10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Coventry

Spon Street is a restored medieval street that runs from the centre of Coventry out to the Skydome area. Lined with many renovated and relocated historical buildings, at night the area gets lively with revellers who have a few drinks here before heading to the clubs up by the Skydome. It’s no wonder the area is so popular, the stunning historical setting plays host to many of Coventry’s more traditional pubs. One of the best of these is The Old Windmill Inn. It’s worth checking out with its exposed beams, uneven ceilings, and cosy corners.

If you find yourself getting hungry while touring the area, there are plenty of dining options available too. There’s Indian cuisine on offer at Court 6 and Turmeric Gold, Italian food available at Kakooti, and a modern take on good old British fare at the Blue Bistro. If you’re heading to a club after, the street is well served by public taxis. 

Grosvenor Casino Coventry is one of the UK’s largest casinos. Located below the Ricoh Arena, inside you’ll find no shortage of games to test your luck against. In the centre of the main room are up to 20 gaming tables, with a variety of slot machines lining the room’s perimeter. The poker room accommodates up to 120 players over its 10 tables and hosts regular tournaments, as well as games with player-agreed limits.

As well as blackjack, roulette, and 3 card poker, the Grosvenor also has an onsite restaurant, The Gallery. There’s also a wide variety of entertainment to enjoy at Lady G’s Bar, especially at the weekend. Then, you’ll find everything from quiz nights, talent shows, and tribute bands to choose from.

The Criterion Theatre is a small theatre that produces around 7 different shows per year. Run by about 200 volunteers, this theatre offers a more intimate experience than you’re likely to find in bigger venues. With just 120 seats, there’s every chance you’ll get to rub elbows with the actors themselves while enjoying a drink – especially on Members’ Nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The Criterion Theatre also runs workshops for inexperienced and experienced actors. There are children’s drama classes on Saturday mornings too. It’s worth noting that there is limited parking available at the theatre, so be prepared to hunt out an on-street spot or opt to arrive by taxi.

The Empire Coventry has quickly become a focal point for the city’s live music scene, and it has played host to some big names over the last few years, including Shed Seven, The Sherlocks, and The Libertines. It also regularly hosts tribute bands paying homage to everyone from Kate Bush and Queen, to AC/DC and the Arctic Monkeys. It’s worth checking ahead to see if your favourite artists are being celebrated while you’re in town.

The Empire’s new venue is located not far from the centre of town and it accommodates up to 1,400 people. There’s wheelchair access and parking available. The venue also hosts private parties, comedy, and wrestling shows on occasion. If you want to continue the party after hours, Scholar’s Nightclub is next door.

Coventry Skydome is a multipurpose arena in the heart of the city. With a capacity of 3,000, the arena is home to Coventry’s ice hockey team, Coventry Blaze. As well as providing the venue for Blaze’s training and their home games, the ice rink is open to the public for skating. Lessons are available too.

Beyond ice-skating related activities, the arena houses an Odeon cinema, a casino, and a PureGym. If all that activity makes you thirsty, there are also several bars and restaurants onsite including Crosby’s Bar, a Wetherspoons, and Harvester Bar and Restaurant. The town centre is a short, convenient walk away.

The Ballroom Climbing Wall offers 700 sq metres of climbing surface, with around 200 bouldering routes suited to the needs of keen climbers, experts and beginners. The centre is suitable for 5-year-olds and up, with routes ranging from the 'easy as pie' to the 'devilishly difficult'. All the necessary equipment is provided, and experienced staff are on hand to assist inexperienced climbers.

Ballroom Climbing Wall is located right in the city centre and there’s ample parking at the nearby West Orchards Shopping Centre or on Bishop Street, which is just a 5-minute walk away. There’s a coffee shop on-site if you work up an appetite. The smoothies and chocolate brownies come highly recommended.

TeamSport Go Karting Coventry is a state-of-the-art, indoor, multi-level go-karting track. Pit your skills and nerve against your friends and family on this 500-metre track that is suitable for a broad range of skill levels. The venue welcomes racers from 8 years old and up. All the necessary equipment is available, including racing suits, balaclavas, and helmets, etc. Before racing, you’ll watch a brief instructional video to help ensure your safety racing at speeds of up to 40 mph.

TeamSport Go Karting Coventry is located in Charter Avenue Industrial Estate, behind a Unipart factory. There’s plenty of secure parking on-site and you’ll find a licensed bar on the premises with food available to order. Don’t forget to get a photographic memento of your race on the podium afterwards too.

The Golden Cross, built during the reign of Charles II, is Coventry’s oldest pub. Not surprisingly, the pub’s interior boasts many traditional Tudor features which alone makes it well worth a visit. But it isn’t all architectural curiosities here as this is a pub after all. There’s a wide range of beers and ciders on tap and a comprehensive selection of wines too. Among the vast choice of spirits, you’ll find some local gins to enjoy. The menu here is, of course, traditional British fare. But if you’re looking to watch the game while you eat your roast beef, you’re in the wrong pub. This is more of a talking shop than a place to watch the footy.

There’s live music upstairs at The Golden Cross every Saturday night and on the first Friday of the month. There’s also an open mic night on most Tuesdays if you fancy doing a turn. Food is made to order and much of it is gluten-free. If you have any other dietary requirements, just let staff know and they’ll do their best to meet your needs.

Catch Twenty Two Club Lounge is a sophisticated venue that strives to create a quality, upmarket nightclub experience in Coventry. Equal parts club and cocktail lounge, the club hosts a variety of DJs and live performances throughout the week. There are also regular theme nights, such as Latino and Asian nights, where clubbers can experience the best music of a given genre.

The club is located not far from the city centre, so if you don’t fancy going home after a visit to a city centre pub or restaurant, Catch Twenty Two Club Lounge makes a good choice to continue the party into the wee hours. As high-end as the club is, it is quite small, so be prepared to queue on popular nights.

Clue HQ Coventry is an escape room venue that boasts a variety of themed rooms where up to 6 guests at a time can work together to figure a way out. Each room contains clues, riddles, puzzles, and locks that need to be solved within 60 minutes. Games are suitable for 7-year-olds and up, though the youngest of this age range might struggle a little with the complexity of some of the games. There’s a short briefing session explaining each game and there’s also a debriefing at the end, as well as an opportunity to take a free group photograph to remember your visit.

Clue HQ Coventry doesn’t have parking available, but it’s just a few minutes' walk from Coventry Skydome, where you’ll find ample parking available. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult.