History repeats itself at Coach & Horses

Even though its long-standing, famously rude landlord retired a couple of years ago, this one-time Soho institution hasn't changed much since.

For those who aren't au fait with Soho history, the Coach & Horses once boasted a litany of famous regulars, from Jeffrey Bernard to Francis Bacon and has played host to Private Eye magazine lunches upstairs for many a year.

To others though, it's a dump. A famous dump, but still a dump. Worn carpets, chipped, ageing tables and redundant Skol Lager advertised in the backlit bar are all signs that this certainly isn't a sleek bar. Evenings find it crowded with Soho media types soaking up the 'old-school' vibe, while supping one of the ales or numerous ciders.

As things change in Soho, though, it has become something of a relic, filled with the ghosts of past times and an excess of Bernard-related photos. Still, some old gentlemen can still be seen whiling away in the corner and the ambience is more relaxed and homely than other nearby places. If you need a pint and you're in the area, there are worse places to spend your time and we quite enjoy weekday afternoons, when it's quiet and the chip butties, unlike the beer, are cheap.

NEAREST STATION: Leicester Square station
FEATURES: good choice of ales and cider, function room available, live music, outdoor seating

The Coach & Horses
29 Greek St, W1 5LL