First licensed in 1724 the pub was most recently rebuilt in 1889 and is Grade II listed. The name of course derives from horse-drawn coaches and it is thought that a type of shuttle service ran from this site to the Smithfield Market area, the main starting-point for coaches going north.

The venue is now a very good example of 1930s pub-fitting with spittoon troughs, bar back and wall panelling all surviving from that era, plus some Art Deco lino floor tiles. The pub was added to the CAMRA National Inventory in summer 2019 because of its 1930s interior. The Historic England listing is number 1235282 and was last enhanced in Feb 2020; the listing contains fascinating details about the site history and includes references to CAMRA.

Following cessation of a previous tenancy, this became a Fuller's managed house with the iconic piano singalongs continuing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bar snacks are on offer but no substantial food.

The pub hosts occasional showings of the play "Jeffrey Bernard is Unwell" by Keith Waterhouse, see Historic Interest entry. Ticket prices are for Seated, Bar Stool, or Standing, but all much cheaper then your average West End show.