The scene An inscrutable matte black front is buttressed by a line of picnic tables. Unlike many modern pubs, the owners of the Coach and Horses have made the best of the limited space inside, opting for traditional small pub tables, as opposed to the monolithic repurposed dining tables used in the ‘Fancy Dan’ gastro pubs that infest North London.
This place feels remarkably like an actual pub, in stark contrast to many of the, what one might uncharitably call, pub-themed bars, which dominate this part of town. The bar in the Coach and Horses itself is a tad dinky and is generally busy at the best of times, but is admirably well-staffed.
The grub So with such a traditional-seeming English pub you’d expect a menu of … that’s right, Thai classics. The Lab Moo spicy minced pork is indecently moreish and for those less fond of oriental cooking there’s a good burger and fish and chips.
Behind the bar Expect the usual collection of premium continental lagers, plus Leffe and a few well-kept ales, including the genuinely marvellous St Austell Tribute.
Bill please Starters from £3.75; mains from £7.50; pints from £3.20; wine from £2.75.
Verdict A real pub, with an awesome atmosphere, one of the finest pints in North London and decent, affordable grub. What more do you want?
178 Stoke Newington High St, N16 7JL
coachandhorsesn16.com
Station | Stoke Newington
