Most of the pub dates back to the 15th century, and it oozes history, a warren full of nooks and crannies and tempting corners to eat and drink in, and old fireplaces and fittings to take you back in time.
There’s even secret priest hole, presumably in case the bishop catches them having a sneaky pint, and a disused brewery in the back room, probably still there only because there’s no way of getting it out.
Modern and innovative
Yet within the constraints of this listed building, lessee Michelle Gilmour has developed a modern, innovative business that, despite the challenges of recent years, is performing “better than ever”.
There’s no proper kitchen, just a prep area and a fridge, so she’s introduced a menu of Ploughman’s lunches and cold meat platters showcasing high quality products from local suppliers.
There’s no outdoor area, so she somehow cajoled the firm of architects next door to lend the pub its car park at weekends, when the space is filled with tables and chairs to create a beer garden, doubling the Windmill’s trading space and staging events, such as summer’s inaugural Sausage & Cider Festival.
Local community action
There’s no underground cellar, yet it keeps a range of cask beers in excellent condition. And the pub is well known for its live music, too, though there’s no space for drums.
Michelle’s work doesn’t stop at the walls of the Windmill. She’s active in the local community raising money for charity and getting local traders together for a Sunday market right outside the pub – she persuaded the council to close the street once a week.
At one time you could have described Coventry’s oldest pub as a hidden gem, but now it’s certainly on the map.
Meet all the 2022 GBPA winners:
The Dartford Sports Bar, Dartford Essex – Admiral Pub of the Year
Strait and Narrow, Lincoln, Lincolnshire – Best City / Urban Pub or Bar
The Three Hills, Bartlow, Cambridgeshire - Best Country / Rural Pub
The Bellflower, Garstang, Lancashire – Best Pub for Dogs
The Saddle Inn, Chester, Cheshire – Best Pub for Entertainment
Ye Olde Bridge Inn, Oxton, Nottinghamshire – Best Pub for Families
The Shibden Mill, Halifax, West Yorkshire – Best Pub for Food
Tamworth Tap, Tamworth, Staffordshire – Best Pub Garden
The Famous Three Kings, Fulham, London – Best Pub to Watch Sport
The Riverside at Aymestrey, Herefordshire – Best Sustainable Pub
The Lion in Treorchy, Wales – Community Hero
The Greene Oak, Windsor, Berkshire – Greene King Pub of the Year
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Marston’s Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Guildford, Surrey – Punch Pub of the Year
The Red Lion, Shepperton, Surrey – Star Pub of the Year
The Old Windmill, Coventry, West Midlands – Stonegate Pub of the Year
Natalie Coleman, the Oyster Shed, City of London – Best Pub Chef
Tiffany Long, the White Hart Freehouse, Ashill, Norfolk – Best Young Pub Chef
The Gun Inn, Findon, West Sussex – Great British Pub of the Year
