Coach and Horses Hotel — Restaurant in Sydney

Back in the day when we lived in Randwick, we used to come here regularly, but after moving out of the area we stopped coming, so this was our visit in nearly three years. Nice to see though that’s it’s still the same homely, friendly and popular neighbourhood pub bistro that I remember. The only thing that’s changed, as other reviewers have alluded to, is the construction of a glass screen down the middle of the bistro, to separate the smokers from the non smokers. I had thought that smoking was a no-no throughout all restaurants; obviously there are still some holdouts. But to be honest, the presence of this barrier didn’t bother us too much and I couldn’t really smell any ciggie smoke. The space it’s large enough to handle the separation and keep both sides happy.

Twelve of us dined for a friend’s birthday, and the evening went off smoothly. We arrived before 7pm, so were able to avail ourselves of the happy hour specials of $5 for a schooner of Carlton Draught, which was a refreshing way to kick proceedings off. As people familiar with this place will know, it has a casual and laid back atmosphere. Ordering and paying is done at the food counter, which is handy for large groups, when you don’t want to wrangle about the bill afterwards. This way it’s each man (or woman) for themselves. Just order what you want and pay for it yourself and your meals will be brought to the table fairly quickly by a friendly waitress.

I ordered the shepherd’s pie, which was a substantial and hearty dish, with fresh, flavoursome mince and a cheesy topping. The dish was quite deep, so it was more substantial than it looks like from the pictures. The two pieces of bread that accompanied it though were too dense for my liking and tasted a bit like cake. Some of our friends choose the 400g steaks, which were well cooked and tender. But, whatever you order, you likely won’t be disappointed. These chefs have been at this game here for years and they know how to prepare a first-class meal and full credit to them. Everyone enjoyed their food. The all-female staff complement - neatly turned out in black uniforms - are efficient, courteous and polite and they helped to make this a pleasant and successful evening.

Being a Friday night, the place was pretty full, with a lively and energetic atmosphere. But tables are well spaced out and the ceilings are high, so unless you have a particularly rowdy bunch near you (luckily we didn’t), noise isn’t a big issue.

Toilets are clean and well provisioned, but the poor male one is now isolated just behind the smokers’ “Berlin Wall” in the “eastern” half!

Surprisingly we were able to get a parking just around the corner on Avoca Street, where restrictions end at 6pm. But even if you’re not that lucky, you should still be able to find something in Alison Rd or one of the nearby side streets, without too much of a problem.

Some things don’t change, and good to see that the Coach & Horses can still be relied on to provide tasty and affordable meals in a relaxed, friendly and laid back atmosphere. It’s one of the few eateries around here that’s endured and can still pull in the crowds. As they say on their website :”The Perfect Local”, but you’ll enjoy it even if you’re...

Tonight I was with friends at my usual casual pub the C&H, after years being at this pub, I never been humiliated and shouted at by staff in front of other patrons. The beer garden was at full capacity and was travelling from the pokies area back in when I was pulled back and told "hey don't you see the sign you can't go in there" I honestly wasn't conscious of the sign, and to make matters worse I was mislead to walk around the pub to be made believe that I could walk in via the bistro area. The bold man that told me this being smart about it showed absolute arrogance and condescending directions, he clearly doesn't like his job or treats customers like idiots, when we are the ones paying for there wages with patronage and spending at the pub. Anyways, then when I was providing feedback I was shouted at and told to leave... I followed the instructions and removed myself from the pub, when he called for security to come over and escort or remove me, and then was told that I was being uncorroperative... unbelievable! Seriously if someone doesn't like working with people they should find another job, or if they can't handle the stress of serving customers then they should find another job. That's no way to treat customers. The bistro food here is also not good... doesn't taste fresh and is...

One of the highlights of my week is Trivia Night at the Coach and Horses in Randwick on a Wednesday night. This has been at a long standing appointment for a couple of years now and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

The trivia master, Polly, is truly second to none. She has a wonderful sense of humour (often self-deprecating), moves it along at a comfortable pace, has great rapport with everyone from regulars to one offs, and quite frankly, is the one of the main reasons we show up every week. On the few times she hasn't been there (illness or in one instance, the car breaking down), you can definitely feel the energy drop. It's a welcome change away from technology. No fancy buttons to press, just pen and paper.

Along with the incredibly friendly staff (who might help you out with an answer if you get stuck), to lovely regulars (Cripes, Sushi Carols etc), reasonably priced drinks and meals, there is no better way to celebrate Hump Day.

P.S. Even if you show up on your own, someone will happily invite...