County Hall, Coventry – A Georgian Landmark with a Legal Legacy

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Located at the junction of Cuckoo Lane and Bayley Lane, County Hall is one of Coventry’s finest surviving Georgian civic buildings. Constructed in the late 18th century, this elegant structure served for over a century as the city’s main courthouse, before being reimagined in recent decades as a vibrant hospitality venue.

A Historic Courthouse

County Hall was completed in 1783–84, designed to serve as a sessions house and local judicial proceedings. Samuel Eglington was the architect. It replaced earlier civic buildings on the site and continued to function as a key judicial center for the city until the late 20th century. In the 19th century, it witnessed many notable trials, including the public execution of Mary Ball in 1849, which attracted large crowds and left a lasting impression in Coventry’s social memory.

The building was used for judicial functions until 1988, when court operations were relocated to a new facility on Much Park Street. After a period of disuse, it underwent a sensitive restoration and was adapted for commercial use in the early 2000s.

County Hall - Coventry
County Hall - Coventry


Architectural Features

County Hall is a fine example of Georgian neoclassical architecture. The exterior is built in finely dressed ashlar stone, with a symmetrical five-bay façade facing Cuckoo Lane and an elegant side elevation on Bayley Lane.

The ground floor features rusticated stonework with blank arches resembling an arcade. Above, the first floor is adorned with sash windows and a prominent Roman Doric portico supported by four columns and topped with a triangular pediment.

Inside, the main courtroom rises through two storeys, illuminated by high-set windows. The space still retains many original features including the judge’s chair, public gallery, and gallery railings. A second courtroom was added in the early 20th century, distinguished by its arched trusses and elevated seating. Beneath the building, remnants of old prison cells hint at its earlier use as a custodial site. 

A New Chapter

After the courts moved out, County Hall stood empty for a time before being transformed into a bar and restaurant. During the conversion, great care was taken to preserve the character and features of the original interiors, particularly in the courtroom spaces. The result is a rare blend of historic preservation and modern repurposing.

Today, visitors can dine or relax in a venue that once echoed with legal arguments and judicial pronouncements. The atmospheric interiors, high ceilings, and preserved details offer a unique glimpse into Coventry’s civic past while serving contemporary purposes.

Location and Surroundings

County Hall is part of Coventry’s Cathedral Quarter, a short walk from iconic sites such as:

  • St Mary’s Guildhall

  • Coventry Cathedral ruins

  • The Golden Cross Inn

  • Bayley Lane’s medieval buildings

Its setting makes it an ideal stop on any heritage walk through Coventry’s historic centre.


County Hall stands as a proud symbol of Coventry’s legal and architectural heritage. From its origins as a Georgian courthouse to its modern role as a cultural and social venue, it continues to tell stories, now with food, laughter, and conversation in place of court rulings. It’s a living monument, where history is experienced rather than remembered.

Happy travelling.



Location: Coventry, UK

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