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

Drinking in an Old English Town

Dell's Wine and Spirit Vaults, 35 Smithford Street

These premises have been known by different names during their history:	FROM	TO	NAME
	1829	1835	Bath Hotel
	1835	1867	Dell's Wine and Spirit Vaults
	1861	1871	Beerhouse
	1867	1882	Board
	1882	1886	Old Baths Wine and Spirit Vaults
	1886	1888	Old Baths Vaults
	1888	1951	Old Baths Hotel
Situated at 35 Smithford Street, the Old Baths Hotel, which is known to have existed at least 75 years before this picture was taken, finally closed when Smithford Street was redeveloped. Mr. H. Hewitt is seen here proudly standing in front of his premises; the sign above advertising his noted home brewed ales, at 3d, 4d, 5d & 6d per quart. These premises were used by carriers conveying passengers to and from Allesley and Meriden. Good stabling was also offered, the entrance to the yard at the rear of the premises being seen to the left. Established in 1829 as the BATH HOTEL, from 1835 to 1867 No. 35 Smithford Street is occupied by John Dell until his early death in 1849, then his son of the same name, both dealers in Wines and Spirits. Dell advertised in September 1867 that the following month he would be moving his Wine and Spirit business to the "extensive premises, No. 1, Smithford Street" - later to become the Coventry Arms. From 1867 No. 35 became the BOARD.
LICENSEES: 1835 Edward Cherry 1835 - 1849 John Dell, Wine merchant (died 19th Sep 1849) 1849? - 1867 John Dell (son of above)
Street plan of 1851