Mayfair's oldest surviving pub reopens following restoration project

A Mayfair pub that’s been pulling pints for almost 300 years has reopened after a huge makeover.The Grade II-listed Coach and Horses on Hill Street welcomed back punters last Tuesday, following a three-week refurbishment aimed at giving the historic boozer a fresh lease of life.First opened in 1744, the Coach and Horses is Mayfair’s oldest surviving pub, and was once a stopping point for horse-drawn coaches, where coachmen could rest and stay overnight while their wealthy passengers retired to Mayfair’s grand townhouses.Now protected as a listed building, the pub boasts plenty of its historic character, including its mansard roof and stucco detailing dating back to around 1850.According to Shepherd Neame chief executive Jonathan Neame, the aim of the refurbishment was to preserve what makes the pub special while helping it stand the test of time.“We wanted to maximise the original features and make sure they ‘sing’ for a few more hundred years,” he said.The Coach and Horses in Mayfair has reopened following a three-week restoration projectThe Coach and Horses/ FacebookMr Neame praised the team, which is led by General Manager Ester Casanellas, for their dedication, as well as all those involved in the restoration project. The makeover included new heated awnings, a bespoke swing sign and a traditional red lantern above the pub’s entrance. Emma McClarkin OBE, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), said: “It is our aim to defend the culture of going to the pub and the fabric of our society and the brilliant teams that make these places - we cannot underestimate how important places like this are, they are memory makers.“Three cheers for the team at Shepherd Neame – they are the custodians of this amazing heritage and that is something we take very seriously.”A Facebook post from the Coach and Horses pub read: “Last night, we officially celebrated the reopening of the Coach & Horses, Mayfair, following our exciting refurbishment.“We had a wonderful evening with special guests, local residents, award-winning Kentish beers, and plenty of delicious dishes from our new menu.“The first pint was poured by Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), while Jonathan Neame, Chief Executive of Shepherd Neame, gave a speech before presenting a £1,000 cheque to local charity Caris Families, helping to support homeless families living in temporary accommodation. Read More“Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us. We’re so happy to officially welcome you to the Coach & Horses”.