The Coach & Horses, Soho, W1

There are three pubs called the Coach & Horses in Soho, and having visited this one in January and forgotten to write up my review, I had a struggle to remember which one it was. Luckily I didn't have to walk the streets looking for it: the fact that it is listed on Camra's national inventory of historic interiors is enough to identify this one. (A full description can be read by following the link below.) The astonishing piece of preservation is the trough at the foot of the substantial bar counter, into which customers could expectorate. Also well preserved is the 1960s bar back which features the names of Ind Coope's Double Diamond and Skol lager. Returning to the present day, there were six beers on hand pulls at the time of my visit; I went for Verdant's Lamanva, a 4% best bitter that was in very good condition (NBSS 3.5 or 4) Date of visit: 25th January 2023

Date of review: 8th October 2021. I had thought I'd been here before over 30 years ago, as I'd seen Jeffrey Bernard in a Soho pub, but obviously not this one as I'd definitely not been in here before, or perhaps I can't remember it, my former Soho drinking days being more enthusiastic than now. The alternative name of Norman's, relates to Norman Balon - retired 2006 - who had the unenviable reputation of being London's rudest landlord; he must have been incredibly rude indeed. The interior can be seen on CAMRA's website, for this has an interior of National Importance, though the paint job above the picture rail is now duck egg blue which looks less impressive than the former sage green. The retention of the Double Diamond, Ind Coope and Skol lettering to the backlit bar back are is a nice touch, as are the exterior Taylor Walker lanterns and Taylor Walker mirror to the right bar; the stone spittoon running below the bar seemed unused. The left side of the bar is carpeted, the right being chequered lino. There's an upright piano for Wednesday and Saturday knees-ups; no background music seemed to be playing. Otherwise, décor seemed to be confined to framed cartoons, which I suspect may relate to the pub's history, along with a flyer for the play Jeffrey Barnard is Unwell, with Peter O'Toole in the titular role. Ales: Fuller's but just Pride and Oliver's Island. Then, Kirkstall's Dissolution IPA and Hophead at £5.20; not bad considering the area. This is a classic unspoilt must-visit London boozer, making for a great crawl when seeking out other quality hostelries in the area.