A Slice of Coventry's History
The Old Windmill first opened its doors to the public in 1451. Constructed around a tree, the pub was originally known simply as 'The Windmill'. It was named after a real windmill on Spon Causeway, but had to change its name to include 'Old' when another pub with the same name opened on Spon Street in 1836.
During its near six-hundred years of trade, the pub has seen twenty-three monarchs, fifty-nine prime ministers, countless eras and has welcomed more guests than we can possibly imagine.
About the Pub
Maintaining Tradition
Since she took over The Old Windmill, our landlady Michelle Gilmour has made it her mission to preserve the rich history of the pub whilst also ensuring that it meets the needs of today's customers. Finding the balance between respecting tradition and building a sustainable future for the pub has been her project since making the leap from bartender to owner. The awards and accolades the pub has achieved in her time stand testament to love and care given to the endeavour.
Original Features
From the brewing wells in the back rooms, to the copper old bar in the front, the pub has maintained all of its historical features. Ask behind the bar and we can even point out the concealed priest hole above the hearth!
1980s Expansion
The current layout of the pub came to be in 1985, when an expansion incorporated what had previously been a toy shop as an additional front room. The old courtyard was also integrated into the pub, which is where you'll find our bar today.
On-site Brewery
The rear room of the pub was, until 1930, a fully functioning brewery. Though no longer operational, the wells have been preserved and give an insight into old-school brewing process.
Ma Brown's
From 1940-1967, the pub was run by legendary landlady Anne Brown, more commonly known as Ma Brown. We still have regulars today who call the pub Ma Brown's, a reminder of how full the building is of people's history as well as architectural.
Best Community Pub 2025
British Institute of Innkeeping
Pub of the Year 2025
British Institute of Innkeeping, Stonegate category
Great British Pub Awards 2022
Winner, Stonegate category
Best UK Pubs 2026
Telegraph Best Pubs Guide 2026