The Coach & Horses, Greenwich, SE10

Interesting-looking pub which just invites you to enter if browsing the nearby market stalls. 'L'-shaped bar with mixed furniture and decor, including a small lounge area beside the fireplace at one end. Music at a sensible volume. Four of the five handpumps were on when I called in, offering EPA, Doom Bar, Broadside and a decent pint of Adnams Oyster Stout (£3.75).

Tucked away within the confines of the historic Greenwich Market, what is now the Coach & Horses started life as the market stables. The L shaped interior is quite basic with plain walls and ceilings, bare worn floorboards, a few battered tables, pew and banquette seating and a contrasting cosy sofa area at one end in front of an open brick fireplace. There is a rotating display of artwork sourced from local artists, currently a selection of trees and woodland scenes but in negative perspective which is quite striking. A few old adverts are dotted around and there is a Hennesseys mirror behind the now unframed bar and a selection of papers racked by the door. There is also some designated seating outside within the market place itself. It isn’t a place I have been to as many times as other pubs in the area as I have always thought it was a bit too nondescript and bland for regular usage but something clicked on my lastest visit that made me see it in a different light. For a start it was nice and peaceful with barely half a dozen punters which compared to the bustle of some of Greenwich’s pubs can be a blessing. There were a couple of decent enough choices across the 5 hand pumps (Sharps Own, Doom Bar, Adnams Old Ale, Adnams Bitter + 1 unused) although prices were a bit steep - Sharps Own (which I don’t see often) chalked up a hefty £3.40 but was an excellent pint. The pub does style itself as a gastro pub although food didn’t seem to be the primary selling point, in fact I hardly noticed so much as a ketchup bottle let alone a menu. I can’t put my finger on exactly why I have suddenly warmed to the place, probably a combination of needing a decent pint in a relaxing atmosphere and the strains of Mumford & Sons wafting through which probably helped but I will certainly try and make better use of the place in future.