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. Attached is Edmunds wine bar, with separate street and internal entrances, named after the actor Edmund Keane.