The Horses, Clerkenwell, EC1

Visited 23/09/26. Visited previously as the Coach on 28/06/18. No cask. Keg offering of Guinness, Braybrooke Helles, Portobello Pilsner, Verdant light Bulb, Kicking Goat cider, Lucky Saint, Allsopp's IPA. Caught this re-opened corner venue in its reincarnation during the last week of its soft open phase. That seemed to be more of a thing around dining, the drinks side seems to be in normal operation. The venue is L shaped with the bar counter following the internal shape of the venue. Parquet flooring and a lot of wood panelling in the venue. Leather banquettes both sides of the corner entrance serving regular tables, a drinking ledge served by stools opposite the longer side of the bar counter and then some regular tables and chairs and some booth tables towards the rear of the venue. Low lighting and a very ambient music soundtrack. The venue was furiously busy on my mid-evening attendance, mostly locals it seemed drawn in by the shininess of a new neighbourhood venue. Am sure it will do well but feels a bit too gastro orientated to appeal to many on here I suspect.

Official site of The Horses - www.thehorsesec1.com

Official site of The Horses - www.thehorsesec1.com

This one has suffered a serious makeover recently, as reported by Tris C below. I think the fielded panelling is a fairly new embellishment, but I did like the stained glass in the window on the left, and the vestibule entrance on the corner looks the real deal. But some screening has been lost. This is a pub of two halves, having the bar area at the front, with a restaurant at the back with all tables laid for diners of course. But they did have a couple of ales on - Timothy Taylor Landlord and Bath Session Ale (£2 a half). This is an OK pub, without being anything very special.