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The Coach & Horses, Soho: London's Iconic Historic Pub

Historic Soho pub famed for its legendary landlord, literary clientele, and London’s first vegetarian and vegan menu.

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Located at 29 Greek Street in the heart of Soho, London, The Coach & Horses is a Grade II listed pub with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Famous for its association with legendary patrons like Jeffrey Bernard and its long-time landlord Norman Balon, known as 'London’s rudest landlord', this pub has been a cultural hub for writers, artists, and journalists. Since 2012, it has been London’s first fully vegetarian and vegan pub, combining heritage with a modern twist.

A brief summary to The Coach & Horses, Soho

  • 29 Greek St, London, W1D 5DH, GB
  • +442074375920
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-8 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the afternoon or early evening to enjoy the lively piano sing-alongs and soak in the traditional pub atmosphere.
  • Explore the pub’s walls adorned with political cartoons and theatrical memorabilia that reflect its rich cultural ties.
  • Try the vegetarian and vegan menu, a pioneering choice in London’s pub scene since 2012.
  • Learn about the pub’s famous patrons like Jeffrey Bernard and Norman Balon through the displayed historical photos and stories.
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The Coach & Horses, Soho location weather suitability

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  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
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  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about The Coach & Horses, Soho

A Storied Past Rooted in Soho's Heart

The Coach & Horses has stood on Greek Street since the 1700s, evolving through centuries as a cornerstone of Soho's vibrant social scene. The current building dates from the 1840s, with a distinctive 1889 façade featuring unique cast-iron columns, a hallmark of Victorian pub architecture. Internally, much of the 1937 Taylor, Walker & Co. refit survives, showcasing light oak paneling, partition screens, and a long bar counter that evoke the pub’s historic charm. This architectural continuity offers visitors a tangible connection to London’s pub heritage.

Norman Balon and the Legendary Clientele

Norman Balon, who began working behind the bar in 1943 and later became landlord, shaped the pub’s character for over six decades. Known as 'London’s rudest landlord', Balon cultivated an atmosphere that attracted a diverse clientele—from Soho eccentrics and artists to prominent journalists and actors. The pub was a favored haunt of Jeffrey Bernard, whose writings immortalized the Coach & Horses in British literary culture. The fortnightly lunches of Private Eye magazine's staff further cemented its reputation as a hub for sharp wit and political satire.

A Cultural Hub for Artists and Writers

The Coach & Horses has long been a gathering place for creative minds including Peter O’Toole, Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud, and other Soho personalities. Its walls are adorned with political cartoons, theatrical memorabilia, and artworks reflecting its close ties to London’s West End theatre and media scene. The pub’s bohemian spirit inspired plays such as 'Jeffrey Bernard Is Unwell', which recreated its interior on stage, underscoring its cultural significance beyond just a drinking venue.

Modern Evolution: A Vegetarian and Vegan Pioneer

In 2012, under landlord Alastair Choat, The Coach & Horses became London’s first fully vegetarian and vegan pub. This bold move aligned with Soho’s tradition of embracing ‘firsts’ and progressive ideas. The menu’s plant-based offerings complement the pub’s historic ambiance, attracting a new generation of patrons while respecting its storied past. The pub also hosts lively events, including piano sing-alongs, maintaining its role as a convivial social space.

Architectural and Historical Significance

The pub is Grade II listed, recognized for its outstanding historic interior and architectural features. The 1889 exterior remodel by Cannon Brewery introduced the striking cast-iron columns, while the 1937 interior refit by Taylor, Walker & Co. preserved a classic pub atmosphere rarely altered in modern times. This blend of Victorian and early 20th-century design elements makes it a unique heritage site within London’s bustling Soho district.

The Enduring Spirit of Soho’s Iconic Pub

The Coach & Horses continues to embody the eclectic and rebellious spirit of Soho, welcoming a diverse mix of patrons from all walks of life. Its legacy as a meeting place for artists, writers, and free spirits endures, making it a must-visit for those seeking an authentic slice of London’s cultural and social history. Whether you come for the rich history, the vegetarian fare, or the lively atmosphere, the pub offers a quintessential Soho experience.

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