The Phoenix, a historic Coventry pub known to generations of locals, will close its doors for the final time on September 6. The venue, formerly called The Colin Campbell and widely referred to by regulars as The Campbell, will shut according to a statement from its licensee. The pub has been a popular spot, especially among students, due to its proximity to Coventry's university.
Emotional farewell from staff
The announcement comes just two years after the current licensee took over the pub. Staff described the decision as an emotional moment for a venue with deep roots in the city. In a statement shared on social media, manager Dom Woolley and staff said they wanted to make the most of the remaining weeks before the closure.
"It's been very emotional news but we really want to end on a high," they said, inviting customers to give the pub "the send off it really deserves." They added: "Coventry is losing a piece of history, and that's what really hurts in all of this."
Deep-rooted history
The statement also reflected on the pub's former identity, saying its history "runs much deeper and further than simply The Phoenix." It continued: "The Colin Campbell has a deep-rooted history in Coventry and throughout its evolution we've all shared the same passion and love for the pub at one time or another."
The Phoenix is owned by Stonegate Group, one of Britain's largest pub companies. Its closure follows the shutting of two other Stonegate venues in Coventry: The Town Wall Tavern and the Aardvark, both of which closed earlier this year. At the time, it was suggested the venues could eventually reopen under new management, although no reopening dates have been announced.
Industry pressures and relief
The latest closure comes as pubs across Britain continue to face challenging trading conditions. Figures from the British Beer and Pub Association earlier this year indicated that around two pubs a day closed during the first quarter of 2026, highlighting the pressure facing the sector. There has, however, been some relief on the horizon. Pubs were told in July that they would receive a 20 per cent reduction in business rates from April, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham describing the move as a "first step" towards supporting pubs.
The Phoenix itself has a long history. The premises originally opened in 1720 under the name Parrot and Griffin before becoming the Sir Colin Campbell in 1868. The name honoured Field Marshal Sir Colin Campbell, a military commander who served under the Duke of Wellington during the Napoleonic Wars and later fought during the Indian Mutiny. The pub's name was shortened to The Campbell in the early 2000s. After subsequently closing, it eventually reopened under its current name, The Phoenix. Stonegate Group has been approached for comment.
