Coventry Then & Now: Reimagining the Icons We Miss - Fishy Moores
COVENTRY THEN & NOW
Coventry has always been a city rich in personality, a place stitched together through community, shared memories, and ordinary moments that somehow became extraordinary. From shops and restaurants to nightclubs and market stalls, our city has seen many beloved venues open, thrive, and eventually disappear. But while the buildings may be gone, the feelings never left.
At Create Onsight, we wanted to explore that emotional connection. So we’ve launched a new blog series: Coventry Then & Now - a creative journey where we reimagine iconic Coventry venues that no longer exist and redesign them as if they were opening their doors today.
The aim isn’t just to remember, it’s to celebrate. To look back with fondness, but also to ask an exciting question:
“What if these places never closed? What would they look like in 2025?”
The First in the Series
We couldn’t launch this project with just any venue. It had to be one that sits firmly in Coventry folklore. And so our starting point is a place that still sparks conversation today.
FISHY MOORES
For decades, Fishy Moores wasn’t just a fish and chip shop. It was a Coventry ritual.
Established in 1969, the chippy became a staple for locals, especially those who grew up visiting the old Coventry Swimming Baths. The pattern was the same for generations:
Swim. Walk. Eat chips!
Ask anyone who remembers it and you’ll see their face light up. The smell, the queues, the unmistakable crispy batter. Fishy Moores wasn't just food. It was a memory you could taste.
Why Coventry Still Talks About It
Fishy Moores became one of those rare places defined by belonging rather than marketing. Parents took their kids. Teenagers stopped there after school. Families grabbed a Friday treat on the walk home.
Even after it closed, the name lived on. Coventry residents still reference it when talking about childhood, routines, and the city as it used to be.
Closing Time and What Comes Next
Fishy Moores eventually closed its doors and joined the list of Coventry staples people wish they could visit again. But with this project we wanted to imagine a different outcome.
“What if Fishy Moores reopened today? How would it look? What would its identity be in a modern world?”
The New Fishy Moores Brand
Our redesign balances nostalgia with contemporary design. It imagines Fishy Moores as a modern Coventry food destination while keeping its roots and personality intact.
The new identity includes:
A nostalgic colour palette
Warm pinks, bright reds, and soft aqua tones that feel both retro and fresh.
A distinctive illustrated fish tail graphic
Weathered texture and vintage character, keeping the design rustic and approachable.
Typography that feels familiar
A heritage serif paired with a friendly, rounded sans serif to blend tradition with modern clarity.
Full brand rollout across key touchpoints
Signage, menus, packaging, restaurant interiors, and digital media were imagined to bring the brand to life as if reopening today.
What Should We Reimagine Next?
If you have a favourite Coventry venue that has disappeared but never faded from memory, tell us. It might be the the subject of our next blog.
WEB DESIGN | GRAPHIC DESIGN | BRANDING | MARKETING
Create Onsight is an independent creative agency specialising in web design, graphic design and branding.
We have a genuine passion for ideas, problem-solving and bringing brands to life. Above all else, we love what we do and we keep the process enjoyable for everyone involved.
Our experience covers everything from brand identity and logo design for new businesses, to strategic marketing campaigns, e-commerce websites, brochures, leaflets, annual reports and much more
Need a new website or brand for your business? Contact our Creative Director, Leigh at design@createonsight.co.uk or by using the enquiry form.
