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

Drinking in an Old English Town

Reindeer, Harnall Row

The name 'Reindeer' derives from the reins used when the animal is drawing a sledge. The reindeer's magnificent antlers make it a distinctive sign, though these days it has a sentimental Father Christmas image. Little is known of this pub. In February 1859 Thomas Cleaver was fined 10s. and costs for having his house open during Divine Service on a Sunday. In August 1863 painter Elijah Wagstaff pleaded guilty and had to pay damages and costs for breaking the windows of the Reindeer. It is last heard of in the 1871 Census, where it is listed as an 'uninhabited public house at the bottom of West Street, Hillfields.'

LICENSEES: 1845 Edward Salisbury 1850 - 1851 Richard Makepeace 1859 Thomas Cleaver 1861 William Richards 1861 William Harris 1868 John Smith 1868 Richard Bennett

Street plan of 1851