The Coach & Horses: 17th Century Pub in London

The Coach and Horses pub in London is one of the capital’s most iconic pubs.

As traditional as its name, it’s one of Mayfair’s oldest surviving unreconstructed taverns from the 17th century.

With its stained glass windows, the Tudor exterior still beckons punters wanting to experience true London pubs.

Dating from the 1770s, the coaching inn was built to capitalise on the increasing numbers of people travelling via horse and carriage, providing rest to the tired horses and their weary passengers.

In the 18th century, as the population became more mobile, a need for coaching inns grew.

Predictably pubs such as The Coach & Horses, The Wagon & Horses or The Horse & Groom became more commonplace, marking points where stagecoaches would stop.

It was a booming market – you’ll find over 50 Coach & Horses pubs in London alone, but none others with such a charming exterior.

It is a small yet immensely popular public house: indeed, it seats a maximum of 50 people.

Those intending to meet there for some after-work refreshment are advised to leave the office as soon as possible in order to secure a seat!

Unlike a lot of today’s modern drinking establishments, this pub has warm lighting and traditional furniture.

A stark contrast to Mayfair’s commercial shops and minimalist art galleries, you’ll find sanctuary in the rustic beams and rich wood panelling of the Coach and Horses pub to make you feel right at home.

There are four monthly changes of cask ales to sample, with the best of British on offer for all to enjoy - and it’s dog-friendly too!

There pub has raving reviews on TripAdvisor, one recent customer said: “Had a great time in the pub! Food was amazing and it came in a reasonable time. Best pub food I ever tried!!

”Drinks were nice and the staff is lovely. Young Thomas served me such a nice boy and polite. Lovely chef in kitchen the food was great. Pub environment looks great, definitely gonna become a regular.”

Another person added: “Popped in as the outside looks fantastic! Was pretty busy and the kitchen took a while to send out the food but it was worth the wait.

”The team is very lovely and they know their drinks. Would defo come back!”

The pub is open most days from 11am, but check their website for opening times as this might change depending on the time of year.

It can be found in Mayfair, an affluent area in the West End of London towards the eastern edge of Hyde Park.

The area was originally part of the manor of Eia and remained largely rural until the early 18th century.

By the end of the 18th century, most of Mayfair had been rebuilt with high-value housing for the upper class; unlike some nearby areas of London, it has never lost its affluent status.

By 1577, it is estimated that there were some 17,000 alehouses, 2,000 inns and 400 taverns throughout England and Wales.

Taking into account the population of the period, that would equate to around one pub for every 200 persons.

To put that into context, that same ratio today would be approximately one pub for every 1,000 persons …Happy Daze!

Throughout history, ale and beer have always formed a part of the staple British diet, the brewing process itself making it a much safer option than drinking the water of the times.

If you like historic pubs in London, it’s also worth checking out The Prospect of Whitby - a Grade II listed gem and one of London’s oldest pubs.

In fact, the iconic pub is also thought to be the oldest riverside pub on the River Thames.

There has been a pub on this site since the time of Henry VIII, and the first pub was probably built in 1520.

You can still walk across the original 400-year-old flagged stone floor in the building, you can read more about this historic pub HERE.

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