Britain’s oldest brewer takes the reins on a new chapter for Mayfair’s oldest surviving pub, The Coach and Horses

An elegant horse-drawn carriage drew crowds as the show-stopping centrepiece of the reopening of Mayfair’s oldest surviving pub, The Coach and Horses, following a major refurbishment by independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.

The carriage, drawn by a pair of black steeds, provided a fitting nod to the pub’s name and echoed its new bespoke swing sign, featuring a coach and horses, outside the Grade II-listed building in Hill Street.

Just a stone's throw from Berkeley Square, the building has welcomed generations of customers since 1744. Following a three week closure, it reopened on Tuesday (August 25) with a refreshed new look and feel that celebrates the pub's rich heritage while sensitively updating it for the future.

The refurbishment has seen the pub undergo a complete external redecoration, including the new handcrafted swing sign and classic red lantern above the entrance.

Traditional barrels remain at the heart of its outdoor space, complemented by new heated awnings to ensure customers can enjoy the terrace throughout the seasons.

Inside, new décor, furniture, flooring and wall finishes complement the pub's listed bar, which has been carefully preserved.

The horse-drawn carriage was arranged to herald the pub’s doors reopening, whisking one lucky competition winner, Millie Wenham, and two friends, on a ride around the area. They returned to receive a hamper of Kentish goodies from the Faversham-based brewer.

The reopening also saw the launch of a new food offer centred around speciality flatbreads and charcuterie boards, complementing Shepherd Neame's range of award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, premium English wines, spirits and soft drinks.

Shepherd Neame Operations Manager, David Hutchings, said: "We have been delighted to invest in one of London's great historic pubs, The Coach and Horses, to honour its past and invest in its future for its loyal, local customers and new ones.

"We believe we have preserved what makes this pub so special while creating an experience that reflects modern Mayfair - tasteful and traditional surroundings, complemented by great service and a quality food and drink offer.”

The refurbishment forms part of Shepherd Neame’s ongoing investment in its premium London estate, following recent projects at the Hoop and Grapes, The White Horse and Bower, Tom Cribb and Westminster Arms.

Find out more at www.coachandhorsesmayfair.co.uk

About Shepherd Neame

Shepherd Neame has been based in the market town of Faversham, Kent for over 300 years. Perhaps best known for great British classic ales such as Spitfire Amber, which carries the Royal Warrant, its diverse portfolio includes the Bear Island and Whitstable Bay collections. It also brews international lagers under licence including premium Thai lager Singha. The independent family business boasts an award-winning visitor centre and 286 pubs and hotels throughout London and the South East, from the historic heart of the City to the Kent coastline.

Shepherd Neame is not responsible for the content on third party websites.

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For further information please contact Shepherd Neame Communications Manager Angela Cole on 01795 542142 or email acole@shepherdneame.co.uk or visit www.shepherdneame.co.uk

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