Fuller's to take over Soho's legendary Coach & Horses

Its most famous customer Jeffrey Bernard and former landlord Norman Balon - the rudest in London, so he liked to claim - would not have approved, but today The Coach & Horses on Greek Street in Soho was sold to Fuller Smith & Turner

Bernard, the boozer who's Spectator column chronicling his desperate escapades was once described as a "suicide note in weekly instalments" has not been a regular since his death in 1997, but his ghost is likely to object to any overhaul of a pub long associated with bad food and worse service.

In truth, The Coach had already been spruced up somewhat by Alastair Choat, who took over in 2006.
He has now sold to Fuller's, for an undisclosed sum.

The brewer and pub opetator behind London Pride insists it will maintain the "unique character" of a pub that is "untouched by modern trends", though it will embark on a "sensitive refurbishment" of the Grade II listed building.

Fuller's has been looking to boost its West End presence for several years, having managed the downturn that has afflicted the rest of the pub trade better than most.

The purchase of The Coach is one of a trio of deals unveiled today. It is also buying Twickenham rugby pub The Cabbage Patch and The Crown in Bishop's Waltham.

Fuller's managing director, Simon Emeny said: "These acquisitions represent an exciting period for Fuller's as we look to extend our position in London but also expand into new areas where we believe our brand will be well-received."
Bernard's life was chronicled in the play Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell by Keith Waterhouse.

Balon stepped down when Choat took over. His memoirs were called You're Barred, You Bastards.
Fuller's runs 360 pubs and hotels. It also brews Chiswick Bitter and ESB.