Public House Group Opens The Horses in Clerkenwell Next Month
A Winning Team Brings Their Magic to Clerkenwell
The Public House Group has built an enviable reputation across the capital and beyond, and now they’re bringing their proven formula to EC1. Led by Phil Winser, James Gummer, and Olivier van Themsche, the trio has transformed several venues into beloved community gathering spaces—from The Fat Badger and The Hero to The Bull at Charlbury. Each establishment reflects their philosophy: combining the unpretentious warmth of a classic neighbourhood pub with exceptional cooking that respects seasonal ingredients.
The Horses, opening September 2026 at 26-28 Ray Street, will occupy the space formerly known as The Coach & Horses, reviving the historic venue under new stewardship. For those familiar with the group’s other locations, this opening signals another thoughtful restoration of a treasured local institution. The team’s track record suggests they understand what makes a pub genuinely matter to a community—it’s not just about the drinks or the food, but creating a space where locals feel genuinely welcome.
What Makes This Opening Significant for East London
Clerkenwell is experiencing a genuine renaissance as a dining and drinking destination, and The Horses arrives at precisely the right moment. The neighbourhood is already attracting serious culinary talent, with Jackson Boxer’s Vesper recently establishing itself nearby, and chef Karla Knowles preparing her own venture following her tenure at the acclaimed Kiln restaurant.
For local residents and workers across Clerkenwell, Shoreditch, and the broader East London area, The Horses represents another quality option that takes both hospitality and food seriously. Unlike chain establishments, independent operators like the Public House Group maintain direct relationships with suppliers—they source produce from their own Cotswolds gardens, meaning menus change daily based on seasonal availability. This approach supports sustainable food practices and ensures diners always encounter something fresh and unexpected. The group’s success with their West London venues, which draw visitors from as far as Hounslow, Whitton, and Richmond, suggests The Horses will quickly become a destination worth the journey.
What Locals Should Know and What’s Coming Next
The full details of The Horses’ opening remain under wraps, but based on the Public House Group’s existing venues, expect a carefully curated environment where classic pub character meets contemporary cooking standards. Their formula consistently delivers seasonal menus that surprise and satisfy without pretension—exactly what community-focused establishments should offer.
For business owners and professionals in the area, venues like this often become important networking spaces and client entertainment destinations. The opening also represents job opportunities as the group builds its team. Local residents should mark their calendars for September 2026 and keep an eye on thehorsesec1.com for opening announcements and initial menu previews. The arrival of The Horses, alongside other quality independent operators moving to Clerkenwell, strengthens the neighbourhood’s position as a genuine destination rather than merely a passing-through area. Watch this space for opening celebrations, which the Public House Group typically marks with special events that showcase their philosophy.
Source: The Team Behind The Fat Badger, The Hero & The Bull Are Opening a New Pub in Clerkenwell
