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Licensed in 1866 as the Salisbury Tavern and rebuilt in 1891 and again as part of the Savoy Court complex in 1903-4 by the architect TE Collcutt; then transformed into a pub named the Fountains Tavern. The current name is reputed to be derived from its one-time role as a coal cellar for the Savoy Hotel; or, alternative story, because the pub was the haunt of coal heavers working at the quays below. The licence was for wines and spirits only until 1948.
One of London's Real Heritage Pubs, M&B Nicholson's has preserved the original decor, including friezes above the bar and original windows. As part of the Savoy Court block, the building is Grade II listed. The mezzanine floor, if you can get a seat there, gives a good view of the pub's many features.
The clientele consists largely of tourists, patrons of the Savoy Hotel and the various nearby theatres and Charing Cross commuters; prices reflect the very central location. Guest beers are often from microbreweries such as Thornbridge and there are occasional tap takeovers, see venue social media. The food offering includes a pre-theatre menu. Food options include takeaway and delivery as well as eating in the pub.
Historic Interest
Grade II listed, Historic England reference 1264458.
Two star - A pub interior of very special national historic interest
Listed status: II
A baronial style hall of a pub with original bar-back, bar counter, a large vine-themed frieze, and an elaborate fireplace at the rear.
A stunning piece of ‘olde English’ revival as employed, rather later, at the Cittie of Yorke. The pub is part of the Savoy Court complex built in 1903-4 to designs by a well-known Edwardian architect T E Collcutt. Expense was not spared in creating a lofty, beamed L-shaped drinking hall whose main decorative theme is the celebration of the fruit of the vine. In a massive, deep frieze there are decorative young ladies collecting grapes. At the rear of the pub is an exuberant terracotta fireplace decorated with juicy bunches of grapes and an escutcheon with the uplifting motto ‘convivium moderatum atque honestum’ (loosely translated as an exhortation to honesty and what we now refer to as ‘responsible drinking’). The bar-back with its flat-arched openings and simply panelled counter is original though the obtrusive gantries above the counter are an unpleasant modern addition.
Do go upstairs to the mezzanine floor at the back from where you can get a bird’s eye view of this spectacular pub and its sumptuous features. The pub claims to take its name from being a popular hostelry for London coal heavers who used to fuel the city before the arrival of natural gas. There is also a small, windowless snug in the basement which purports to be the pub’s coal hole.
A stunning piece of ‘olde English’ revival as employed, rather later, at the even more stunning Cittie of Yorke. The pub is part of the Savoy Court complex built in 1903-4 to designs by a well-known Edwardian architect T E Collcutt. Expense was not spared in creating a lofty, beamed L-shaped drinking hall whose main decorative theme is the celebration of the fruit of the vine. In a massive, deep frieze there are decorative young ladies collecting grapes in an agreeable state of undress. At the rear of the pub is an exuberant terracotta fireplace decorated with juicy bunches of grapes and an escutcheon with the uplifting motto ‘convivium moderatum atque honestum’ (loosely translated as an exhortation to honesty and what we now refer to as ‘responsible drinking’). The bar-back with its flat-arched openings and simply panelled counter is original though the obtrusive gantries stuck on the corners are an unpleasant modern addition.
Do go upstairs to the mezzanine floor from where you can get a bird’s eye view of this spectacular pub and its sumptuous features. The pub claims to take its name from being a popular hostelry for London coal heavers who used to fuel the city before the arrival of natural gas. There is also a small, windowless snug in the basement which purports to be the pub’s coal hole.
This Pub serves 3 changing beers and 2 regular beers.
Coal Hole, London
Source: National
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Lunchtime Meals
Evening Meals
Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub
Quiet
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