing a major upgrade, the Warwick Arts Centre is a hub for cultural events in the Coventry area. Located on the University of Warwick campus, its programme is refreshingly diverse – as well as theatre and music shows from well-known names, you can see dance and comedy performances, movies and live event cinema, and take part in a range of masterclasses yourself.

The Tin Music and Arts – 6 min walk

This canal-side venue north of the city centre is a big supporter of Coventry’s arts scene. Its performance room is housed in a former coal store hosts a range of innovative shows, while a community space provides a venue for yoga classes, tai chi and the like. If you’re a performer yourself, you might get yourself a break at The Tin, which encourages and books local talent.

Coventry Skydome – 10 min walk

If you venture down to IKEA to furnish your new room, you will spot the Skydome right next door. This complex is a one-stop-shop for a night out, featuring a 9-screen Odeon cinema, an ice rink, nightclub, casino and a couple of places to eat. It’s all about 10 minutes’ walk from our door too, which is pretty handy.

Food and drink

Rising Café – 6 min walk

This café at Coventry Cathedral is a little different from your average casual eatery. It’s run by the charity Betel UK, which helps people affected by hardship such as homelessness, drug abuse and long-term unemployment. Its costs largely covered by businesses such as Rising Café, which serves a tempting menu with everything from breakfast to dessert, as well as coffee, shakes and smoothies. Retro style and a great atmosphere makes this place one to seek out.

Falafel Corner – 6 min walk

Tucked away on Broadgate, this bright green café is highly rated for its yummy falafel and Middle Eastern food, as well as its friendly service. Vegans and non-vegans will love the takeaway wraps, freshly made fruit juices and fragrant teas. Sadly it’s not open late, so be sure to get down there for lunch sometime.

The Phoenix – 12 min walk

It doesn’t get any closer to campus than The Phoenix, so expect to find a strong student contingent at this popular corner pub. You will find everything you need here – good-value food served all day, cocktails, cheap beer and an outdoor space included. Regular events like Pancake Thursdays and Wing Wednesday let you try some of the food favourites at tiny prices, and there are regular quiz nights too.

Millie’s Kitchen – 7 min walk

One of several food kiosks found along Market Way, Millie’s Kitchen is one of the most popular pizza places in town. Locals rave about this place, with its pizzas reckoned to easily outdo those of the big-name chains. They do pasta dishes and salads too, with vegan choices also on the menu. A real find, you need to make sure you don’t miss this one!

Shopping

FarGo Village – 19 min walk

To find some of Coventry’s most interesting independent retailers, FarGo Village is the place to go. Likened to Birmingham’s larger Custard Factory, you will find shops selling vintage clothes and vinyl, artisan foods and antiques at this repurposed industrial site. There are also some great places to eat, like Totally Vegan Café and Gourmet Food Kitchen. Definitely worth a mooch around when you have an hour or two to spare.

Big Comfy Bookshop – 19 min walk

Also located in FarGo, this friendly bookshop deserves a special mention – because it’s more than a bookshop. Housing a café and licensed bar (nice), it also hosts movie and poetry nights, acoustic live music, book signings and other cultural events. In short, everything a good indie bookshop should and could be.

Warwick Oriental – 22 min walk

Located in the Canley area, this smart supermarket is the answer to your prayers if you’re looking for your favourite Asian foods – and they have an impressive range too. It’s one of a selection of Chinese supermarkets in Coventry. Look out for Top Express on Shelton Square and Wah Yan Hong on Hertford Street, among many others.

Vinyl Destination – 9 min walk

Coventry Market is an indoor market which is great for all sorts of things from fresh food to gifts. You will also find Vinyl Destination there, with one of the city’s best ranges of records, CDs and music memorabilia, including plenty of hard-to-find gems. Go for a rummage, walk away with a bargain.

Travel

It’s easy to get around Coventry on foot, with most places within walking distance of Weaver Place. To go further, the bus station is around five minutes’ walk and Coventry Train Station is around 15 minutes away.

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