The Coach & Horses — Restaurant in London

🚇Stoke Newington 🍺 £6.30 Pillars Helles

The Coach & Horses is located on the busy Stoke Newington High Street, close to the junction with Church Street. The nearest station is Stoke Newington.

Originally a coach house dating from the 1700s, the current pub building was constructed in 1829, making it one of the oldest remaining public houses in Hackney.

This former Charrington’s pub holds some sentimental value for me. My dad used to drink here in the 1970s—he would visit on his day off from running the now-demolished Kings Arms (18s), which was located near Dalston Junction.

The pub is now under new management by the Friendship Pub Co, who also run the magnificent @bof_n5 and @thecarpentersarmse2. Following a sympathetic refurbishment, it reopened in April this year.

This well-sized, one-bar pub has a welcoming, traditional feel. The servery sits on the right, featuring a charming back bar with decorative lettering. Décor includes deep red walls and ceiling, classic booths with pew seating, historical black-and-white photos, and a new, proper pub carpet—great to see making a comeback. During refurbishment, the owners uncovered a Victorian-era wooden wall with drink posters, one referencing “John Jones,” a publican in 1884.

The beer selection is excellent, featuring premium continental lagers, local London brews, and rotating cask ales. I kept it local with a Pillars Helles, brewed just four miles away in E17. There’s also an extensive whisky list, with selections from Scotland, Ireland, and even Taiwan.

We arrived around 6:30 pm on an overcast Saturday evening in April. The pub was busy with a warm, upbeat atmosphere and a lively local buzz. Service was excellent—the team was friendly and personable.

I’ve visited twice since April and thoroughly enjoyed each time. What I love most is the truly traditional pub experience. The refurbishment is excellent, the beer selection top-notch, and the hospitality is the cherry on top. It’s great to know Dad’s old local is in safe hands.

Follow @cah_n16 for updates.

📅 18th April 2025

If you want to see all my pub reviews in one place, head to @londonpubmap on...

Well, so much was so wrong. First of all the loud music, heavy metal isn't the best thing for a Saturday lunch time. Then the bar staff, the waitress took my order, then disappeared, expecting the barman to get the drinks, 3 minutes later there was an embarrassing silence, when she returned, and I asked about the order, she then told the barman to get on and do it. Then they didn't have a chardonnay, a bit like Siansburys running out of cheddar cheese. But the main problem was the pub itself. The double doors were wide open, obviously to invite peple in, but this only made the front of the pub unbearably cold, so we had to sit at the back. Big mistake, every time the gent toilet door was opened, out came the smell associated with it, mostly when used by non customers, I know this because I was the only customer. The ambiance was dark and dismal, the bar staff would have difficulty with passing CSE English, and one could'nt tell the time. He told me that the Thai food would only start at 1 pm, I then pointed out that it was 1.20 pm, he had to seek reassurance from one of the Thai waitresses. I only went to try the Thai food, and left without tasting it, I'm sure the food would...

Since having new owners and a refurb, The Coach and Horses in Stoke Newington is now hands-down one of the best pubs in the area and an absolute must-visit for anyone who appreciates a proper pint in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

From the moment you step inside, you can tell this is a place that truly cares about quality – especially when it comes to drinks. The selection is top-notch. Particular credit goes to their choices from Pressure Drop and Deya. Whether you're after something crisp and sessionable or a bold, juicy IPA, there's always something exciting on tap.

Beyond the stellar beer, what really sets The Coach and Horses apart is the vibe – friendly, relaxed, and full of character. Much of that is thanks to Mark, the manager, who is clearly passionate about what he does. Mark runs the place with the perfect balance of professionalism and charm – always up for a chat, genuinely welcoming, and clearly committed to making everyone feel at home. You get the sense that he’s curated not just a drinks list, but a community.

In short: great pub, amazing beer, and an even better team. The Coach and Horses is a local treasure – long...