With its Medieval heritage combined with a modern University, Coventry is known as much for its traditional pubs as it is for bars and nightclubs. The old rubs shoulders with the new, and people of all ages wine and dine at Cathedral Lanes’ more upmarket establishments.
Yet Coventry is also full of hidden gems. You don’t have to hit the bars until 2am to have a good time here – although you can if you want.
This article takes you through alternative nights out in Coventry, each promising something a little more memorable than a trip over a barstool.
Boom: Battle Bar, Coventry
Rated as one of the top nights out in Coventry on Trip Advisor, Boom: Battle Bar is anything but an ordinary place to get a drink. Situated at Cathedral Lanes, it’s the ideal place for a more active date or a competitive night out with friends.
At Boom: Battle Bar, you can book a range of fun activities, from classics like American Pool and their Crazier Golf, to more unusual options like Shuffleboard, Curling and Boules.
But the main attraction here is undoubtedly the Axe Throwing. Yes, that’s right, you can throw axes at targets. Note that there’s no drinking before this particular activity, for obvious reasons. It’s dangerous to hurl axes.
Starting at a cost of £45, you’ll be joined by a host who will teach you a bit of technique and guide you through so you have an excellent time.
Afterwards, drinks and snacks are available, including delicious cocktails. And you’re welcome to play games like pool and golf with drinks.
Grosvenor Casino
Coventry has several casinos, the main choices being Grosvenor and Genting. We’re going with Grosvenor as our top pick, as it provides more of what you need for a night out.
For casino gamers, Grosvenor has table games like poker and blackjack, as well as slot machines. The poker schedule is packed with tournaments and different types of variants. Although Coventry is not exactly known as one of the world’s top gaming capitals, it does play host to the Goliath festival, one of the biggest poker series outside of Las Vegas – as such, for fans of the game it’s one of the best casinos in the country.
Of course, it’s possible to play casino games and online poker from home, with more options and more convenience. But Grosvenor is more than just a gaming venue. It also has restaurants, bars, live music, and a sports lounge.
Ideal for watching major and local football games, no doubt Grosvenor will be showing the World Cup. For sports fans as well as gamers, it’s a great alternative to the pubs and clubs.
Team Sport Go Karting
It’s a classic for a reason. Go Karting is a thrilling experience, and one that can be enjoyed as part of a large group as an alternative to a night out on the town. It does, however, usually require that you book well in advance, making it a less suitable option for spontaneous nights.
Team Sport opened in Coventry in 2018 at Charter Avenue Industrial Estate. The main attraction is, of course, the 40mph 200cc petrol go karts, which you can smash around a multi-level, £1 million race track.
You’re not allowed to drink and drive, for the same reason that you’re not allowed to drink and throw axes, but once you’re done the venue features a bar for food, drink and socialising with the rest of your grid.
Escape Rooms
Coventry has several well established Escape Room venues, each offering something a little different in terms of vibe and pricing.
We’re going to recommend Escape Reality, which won a Trip Advisor 2022 award for Most Thrilling Escape Room Experience. Indeed, the theme here is thrills and scares. Popular rooms include The Asylum, Murder In White Chapel, and the newest addition, Down The Rabbit Hole.
Prices at Escape Reality are £23 – £25 per person, depending on the size of the group, with up to 6 players allowed to team up per room. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s easily the most exciting option.
Elsewhere, Escape Live provides somewhat lighter-hearted choices, including Casino Heist, Prison Break, and Armageddon. We did say “somewhat”.
Finally, there’s Clue HQ. Here you’ll pay by the group at £60 – £70 for the room, which is the cheaper option if you’re in a full group of six.
Any of these Escape Room recommendations will make for an interesting alternative night out.
