OPENING TIME at the Slug & Lettuce
A SNEAK PEAK INSIDE THE NEW BAR AND RESTAURANT IN ONE OF CITY’S MOST HISTORIC BUILDINGS...
TAKE a sneak peak behind the doors of Coventry’s newest bar – the Slug and Lettuce – which is now open for business.
The Telegraph was given a sneak peak inside the Bayley Lane venue as its bustling team made the final preparations before it opened to the public. We were given exclusive access to the new bar and restaurant, which is located in one of Coventry’s most historic buildings – the Old County Hall.
Formerly home to The Establishment the new Slug and Lettuce represents a £500,000 investment as the ever-growing chain opens its first venue in Coventry.
Just 24 hours before opening, Coventry’s newest bar was a hive of activity as staff had a ‘dry run’ in preparation for the big day.
Manager Claire Turner, who moves from the Slug and Lettuce in Newbury to take on the new Coventry bar, said: “Effectively it’s one of our training days – a dry run.
“We have invited regulars, friends and family and a few local people.
“It’s just to practice making some of the cocktails and food.” Claire, who heads a total team of around 40, said one of the key aims was to create a familiar Slug and Lettuce venue but retain the period character of the Old County Hall. She said: “I am really impressed. “They have installed all the familiar Slug and Lettuce branding but have managed to keep the historic character of the building. “It is very important to both me and the company that they have achieved that. “I think they have done a really good job and I am really proud.” As well as the fabric of the building itself, among the historic features retained are an old dock dating from when the building was used as a court – now a VIP area – and a glass floor which shows the stone steps leading down to the old cells. However, the building has also undergone plenty of changes too. The interior has been modernised throughout and decorated in the signature Slug and Lettuce minimalist style. There is new furniture throughout and the bathrooms are new too. The exterior of the building has also been enhanced with the standout feature being a new outdoor bar which is the centrepiece of the large area outside.
The expanded outdoor area boasts 140 covers. Claire added: “I am really excited about opening here, I know the team is extremely excited and Coventry seems to be excited too. “I always call the Slug and Lettuce a chameleon brand – as it needs to be able to shift from offering brunch to being a late night and weekend venue. One of the things I’m particularly excited about is the new outdoor bar area. “There aren’t many places in Coventry which can offer such stunning views of the Cathedral and will be the perfect place to enjoy a summer or autumn evening.” Among many things the Slug and Lettuce is famed for its cocktails. It offers an extensive list, with revellers also able to opt for Tapas Tails, a flight of three cocktails. A special VIP launch weekend will be taking place on September 1 and 2. Anyone who would like to be in with a chance of attending should email slugandlettuce@lucre.co.uk
It’s a chameleon brand... it needs to shift from offering brunch to being a late night and weekend venue. Claire Turner