I was absolutely blown away when the new owners of the Coach & Horses in 178 Stoke Newington High Street contacted me on January 31st to share an incredible discovery. While refurbishing the pub, they uncovered an old wooden wall featuring posters advertising various drinks. Based on the name of the publican included, I was able to date it to the 1880s, not long after the current building was constructed on the site of the original Coach & Horses.

The wall contains some fascinating details, including the name of a former publican, John Jones who was recorded as the publican in 1884, which helps pinpoint the likely age of this remarkable find.

One particularly intriguing detail is a partially visible notice reading:

“Glasses Only & Par______ _e ________ged in this Bar.”

After exploring various possibilities, I now believe the full notice most likely read:
“Glasses Only & Parlour Bottles Changed in this Bar.”

This would make sense in the context of Victorian-era pubs, where the Saloon Bar (likely the section where this wall was located) had different rules and pricing compared to the Public Bar. The Saloon Bar was a more refined space, with a dress code, padded furniture, and slightly higher prices, while the Public Bar was a plain, no-frills area catering primarily to labourers.

Takeaway Drinks and the Off-Sales Counter

One detail that particularly stands out is the mention of drinks being priced by the pint. While today this would suggest drinks served for immediate consumption, historically, pubs often had an off-licence counter—sometimes called Off-Sales, Jugs Bar, or Bottles & Jugs—where customers could purchase drinks to take away. It’s very likely that the pricing on this wall refers to this takeaway option, rather than the idea of customers drinking a pint of Brandy on the premises!

Preserving the Wall

I’ve since met with the owners again to discuss their plans for preserving this remarkable find, and I’m pleased to say they are keen to keep it as a feature in the pub when it reopens in a few weeks. The owners, who also run the Bank of Friendship in Highbury and the Carpenters Arms in Bethnal Green, are passionate about maintaining the historical character of their pubs.

Given the fragile nature of the posters, I am actively seeking expert advice on the best way to protect and preserve the wall and its details. If you have any expertise in conservation or know someone who does, please get in touch.

Protecting Stoke Newington’s Heritage

Preserving and protecting Stoke Newington’s history is central to my work, and this latest discovery reinforces why it’s so important. Over the years, I’ve undertaken several initiatives to safeguard the area’s heritage, including:

• Restoring heritage street signs: I successfully campaigned for Hackney Council to protect and restore old street signs bearing the name of the former Borough of Stoke Newington.
• Preserving Victorian tiles at 117 Stoke Newington Church Street: When decorative Victorian tiles were uncovered during refurbishment, I prompted the shop’s owners to integrate the tiles into the interior design, ensuring this historical feature remained visible.

This discovery at the Coach & Horses is another exciting opportunity to ensure that Stoke Newington’s past remains visible and valued. I look forward to seeing the wall on display for everyone to appreciate and marvel at once the pub reopens soon.