The landlady and regulars at a Coventry pub are celebrating after it was named one of the best five in Britain.

The Old Windmill in Spon Street was chosen by the joint editor of the Good Pub Guide for its homely character and good beer.

News that her pub had been chosen as one of the best five in the country stunned landlady Lynne Ingram.

She said she knew she was being included in the regular listings section, but had no idea that the editor Alistair Airde has singled it out for praise.

The old pub has been in Spon Street since the 15th century and used to be on the road coaches used when travelling between Coventry and Birmingham.

Lynne said the character of the pub had remained simple over the years, and that proved a major selling point.

She said:

“It’s like a country pub in the city centre. We don’t have a TV connected. It’s a football free area and each room has a separate volume control for the jukebox.

“We don’t want it so people have to shout to hear each other speak.”

Lynne said there were monthly folk music nights, quiz evenings, and occasional blues performers, but themed nights were definitely off the menu.

She added:

“I’ll have to think of a way to celebrate – last night when I heard all I did was get drunk, but we’ll have to do something else!”