With a historic value only heightened by its decent drink offering, the Coal Hole offers local office workers and tourists a more interesting stop off for a tipple than many of the more staid pubs in the area.

The Venue
The Coal Hole is definitely a place of historic interest. Having been renamed twice, this pub inherited its current name when it served The Savoy Hotel as a coal cellar.

As you walk across the marble checkerboard floor towards the opulent oak bar, you cannot help but look around in awe. The original leaded stained glass windows are beautiful with a marble frieze of maidens picking vines decorating the walls. If you are really observant, you might notice carved wooden statues above the bar of figures carrying what appear to be large vessels.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at the Coal Hole is calm and relaxed with subtle background music enhancing the already pleasant ambience. This is mainly a venue for workers either popping in for a working lunch or a quick drink before the commute home. However, tourists and theatre buffs also visit for an early pre-performance tipple.

The Drink
There is an abundant array of beers, you can choose from eight bottled beers, including Peroni and Leffe or several on draught including Amstel, Stella and Heineken. Guinness, of course, is also on tap as are several ales including London Pride and Tim Taylor as well as some lesser known brands like Harveys. You can also choose from a plentiful wine list of red, white and rose wines from as little as £2.65 for a 175ml glass or £7.95 for a bottle of Santa Lucia, Chenin Argentinian Chardonnay, to a bottle of Pouilly Fume, Don Pabiot for £18.50. All of the wines have a small description of taste if you are not yet a connoisseur. There is also a Wine of the Week recommended if you are still having trouble making up your mind. If you prefer something sparkling, why not try a Jacobs Creek Rose for £12.95 a bottle, or if you are feeling really flush a bottle of Dom Perignon for £95.00.

There are a good selection of spirits including a premium malt whiskey Dalwhinnie (15 years), or a shot of Hendricks Gin. On a hot summer’s day you could choose from the list of refreshing long drinks all for £3.50 a glass or £9.95 a jug. Pimms or Summer Sloe Gin are always a popular choice. For a non alcoholic alternative there is also a varied selection including raspberry lemonade or elderflower sparkling water.

The Last Word
If you are interested in history and architecture, then this pub has it in abundance alongside a very genial atmosphere and an excellent choice of drinks. There is little wonder the Coal Hole has been in business for so long.

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