Historic pub reopens after £80k revamp
A LANDMARK Earlsdon pub once frequented by The Specials is set to reopen after an extensive modernisation.
The Albany, at the corner of Albany Road and Broomfield Road was due to open its doors again yesterday after it was closed by the brewery Marstons in 2017.
The freehold has been snapped up by the new managers of the Albany, Chris Murphy and Joe Haggarty, who have a passion for revitalising premises.
The pair have put £80,000 into making the pub a classy modern venue.
Chris said: “It used to be all traditional cask ales, so we’re getting new pumps in for those.
“At the moment we are getting it set up as a classic bar, and we have a new wine menu. “Being part of Earlsdon, there’s been an outcry for the Albany to be redeveloped. “The building is locally listed, so we haven’t changed too much on the outside but we’ve given it an updated twist inside. “I’ve done a few property transformations and Joe has run bars around town, so we are really excited to welcome people back.” Inside, a new bar has been installed, with a rustic timber backdrop, the furniture is all new and the bathrooms have been replaced. For musical events there is a quality sound-system, and sports fixtures will be shown from BT Sport and Sky. Chris added: “We have some nice features in here, like when a band is on it will be beamed around the bar on the televisions.
“With the music, we’ve got set a U2 tribute, a Queen tribute and on New Year’s Eve there will be an eight piece ska band.”
The building is owned by the Trustees of the Coventry Freemen’s Charity, who were keen to see the Albany stay as a pub.
The Albany was once a launchpad for Coventry’s 2-Tone revolution.
The Specials’ office at drummer Jerry Dammers’ house was across the road, and singer Neville Staple used to live a few doors away.
Speaking in 2017, Neville said: “It was a regular haunt for us and has great music history attached.”
However the pub closed early last year when stalwart landlady Lizzi Maxstead moved to Spain.
The trustees along with Murphy and Haggarty have repaired the roof and resealed the structure of the 110-year-old building.