The Coal Hole — Restaurant in London

🚇 Charing Cross 🍺 £6.35 Amstel ❤️ An atmospheric West End pub. . The Coal Hole is located on The Strand in the heart of Theatre land in The West End. Getting here is is easy, Charing Cross and Covent Garden tube stations are just a few minutes walk away. . The Coal Hole was built in 1903 and is Grade II listed, this pub is part of the Savoy Court and was the site of the coal cellar for the famous Savoy Hotel. 617 Squadron drank in The Coal Hole the night before they went to the Palace to see the King to collect medals for the famous Dambusters Raid. . This pub’s decor is quite unique as it is designed in an art nouveau style, there are only a dozen or so pubs in London which are designed in this way. The high beamed ceiling and the details above the gorgeous windows give you a sense you are somewhere historic, an almost Tudor feel. The servery is intricately ornate and the chequered tiled floor completes the look. Overlooking the main bar is a mezzanine which is set aside for dining. . The Coal Hole isn’t just about looks, there is an impressive beer selection including six cask ales. We kept it simple and ordered a couple of Amstels, price point was a bit above average and our pints were very agreeable. There is a hearty British pub classics food menu available here, Fish & Chips cost £16.50. . The atmosphere was buzzing on this Saturday lunchtime. The clientele consisted mainly of tourists, patrons of the Savoy Hotel and the various nearby theatres, plus inquisitive day trippers having there first drinks of the day. . There are many pubs across London which are atmospheric and give you that sense of “Old London”. @thecoalhole is one such pub, it may not be the oldest pub in town, in fact it’s a mere whipper-snapper compared to its counterparts but there is a certain awe about this pub. Get it on your list folks. . ℹ️ Info correct on...

Never felt more humiliated in a place in London.

I am writing to express my profound disappointment and utter dismay regarding a recent incident at your establishment, which has compelled me to bring a grave matter to your attention.

On Friday, I, along with a group of individuals, encountered an appalling and entirely unjustifiable denial of entry by one of your entrance guards. Despite the presence of an existing group inside, my companions and I were subjected to an inexplicable refusal, delivered with a complete lack of professionalism.

What is even more distressing is the disgraceful behavior exhibited by the guard when I sought clarification. Instead of a reasonable explanation, I was met with a barrage of insults and unwarranted aggression. This not only tarnished our evening but also left an indelible mark of disrespect on your establishment.

As someone who frequents various establishments, I have never experienced such a blatant disregard for customer respect and dignity. It is disheartening to witness such a lack of professionalism in what should be a hospitable and inclusive environment.

I implore you to investigate this matter thoroughly and take immediate corrective action. Such behavior is unacceptable and reflects poorly on the reputation of your establishment. I trust you will address this issue promptly to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Your swift attention to this matter is not only expected but imperative.

I would not recommend places like this in a supposedly the most welcoming city...

This isn't a review, but the guarantee of a visit review in the very near future ! Let me explain. Many MANY years ago, 45 years ago to be precise ! I did a Chef apprenticeship at 'Simpsons in the Strand' , a mere few steps down the road and part of the Savoy Hotel. To fill 3 hours in between shifts ( before all day opening and having to work splits) many chefs from Simpsons and the Savoy Hotel and Grill used to hook up for a pint or two (!) in the downstairs bar on many afternoon...which in those days was basically breaking the law The pub doors were locked, and other than a sea of Chefs 'whites' and the classic tall chefs hat, the pub was empty !!! Now back in London I've been trawling Google maps on old places of work and areas in general, and got quite emotional when I came across Simpsons and the Coal Hole, affectionately known between the chefs and other staff as 'our second home' So having looked and reminisced for a short while I was bowled over by the number of extremely positive reviews, and consistently so over time, which is definitely a good sign. Some reviews had gone to great length and trouble to describe certain dishes so much so that I've already decided on the Shepherds Pie on my upcoming visit !! So in the meantime me please ignore the stars and what have you that I've posted here... A genuine review will follow in the next fortnight or so ! I look forward to seeing you then.. and I promise I won't turn up in Chefs...