Best of British: The Green Dragon
Coventry’s new locally conscious restaurant and bar. All British… all delicious.
It may have taken 150 years or so but the stunning 15th century building on Spon Street has soared back to life as The Green Dragon and is being run by local entrepreneur and socially conscious Coventry advocate, Luke Truslove.
“We believe that the best of British is actually the best in the world and we believe, just as they did in the 1500s, that knowing your suppliers as well as you know your customers is essential to providing quality service you’ll be remembered for,” explains owner Luke.
This is the refreshing philosophy that proudly pervades through every pore of the restaurant and bar. Opening just a week before lockdown, the fantastic medieval building they now call home was constructed in 1450 but first became The Green Dragon Inn in 1500 and remained a popular public house for hundreds of years. It’s walls no doubt hearing some of the most scintillating gossip that has pervaded through Coventry over the ages.
So, when Luke and his team took on the historic building in 2020 they decided to restore the name it wore throughout its history and thus, The Green Dragon soared back into Coventry life adding a touch of modern cool into medieval Spon Street.
Luke continues: “We inherited a fantastic building and were conscious of not compromising its historic features but by adding modern lighting and lots of it with a lot more softer furnishing, we hoped to make it much more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
“We even up-cycled some of the furniture that was left in the building using local suppliers and designers. It’s really important for us to keep everything local.”
Their repurposed cinema seats are not only a super comfy place to sit, but are a perfect example of the minimal waste practices which they also apply to their food and mixed drinks.
“Everything is local. We don’t even sell Coca Cola,” Luke proudly tells me. “We love to push local producers and support independent businesses. We made a decision to keep our bar as local as possible by only stocking UK produced drinks.”
Luke reels off a list of why now we’re in a recession, the importance of buying British and helping the nation is of paramount importance. He also tells me about the consequence of carbon footprints and environmental impact. He explains: “Just think about the difference of a bottle being produced in Warwick and delivered to us directly by the company just 20 minutes up the road, against an international brand that is produced in another country, flown into a central warehouse and then distributed by truck all around the country.”
He is keen to point out how independent ‘craft’ producers focus on quality. He adds: “If it’s an elderflower drink, they will use actual elderflower. They focus on natural flavours and avoid cheaper additives. They know they can’t compete with big brands on price so they take them on with quality. And we think they’re winning!”
He proudly informs me The Green Dragon even sends their bottles to be re-used by Cogs Coventry in the market. I’m seriously impressed with his whole philosophy and suggest a career in politics. We need more people like Luke in this world running things.
His team at The Green Dragon are equally impressive. Head Chef and Coventry man Colm Jones worked in Michelin starred restaurant Copenhague on the Champs Elysees in Paris and has even cooked for Marco Pierre White. Now 30, he’s looking forward to being a Head Chef and bringing all his learning and experience back to Coventry.
Dishes such as Pearl Barley Risotto with Charred Asparagus and the superfood salad with smoked duck, caramelised plums, pickled artichokes, toasted pumpkin seeds, broccoli and plum dressing catch my eye. As I tuck in I wish I could be handing out Michelin stars as they would certainly be getting all three from me. This really is world class cuisine at its best in Coventry and I feel proud it’s on my doorstep.
Not only is the food fantastic but there’s something that makes you feel good knowing it’s all locally sourced and responsibly farmed. I feel like I’m supporting my town just being here somehow. Head chef Colm is joined by multi award winning pastry chef Alin Stoica who previously worked at the Michelin starred Hampton Manor in Hampton-in-Arden, working on pastry in the banqueting section.
Luke explains: “The opportunity to run his own pastry section at The Green Dragon in our ambitious city was enough to tempt him back to Coventry and he is looking forward to baking for you all in the place he calls home.”
Sadly for me (but not my waistline), I have to leave before I try any pastries this time but I’ve already decided I’m coming back for an indulgent afternoon tea very soon. That’s if I can get in of course as now we’re all allowed out I can see The Green Dragon becoming the new hot spot in town for a long time to come.
It may have taken 150 years, but welcome back to Coventry Green Dragon. You’ve been worth the wait. We’re roaring for you and can’t recommend you enough. Fly high!
Review by Claire Bullivant
The Green Dragon is at 21 Spon Street, Coventry, CV1 3BA.
You can check them out online at www.the-gd.co.uk or call 02477 670498 for bookings.
Click here to follow The Green Dragon on Instagram.
