Golden Cross, Coventry

The Golden Cross is a pub in Hay Lane with three upper floors featuring vaulted ceilings and exposed timber framing from the sixteenth century. The building displays traditional architectural methods of that era, with wooden beams and detailed structural elements visible throughout.

The building was constructed in 1583 during Queen Elizabeth I's reign and later converted from a private residence into a public house, first documented as an inn in 1661.

The upper club room hosts live music performances since the 1970s, with regular jazz nights and open mic sessions bringing musicians and audiences together. This tradition has made the space a gathering point for the local arts scene.

It opens Monday through Saturday and provides a gluten-free menu alongside real ales, international gins, and traditional British dishes. Visitors should check ahead as offerings and event schedules can vary by season.

The building features a specialized dragon beam in the ground-floor ceiling that supports the first floor jutting out around the corner. This engineering solution was characteristic of Tudor-era buildings facing corner placement challenges.

Location: Coventry

Address: 8 Hay Ln, Coventry CV1 5RF

GPS coordinates: 52.40780,-1.50860

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06