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.
Article courtesy of Fraser Urquhart Media. Images by Edwin Ladd.
Work begins on Cathedral Unity Lawns, a new scheme, set to revitalise Coventry Cathedral’s Unity Lawn.
The plans for the area, which have been designed by Studio Morison, will enhance the space, creating a more inviting spot for visitors and residents to enjoy the views of the Cathedral and the surrounding historic architecture. This will involve removing the existing railings which surround the lawns being removed in order to open the space up.
New benches will be installed, including on the lawns and around the largest tree, which offers the best view of the Cathedral and the ruins. In addition, new lighting, paving and planting will also be added.
Councillor Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Member for Jobs and Regeneration, said: “I’m really pleased to see this project get started. The area is already a lovely spot to sit and enjoy the views, but the plans will make the space even nicer. Greener, brighter and more inviting for visitors and local people alike – and it’s always nice to see improvements being made to spaces and areas that people enjoy.”
The first phase of the plan has involved closing the walkway on St Michael’s Ave between Coventry Cathedral and Cuckoo Lane. Pedestrian access will be unavailable until Monday 22 February with diversions clearly signed.
All graves and memorial plaques will be protected and preserved during the works, as well as the trees, which survived the Blitz bombings.
Councillor David Welsh, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, said: “While it’s great to see improvement works that will make the space more accessible, it’s also vitally important to protect and conserve the important heritage in this area too. This will include revealing a hidden tribute to a gladiator who is buried here, which will be uncovered as part of the works.”
Councillor Patricia Hetherton, Cabinet Member for City Services, added: “The Unity Lawns and Cathedral areas are such a historic part of the city, it’s great that we’re going to be able to preserve the history of the area whilst making improvement works. With all the new seating and plants, the plans will really enhance an already beautiful spot.”
The scheme is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.
A sculpture dedicated to victims of knife crime has been temporarily installed at Coventry Cathedral.
The 27ft (8m) Knife Angel sculpture is made from 100,000 blades handed into police across the country.
It was unveiled in 2017 and was displayed in Liverpool and Hull before arriving in Coventry.
Artist Alfie Bradley, who created the sculpture at the British Ironworks Centre, said it was a “monument against violence and aggression”.
The Bishop of Coventry, Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth, said the Knife Angel was “a stark reminder of a form of violent crime infecting our city and threatening lives with great danger, especially our young people”.
Messages from families of the victims of knife crime have been engraved on the sculpture’s wings.
Mr Bradley, who created it at the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry, Shropshire, said it was “a memorial to those whose lives have been affected by knife crime”.
The sculpture will be displayed in Coventry until 23 April.
Article courtesy of BBC News
The Specials announce two Coventry dates – and it’s going to be epic
The band’s 40th anniversary tour coincides with the release of a new album.
The Specials have today revealed where they will play in Coventry as part of their 40th anniversary tour.
And the band will play not just one gig in their home town – but two.
The Specials will also be playing a truly iconic location in the city – the ruins of Coventry Cathedral on two consecutive nights – July 10 and 11.
A total of 3,000 tickets are on sale – 1,500 each night.
The 40th anniversary tour coincides with the release of a new album by the band entitled Encore.
Released this week it is The Specials’ first new music for 37 years.
Initially it was feared the band were missing Coventry out on their 40th anniversary tour when 24 dates were announced in October last year.
Even though subsequent tweets from band member Horace Panter suggested that was not going to be the case, the absence of a Coventry date sparked disappointment among some fans.
That continued when the tour itinerary was extended to 31 dates but still no mention of a Coventry gig.
Horace reassured fans on Twitter that a Coventry date would happen “fairly soon” – culminating in today’s long-awaited announcement.
Tour details
The 40th anniversary tour kicks-off in Cologne on March 29, before continuing in Belgium and Luxembourg.
The band then travel to Ireland before the tour continues throughout the UK in April and May.
A spokesman for the band said: “The Specials, one of the most electrifying, influential and important bands of all time, have added two home town gigs to their tour.
“They will play on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July in the iconic Coventry Cathedral ruins.
“These shows are part of their 33-date European and UK tour and are in support of their brand new album, Encore.
“2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of The Specials and the legendary 2-Tone label in Coventry in 1979, and marks 10 years since the band reformed to play some of the most vital and joyous live shows in recent memory.”
Tickets for the Coventry Cathedral ruins show cost £40 plus booking fee.
Anyone wanting to attend must be over 14 and all under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Doors open at 7pm.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be bought online by phone or in person.
For online bookings click here.
For telephone credit card bookings call 08444 77 1000.
Tickets can also be bought in person at The Hub at Coventry University Students’ Union and Coventry Music Museum.
Previous gigs
The Specials were last in Coventry to play as a group on June 2, 2018, when they supported rock legends The Rolling Stones.
Around 30,000 music fans were packed into the Ricoh Arena to watch The Specials open for the Stones.
They tore up the stage with favourites like Rat Race, Message To You Rudy, and Too Much Too Young.
They were also at the Ricoh Arena in 2009 for their 30th anniversary tour.
Formed in the 1970s, The Specials remain one of Coventry’s greatest musical exports and one of the most celebrated UK bands of all time.
Currently, The Specials consist of Lynval Golding, Horace Panter, Terry Hall, Tim Smart, Drew Stansall, Nikolaj Torp Larsen, Steve Cradock, Pablo Mandleson and Gary Powell.
Article courtesy of Coventry Live
