The Definitive Guide to the History of
Pubs and Beerhouses in Coventry

Drinking in an Old English Town

Arcade Vaults, 6 Market Street

Market Street 1940. This name came from the Market Arcade, part of Coventry's market area before the destruction of the Second World War. The present day City Arcade is in quite a different position. On 30th March 1866 Mrs Harriett Forsyth opened a beer and porter house called the Arcade. On rare occasions it was referred to as the Arcade Tavern but it was properly known as the Arcade Vaults. The pub closed in 1906 when the owner accepted compensation. Interestingly, the owner was James Phillips, who may have been a member of the brewing family. The Arcade Vaults were leased in 1899 for 21 years by Phipps of Northampton, so they were still leasing the premises as two unlicensed shops after the pub was closed. They were paying £75 and £65/10s for the two shops.

LICENSEES: 1868 - 1885 Harriet Forsyth (Mrs W. Forsyth) 1886 J. Whitaker 1890 S. Miles 1893 - 1894 George Charles Phillips 1896 - 1905 John H. Cadman

Street plan of 1851