The Coach and Horses is a Mock Tudor building standing alone on a small island in Hill Street, Mayfair. It possesses the qualities of a cosy London pub in winter time, but lacks the necessary character.

The Venue
An oddly-angled building that looks like it’s been ostracised by the other buildings on the street, the Coach and Horses is located in extravagant Mayfair where people who swagger like catwalk models mix with tourists and out-of-towners who have brought their daughters to Tiffany’s to buy them an expensive piece of bling for their birthday. Due to its odd structure, the main space looks like it’s been squashed into a triangular shape with chairs and tables crowbarred into every available nook. The furnishings are traditional and worldly – and before 6pm, so is the clientele.

The Atmosphere
During the day, the obscure ‘80s soundtrack may be the only sound you hear as isolated men sip their pints in brooding silence and unmotivated bar staff lean against door frames. Not long after four o’clock, however, the place tends to fill up nicely with suits and shoppers creating more of an enthusiastic mood.

The Food
Not in keeping with the fixed appearance of the venue, The Coach and Horses has a generic pub menu that is tasty but doesn’t have any homemade charm. Staple meals such as posh bacon and eggs, steak and chips, and fish and chips are reasonably-priced and enjoyable but the menu itself lacks distinction.

The Drink
The only hint of character comes from its pride in stocking several types of real ale. Draught lagers are outnumbered by the ales on tap such as the splendid Timothy Taylor and Deuchars, and a string of beer mats hang from the bar, all of them advertising different real ales, illustrating the management’s undying dedication to the cause. Judging by the bar staff’s general demeanour, you suspect however that they couldn’t give a flying hop.

The Last Word
The Coach and Horses is a fine pub which just needs a bit of encouragement and a few happier people frequenting it. It’s not bad for somewhere to escape, should you find yourself with five bags in each hand and frostbite.

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