Coach and Horses, Soho
The Coach and Horses, 29 Greek Street, Soho, London, W1D 5DH is a public house notable for its association with the columnist Jeffrey Bernard, the staff of Private Eye magazine, other journalists and as a haunt for Soho personalities. Its former Landlord, Norman Balon, became famous too - in part for his self-proclaimed title of "London's rudest landlord", but also, presumably, because of his proximity to writers who document his actions and anecdotes.
The interior of the pub was recreated on stage for the biographical play about Bernard's life Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell. The play was successful and Balon's memoirs followed entitled You're Barred, You Bastards (ISBN 0283997621). There has been a pub on the site since the 1700s. The current building dates from the 1850s.
Norman Balon's last day at the Coach and Horses was on Monday 22 May 2006 when he officially handed over to the new owner Alastair Choat, who continued to foster the pub's unique identity as a gathering place for writers and thinkers by hosting events such as the fortnightly Private Eye lunch and quality live music gigs. In June 2011, the Coach and Horses was sold to the pub chain Fuller, Smith and Turner, who have promised to maintain the unique character of the pub.[1].
[edit] References
- ^ Fuller's to take over Soho's legendary Coach & Horses 06 June 2011
[edit] External links
- O'Toole's triumphant return – BBC News story about Peter O'Toole's return performance in Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell, August 5, 1999 (features a picture of O'Toole outside The Coach).
- Teachers were poorly educated – Brief interview with Norman Balon at Find Articles sourced from The Independent, September 1, 2006.[dead link]
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Coordinates: 51°30′47.6″N 0°07′48.8″W / 51.513222°N 0.130222°W
