COVENTRY PREPARES TO ‘TURN BACK TIME’ AGAIN AS THE ‘AUTUMN IS QUEER’ FESTIVAL RETURNS FOR 2026
Coventry is gearing up for a vibrant, city-wide celebration of self-acceptance and inclusivity as Autumn Is Queer returns for its second year, running from September 22nd to November 30th 2026.
Produced by Extraordinary Us CIC with support from Coventry City Council and Arts Council England, this year’s festival theme, Coventry: Feeling Proud, honours both the city’s civic pride and the LGBTQ+ ethos of radical inclusion: “Coventry loves you as you are.”
PHOTO credit – @photogempic
The festival’s highlight event, “Cher The News,” takes place on Sunday, October 25th – the day the clocks turn back time (by one hour) – as Coventry city centre transforms into “Cher-ventry,” the (un)official European home of Cher. This major community celebration will bring together participants, choirs, bands, and performers to dress up as Cher, featuring pop-up performances, interactive interventions, and plenty of iconic wigs. Creative partners include Highly Sprung, Fitness With Matt, and The Tin Music & Arts.
If Cher-ventrians want to don a wig and turn back time then organisers are calling on local residents, performers, and Cher enthusiasts of all backgrounds to join the fun for ‘Cher The News’ on Sunday, October 25th.
Whether you want to perform, sing, or simply dress up as your favourite Cher, you can sign up or find out more by visiting autumnisqueer.co.uk/cher-the-news or emailing hello@extraordinaryus.co.uk.
Extraordinary Us also offers at the CBS Arena under the header ‘Feeling Proud’, the “Museum of Me: City Till I Die” community pop-up structure celebrates Coventry City Football Club fans through thick and thin, featuring stories from the co-founder of the Proud Sky Blues fan group.
Outside of this – over 40 events across the CV postcode region bring together local venues, cultural spaces, and nightlife. Highlights include drag brunches at The Yard, tributes to iconic pop stars, and the British Art Show – A Chorus Of Strangers. You’ll also find Dogoween at FarGo Village, Tease at Albany Theatre, and Congregational by Fatt Butcher at Warwick Arts Centre.
In Autumn, Coventry is the place to LGB and T and Q and +.
Local businesses and allies can support the festival through corporate partnerships, found on the website.
Yes, we know your Mum is special every single day of the year, and you can treat her any time, but Mother’s Day is a day when you really can go the extra mile and show her how much you appreciate her.
Lucky for you, there’s plenty on offer for Mother’s Day in Coventry City Centre. From afternoon teas to Sunday lunches or just a special meal out, you can treat your mum on 15th March or get some inspiration on where to take her on the other 364 days of the year.
Of course, there are plenty of places to eat and drink for every single occasion throughout the year. Check out our full directory of dining venues for an exhaustive list.♥️
DAIU
Celebrate mum with a memorable dining experience at DAIU.
DAIU is one of Coventry’s newest offerings, an exciting all-you-can-eat hotpot and BBQ buffet, perfect for treating Mum to something a little different this year.
With a wide selection of fresh ingredients and flavours to suit every taste, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed family meal where everyone can relax, share, and enjoy together.
Unit 4 Cathedral Lanes, Coventry CV1 1LL
Olive Tree
Treat Mum to the warm flavours of the Mediterranean this Mother’s Day at Olive Tree Coventry.
This popular Turkish restaurant serves freshly prepared mezes, charcoal-grilled favourites, and traditional dishes made with quality ingredients, all in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
With its authentic cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, Olive Tree is the perfect place to enjoy a special meal together and make Mum feel truly appreciated.
Unit 1 Cathedral Lanes, Coventry CV1 1LL
Cosy Club
Show Mum just how much she means to you at Cosy Club!
This Mother’s Day, treat your superwoman to an incredible Bottomless Brunch, with delicious plates worth lingering over and glasses that never stay empty for long.
Make your booking today www.cosyclub.co.uk – limited tables available.
Cosy Club, Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, Broadgate, Coventry CV1 1LL
Enjoy a diverse buffet of foods from around the world in a vibrant setting, perfect for foodies of all tastes. Find the restaurant on Coventry’s Corporation Street, a stone’s throw from Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Transport Museum, and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Smokin’ Hot Buffet, 36-42 Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GF
St Mary’s Guildhall
Dine like royalty and enjoy tea and tasty treats with an afternoon tea experience in Coventry like no other.
Visit Tales of Tea in the Undercroft of St Mary’s Guildhall for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience and indulge in an array of delicious food and drinks. Tales of Tea is open Wednesday to Sunday
St Mary’s Guildhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN
The Telegraph Hotel
Show your Mum just how much she means to you with a delightful Afternoon Tea at the Telegraph Hotel – the perfect way to celebrate!
For just £25 per person, enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and indulgent mini desserts, including Madeira cake & Chocolate brownie – a sweet treat she deserves! Served Wednesday to Sunday 12:30pm – 3:30pm.
The Telegraph Hotel, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GU
Bella Italia
Make this Mother’s Day extra special and head to Bella Italia where every mum can enjoy a complimentary Aperol Spritz to toast to the occasion.
Treat Mum, or that special motherly figure in your life, to the comfort, warmth and joy of her favourite Italian dishes, all served with a big dose of love.
Simply sign up online and show your code when you visit.
Unit 1 4, Belgrade Plaza, Upper Well Street, Coventry CV1 4BF
No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day, treating Mum to a delicious meal is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Whether she loves a classic Sunday roast, indulgent afternoon tea, or something a little more exotic, Coventry has plenty of fantastic spots to make the day special.
So, book a table, raise a glass, and enjoy quality time together over great food because she deserves it!
Mother’s Day Ideas in Coventry City Centre
Yes, we know your Mum is special every single day of the year, and you can treat her any time, but Mother’s Day is a day when you really can go the extra mile and show her how much you appreciate her.
Lucky for you, there’s plenty on offer for Mother’s Day in Coventry City Centre. From afternoon teas to Sunday lunches or just a special meal out, you can treat your mum on 15th March or get some inspiration on where to take her on the other 364 days of the year.
Of course, there are plenty of places to eat and drink for every single occasion throughout the year. Check out our full directory of dining venues for an exhaustive list.♥️
Slug & Lettuce
This Mother’s Day – Sunday 15th March – treat your mum to an unforgettable Afternoon Tea at Slug & Lettuce. To make it even more special, she’ll be welcomed with a complimentary Mumosa!
Delicious treats, sparkling sips, and quality time together – the perfect way to show your mum just how much she means to you!
Slug and Lettuce, The Old County Hall, Coventry CV1 5RN
DAIU
Celebrate mum with a memorable dining experience at DAIU.
DAIU is one of Coventry’s newest offerings, an exciting all-you-can-eat hotpot and BBQ buffet, perfect for treating Mum to something a little different this year.
With a wide selection of fresh ingredients and flavours to suit every taste, it’s an ideal spot for a relaxed family meal where everyone can relax, share, and enjoy together.
Unit 4 Cathedral Lanes, Coventry CV1 1LL
Olive Tree
Treat Mum to the warm flavours of the Mediterranean this Mother’s Day at Olive Tree Coventry.
This popular Turkish restaurant serves freshly prepared mezes, charcoal-grilled favourites, and traditional dishes made with quality ingredients, all in a welcoming, family-friendly setting.
With its authentic cuisine and relaxed atmosphere, Olive Tree is the perfect place to enjoy a special meal together and make Mum feel truly appreciated.
Unit 1 Cathedral Lanes, Coventry CV1 1LL
Cosy Club
Show Mum just how much she means to you at Cosy Club!
This Mother’s Day, treat your superwoman to an incredible Bottomless Brunch, with delicious plates worth lingering over and glasses that never stay empty for long.
Make your booking today www.cosyclub.co.uk – limited tables available.
Cosy Club, Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, Broadgate, Coventry CV1 1LL
Enjoy a diverse buffet of foods from around the world in a vibrant setting, perfect for foodies of all tastes. Find the restaurant on Coventry’s Corporation Street, a stone’s throw from Belgrade Theatre, Coventry Transport Museum, and the hustle and bustle of the city centre.
Smokin’ Hot Buffet, 36-42 Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GF
St Mary’s Guildhall
Dine like royalty and enjoy tea and tasty treats with an afternoon tea experience in Coventry like no other.
Visit Tales of Tea in the Undercroft of St Mary’s Guildhall for an unforgettable afternoon tea experience and indulge in an array of delicious food and drinks. Tales of Tea is open Wednesday to Sunday
St Mary’s Guildhall, Bayley Lane, Coventry CV1 5RN
The Telegraph Hotel
Show your Mum just how much she means to you with a delightful Afternoon Tea at the Telegraph Hotel – the perfect way to celebrate!
For just £25 per person, enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches and indulgent mini desserts, including Madeira cake & Chocolate brownie – a sweet treat she deserves! Served Wednesday to Sunday 12:30pm – 3:30pm.
The Telegraph Hotel, Corporation Street, Coventry, CV1 1GU
Bella Italia
Make this Mother’s Day extra special and head to Bella Italia where every mum can enjoy a complimentary Aperol Spritz to toast to the occasion.
Treat Mum, or that special motherly figure in your life, to the comfort, warmth and joy of her favourite Italian dishes, all served with a big dose of love.
Simply sign up online and show your code when you visit.
Unit 1 4, Belgrade Plaza, Upper Well Street, Coventry CV1 4BF
No matter how you choose to celebrate Mother’s Day, treating Mum to a delicious meal is a wonderful way to show your appreciation. Whether she loves a classic Sunday roast, indulgent afternoon tea, or something a little more exotic, Coventry has plenty of fantastic spots to make the day special.
So, book a table, raise a glass, and enjoy quality time together over great food because she deserves it!
Turtle Bay Coventry Celebrates Successful First Fortnight
The team at Coventry’s most eagerly anticipated venue launch, Turtle Bay, are celebrating after a hugely successful first fortnight. The stunning new bar and restaurant has seen hundreds of customers step through the doors since its official opening on Friday 27th August.
The 5,140 sq. ft bar and restaurant is situated across an expansive ground floor space, featuring an outdoor terrace, the bar, raised gazebo and open kitchen – there’s also an impressive mezzanine level. The décor is on-point throughout, transporting guests to the Caribbean as soon as they step through the doors – from twinkly fairy lights and neon signs, to colourful artwork, leafy green plants and stylish furniture – every detail has been well thought out and executed to ensure the best possible experience for customers.
Guy Clark, General Manager at Turtle Bay Coventry, said: “It has been fantastic to see so many people in the bar and restaurant – we’ve been consistently busy throughout the first two weeks of opening and have had some fantastic feedback from customers. The team have been working incredibly hard and we’re all looking forward to seeing what the next few weeks bring, and to welcoming more people through the doors to experience the Caribbean good times Turtle Bay is known for!”
Creating over 60 new jobs in its recruitment drive, this is the first site in Coventry for Turtle Bay – known for its social, warm atmosphere and vibrant design, serving delicious Caribbean inspired dishes and signature cocktails throughout the day and into the evening. From jerk chicken to fiery goat curry, vegan dishes packed with punchy Caribbean flavour, delicious desserts – and one of the best bottomless brunch offers out there – you’ll find something for everyone at Turtle Bay.
Turtle Bay Coventry is situated at Unit 9, Cathedral Lanes, Coventry CV1. For more information and to book a table, please visit the Turtle Bay Coventry website.
It’s party time! The festive season is already well underway and everyone’s in the Christmas spirit. Whether you’re planning a work get together or a catch-up with friends, Coventry is a great place for a festive party.
We’ve put together a few ideas of places you can try for your Christmas party. Most have set menus and all are great for a bit of festive fun and food. Here are our 7 places for your festive shindig in Coventry City Centre.
Playwrights
An independently-owned bar and bistro in the Cathedral quarter, Playwrights prides itself on its unique atmosphere and great, locally-sourced food. Housed in a listed building on Hay Lane, Playwrights is offering festive lunches and dinners priced at £15.95 for a two-course lunch and £18.95 for three course. A two-course dinner is £18.95 while three courses are £22.95. The menu includes starters like soup, pate, prawn skewers and brie wedges, while mains include hearty dishes like beef shin, turkey and mushroom risotto for vegetarians. 4-6 Hay Lane, Coventry, CV1 5RF
The Artisan
The Artisan is a much-loved restaurant set in a Grade II listed building right on Belgrade Plaza. Popular all year round, there’s a great festive menu on offer with two courses priced at £22 and three at £25.
Stand-out starters include Thai butternut squash soup and duck croquettes with spicy plum sauce, while mains include braised blade of beef and a stuffed turkey parcel. For dessert you can tuck into a classic Tiramisu, Baileys Creme Brulee and, of course, traditional Christmas pudding. Ryley St, Coventry CV1 4AJ
Queens Road
If you weren’t looking for it, you might miss Queens Road at the Ramada Hotel & Suites, but it’s a great place for some festive fun. Throughout the year, Queens Road offers a broad menu from classics to more innovative dishes. During the festive season you can enjoy a festive lunch or go one step further and book for one of their party nights.
The menu includes Spiced Bloody Mary soup to start, classic roast turkey for a main, and traditional Christmas pud to finish – along with plenty of other options too, including vegetarian-friendly choices. They also do drinks packages if you really want to get the party started. Festive lunch is priced at £19.95. Ramada Hotel & Suites, Coventry, CV1 3GG
Lazy Monkey
One of Coventry’s newest additions, The Lazy Monkey Bar & Kitchen on Warwick Row, is just a stone’s throw from the train station so nice and handy if you need to get home after some festive fun. They offer a bar complete with cocktails while the food is a selection of Indian street food as well as burgers, wraps and Indo-Chinese dishes. Perfect when washed down with cocktails and Christmas spirit. 26 Warwick Row, Coventry CV1 1EY
The Botanist
The Botanist is a firm favourite in Cov and has just celebrated its first birthday. With its central location and beautiful interior, it’s a great place for a Christmas party. They’re open all day, every day and offering two-course Christmas meal for £23.50, with three courses at £29.95.
You can tuck into sweet potato and celeriac soup with grated chestnuts and chives, or a festive twist on one of The Botanist’s popular dishes – a Turkey Hanging Kebab.
For the sweet-toothed among you, there are plenty of desserts but if you want something a bit more savoury opt for a festive cheese board of Wensleydale with cranberries, Long Clawson Stilton and Shorrocks Lancashire served with artisan crackers and smoky apple ketchup. Unit 4, Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1LL
The Christmas Market, Broadgate
For something a bit more casual, why not just meet up at the Christmas Market in Broadgate. Running all through the festive season, there’s plenty on offer when it comes to food and drink from burgers to hot dogs and pulled pork, traditional German bratwurst, fried chicken, vegan options, and sweet treats. And if it’s cold, you can duck into the ‘Yule Rest Bar’ for a mulled wine, Baileys hot chocolate, beer, cider, festive cocktails and real ale. Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1LL
Cosy Club
Another popular place in Cov, Cosy Club has got all sorts going on for the festive season. Their festive menu, priced £28.95 for three courses, runs until Christmas Eve with everything from festive sharing platters to start to mains including Turkey pie and confit duck leg as well as desserts to round off your meal. There are vegan options too, and they’re evening offering a festive brunch option, running from 10am-11.30am until New Year’s Eve. Cathedral Lanes Shopping Centre, Broadgate, Coventry, CV1 1LL
