In a city constantly searching for the next exclusive thing, where a 'hidden', yet perfectly PR'd pop-up opens every day, it's rare to come across anything that's managed to stay a secret for very long. Full marks, then, to the Coach and Horses Pub in Soho, who have kept news of their upstairs dining room away from the ears of Joe Public for over 40 years. This room, the site of Private Eye's fortnightly lunches and a place once described as "a National Health side-ward decorated from Army surplus stores" is an intriguing slice of Soho history that's only accessible from a door positioned behind the bar - providing you have a guide, of course.
Don't give up on ever seeing the place, however, as it's now being opened to the public for lunch and dinner, when they'll serve the same menu of traditional pub food that can be found downstairs. It's sure to attract enough curious diners but, if contemplation of the pub's chequered history and infamously rude former landlord aren't enough to entertain you whilst you eat, there will also be performances by acclaimed cabaret act 'Lush Life' every Saturday evening in March. Tickets for the show are £10, with dining packages also available.
The Coach and Horses is open from 11am, at 29 Greek Street, Soho. W1F 7HG Email [email protected] for cabaret information.
