The Squirrel is a traditional single-room pub on Greyfriars Lane in Coventry city centre (CV1 2GY), with a fireplace, wooden floors and a capacity of around 200. At weekends it leans into live music and DJs, and it hosts a free weekly open-mic night every Wednesday from 7pm to 10pm, hosted by Rich Keogh. The open mic is well-regarded locally for the standard of performers. PA and vocal mic are provided; the room suits solo acoustic acts, duos and singer-songwriters. The pub also serves Indian/Bangladeshi and British food.
The Squirrel Open Mic
City Centre's wednesday-night free open mic at The Squirrel — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
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Last updated: 3 June 2026
The Squirrel Open Mic — Quick Facts
City Centre's wednesday-night free open mic at The Squirrel — PA + vocal mic, walk-in sign-up from 7:30pm, 15-minute slots, all ages.
Everything you need before you turn up
Where
The Squirrel1 Greyfriars Lane
Greyfriars Lane
Coventry CV1 2GY
Greyfriars Lane, Coventry — check venue website for parking and nearest station.
Contact
Walk-in sign-up only
No advance booking
Host: in-house team
Highlights
What’s on in Coventry this week — or see what’s on across the UK.
About The Squirrel




About This Open Mic
The Night
The Squirrel runs an open mic every Wednesday in City Centre, Coventry, starting at 8pm with free entry for performers and audience. It's one of Coventry's regular weekly open-mic slots — listed across [public open-mic guides](https://openmicfinder.com/UK/England/West-Midlands/Coventry/).
Sign-up opens at 7:30pm on a walk-in basis (no advance booking). Slots run 15-15 minutes per act — typically 3 songs solo or 4 for a band. PA and at least one vocal mic provided. Bring your own instrument, amp and any pedals.
Sign-up process
The sign-up sheet goes out at 7:30pm at the venue. Popular wednesdays fill within 30-60 minutes — arrive early if you want a guaranteed slot. There is no advance booking, no online sign-up, no email list — strictly walk-in.
What to expect
Coventry open-mic crowds tend to be a mix of working musicians, friends and locals. Solo songwriters, duos and acoustic acts work best given the gear set-up; full bands should ask the host before turning up.
What's on stage — equipment and backline at this venue, verified regularly.
The Night at a Glance
How The Squirrel’s Wednesday night runs.
Find The Squirrel
1 Greyfriars Lane, Greyfriars Lane, Coventry CV1 2GY
Planning Your Wednesday Night
Arrive by 19:30 to sign up for a slot. Entry is free and the open mic typically runs until 22:00. A PA is provided — bring your own instrument and amp.
Part of the Coventry live music scene.
Common Questions
Seven things people ask before turning up at Coventry's The Squirrel open mic.
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See what’s on in Coventry over the next four weeks →
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Keep exploring: the UK gig directory for what's coming up, the venue directory for rooms that book live music, the open mic finder for recurring stage time, and what's on across the UK this week. The blog covers pricing, contracts and getting booked, and about GigXchange explains who runs it and why. Something not right on this page? Tell us — or start on the home page.
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