Coach & Horses, Portsmouth

One of Portsmouth's most well-known buildings, the Coach & Horses stands at a major traffic junction, at the apex of two main roads. The imposing structure that is the present pub was built to a striking design by A E Cogswell in 1933 and replaced an earlier pub of the same name. Built in Scottish Baronial style, the building features a hexagonal tower at its northwest corner and a crenellated parapet runs along the full length of the walls. The pub's interior consists of one very large, roughly U-shaped, bar room with numerous seating areas, with the rear given over to pub games such as darts and pool. A large wall-mounted television is affixed to the chimney breast and shows BT Sports. Here is one of a number of original fireplaces to be found around the pub. Furnishings are a mix of high tables and chairs, comfortable upholstered benches and more traditional seating, with the floor divided into carpeted, tiled and laminated areas. A raised deck is located in the area below the pub's tower. A separate restaurant area makes up the eastern side of the pub. Wall decoration varies from pop art to prints of old Portsmouth. An ATM is located at the end of the bar counter (withdrawal charges apply) and there are plenty of gaming machines to play. The pub offers free pool on Monday evenings, a Thursday quiz and poker on Sundays. Outside is a decked area for al fresco drinking and there is plenty of car parking.