Bourbon, blues and Southern-inspired dishes are coming to one of Coventry’s most historic venues this autumn.
Tales After Dark, the after-hours experience at Tales of Tea at St Mary’s Guildhall, is hosting a Bourbon & Blues theme on Thursday, October 29 and Thursday, November 26.
Guests can enjoy live music and cuisine inspired by the American south from 6pm in the medieval undercroft, with doors opening from 5pm.
Visitors to the venue, which is operated by No Ordinary Hospitality, will be entertained by a live blues trio led by vocalist Lisa Curley, along with keys and saxophone under the guildhall’s historic stone arches.
The undercroft dates back to the 14th century and was once used for everything from food storage to housing gunpowder during the English Civil War.
A menu of small plates has been created to complement the music at Tales After Dark, with Southern flavours at its heart.
Dishes include blackened Cajun salmon, bourbon BBQ glazed pork belly bites, buffalo chicken wings, spiced mac ’n’ cheese, Cajun spiced potato wedges and charred sweet corn ribs with spiced hot honey.
These delicious dishes will be followed by cinnamon sugared churros with a warm chocolate and coffee dip, and a baked pumpkin and pecan tart with maple syrup. Small plates are priced at £7.95 each or three for £19.50.
The drinks list is led by a selection bourbon cocktails, priced at £9.95, including an Old Fashioned made with Woodford Reserve, a Bourbon Sour made with Jim Beam, and a Kentucky Mule topped with fiery ginger beer.
Alcohol-free options, priced at £6, include an Elderflower Spritz, Soul Sunrise and Fizz Amore cocktails.
Abi Moore, Heritage and Venue Manager at St Mary’s Guildhall, said: “Tales After Dark is all about giving people a different way to enjoy St Mary’s Guildhall.
“We launched these events to provide an ideal opportunity for guests to unwind at the end of the week or to begin a night out in the city.
“They have proved extremely popular with around 80 people coming along to each event since we launched with Sangria and Tapas in April.
“For this autumn, we’re introducing Bourbon & Blues to bring together great live music, food that’s made for sharing and a really relaxed atmosphere in a space that is unlike anywhere else in Coventry.
“We’d love people to come along and see the undercroft in a whole new light. We are already planning a series of new themes for Tales After Dark in 2027 so there will be plenty more to look forward to.”
Seating sessions run from 5pm to 7pm and from 7pm to 9pm. Booking is recommended, although walk-ins are welcome, subject to availability.
Tales of Tea will continue to serve its afternoon teas, brunch and lunch menus within the undercroft during the day.
More information is available here: Tales After Dark | Bourbon & Blues, Southern-inspired small plates, Cocktails at St Mary’s Guildhall Coventry
Captions: Tales After Dark at St Mary’s Guildhall in Coventry