Coach & Horses, Barnes, SW13

Tris C left this review about Coach & Horses

This former coaching inn dates from at least the mid-18th century though was apparently rebuilt in 1831, an entrance at left hinting at its former use and giving rise to an enormous and very atmospheric archway with much seating, going back a very long way to a pretty garden and former stables, now function room.
The interior is lovely, the nicest I’ve seen in a London pub for a long while: occluded glass then beautiful etched panes and divider to the bar, separate Saloon and Private entrances, dark aged wood panelling with roughhewn beams, half a brass coopered barrel incorporated into the bar front, a bit of kitsch probably dating from the ‘30s or ‘50s. There’s mainly peripheral seating, furniture being traditional, though what wasn’t so traditional were the multiple TVs showing the rugby with loud commentary, likewise all the dogs, one sitting on the brown vinyl banquette seating. Customers were mainly young for some reason, many quite drunk at the time of my Friday late evening visit.
A Young’s house so no surprises, a half of Neck Oil coming in at £3.75, served by a perfunctory barmaid.
Rex’s profile still stands firm unsurprisingly and although it is the best pub in Barnes, it doesn’t have the best cask selection, an improvement in which would result in a minor gem; where’s the Proper Job? And why did I have to get stuck in the cubicle?

On 3^rd February 2025 - rating: 7
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