The Coach in Clerkenwell before its renovation

A HISTORIC pub’s renovation plans have divided neighbours who fear more customers will mean more noise.

The Coach in Ray Street, Clerkenwell, has been rebranded as simply The Horses in papers circulated to councillors ahead of a licensing meeting next week.

The pub has asked for its current licence to extend to a private dining room and new Japanese restaurant in the upper floors.

Before councillors make a decision they will read through an equal number of letters opposing the changes by the Coach Clerkenwell Ltd company as letters supporting them.

“The application needs to be considered in light of the proposed change to the pub’s operation. All floors of the building are intended to be converted to entertainment spaces,” said one objector.

“There are three residential buildings affected by the proposed changes, each of which have numerous apartments directly facing the courtyard. On the basis of prevention of public nuisance I would clearly object to the requested amendments by the pub.”

Another resident who lives near the pub said they had always supported the pub as an “integral part of a vibrant and active community,” but was now concerned about the direction of its proposed redevelopment.

“I strongly resent the lack of information provided by the pub owners, who have been at pains to tell us they are not extending into the garden and have sought to deflect enquiries and deny plans to cover the garden, only to extend the application at last minute over the summer holidays,” they said.

“Talking to the builders in June and July, it has long been evident that there was a plan to cover the garden.

“The way this has been handled has led to significant distrust between neighbours and the pub owners which does not bode well for future collaboration.”

The Coach, originally the Cock Inn, was established as The Coach and Horses in 1790, rebuilt in 1897 and renamed The Coach in 2018.

The pub sits between Clerkenwell and Farringdon roads.

It was once the place for bear-baiting in Victorian London with folklore having it that the bears were kept in the pub’s cellar.

Fast forward to now and its supporters say it’s a great place for a pint and has always been well run.

Moonpig, a leading retailer of greeting cards and gifts, whose offices are based in Back Hill, wrote to the Town Hall to confirm its support for the new licences, adding: “Our staff love this pub and are looking forward to it reopening.”

Another resident, who lives in Warner Street, said in support: “I am confident the owners will promote the licensing objectives, and I have no concerns about noise, crime or disorder. In fact, having more activity on Warner Street and Ray Street will make the streets safer at night as they are currently very empty.”

The proposal is also seeking to allow the pub to remain open all through the night of New Year’s Eve, and until 11pm the following day.

Coach Clerkenwell Ltd said in its documents: “The application follows local stakeholder consultation and is made alongside a programme of improvement works to safeguard the long-term future of the pub.

“There are no proposed changes to the existing licensing position in respect of the ground floor and external areas, save for minor layout changes.”

A decision is set to be made by Islington’s panel of licensing councillors on Tuesday.