Coach & Horses Mayfair: Bruton Street’s Historic Pub

I’ll make you a bet. Clear your mind’s eye and think of an old London pub – we’re talking really old. What does it look like? Which part of town is it in? Got it?

Now open them. How close did it look to The Coach & Horses – one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs? Pretty close right?

If we’re talking looks alone, The Coach & Horses on Bruton Street in Mayfair is, without a doubt, one of the cutest ye olde pubs in London.

History of the Coach & Horses

The Tudorbethan building may look distinctly at odds with its surroundings but it’s thought that this is actually the oldest building on Bruton Street and the oldest surviving unreconstructed tavern in Mayfair.

Dating from the 1770s, the coaching inn was built to capitalise on the increasing numbers of people travelling via horse and carriage, providing rest to the tired horses and their weary passengers. It was a booming market – you’ll find over 50 Coach & Horses pubs in London alone, but none others with such a charming exterior.

While it is something of a secret spot, I’ll warn you that the locals are well and truly in the know. The pub only seats 50, so you’ll need to get there early if you actually want to grab a pew inside.