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

Drinking in an Old English Town

Old Baths 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 the premises became DELL'S WINE AND SPIRITS VAULTS. From 1867 until December 1882 it is called the BOARD, but from late that month Thomas Ball advertised to let his friends and the public know that the old established premises are to be known as THE OLD BATHS WINE AND SPIRIT VAULTS. During William Denbigh's short tenancy, from November 1886 to January 1888 he advertised it as the OLD BATHS VAULTS. From 1888 when Jane Hitchins took over the license it became the OLD BATHS HOTEL, a name that stuck until closure in 1951.
LICENSEES: 1886 - 1888 William Denbigh (Nov '86 to Jan '88)
Street plan of 1851