'We're making a safe, welcoming and inclusive space' - Step inside Bristol's new The Coach pub

The Coach & Horses in Old Market has reopened its doors this week (March 17) as The Coach under the new management of Gez Couch, owner of the ‘stubbornly independent’ GRAK on Gloucester Road.

Gez told BristolWorld the new pub will be have a different offering to The GRAK.

The Coach will be more of a sport venue, and will continue to be a home to the Bristol Celtic Supporters Clubs.

He said: “We're going to bring a bit of [The GRAK’s] colour and vibrancy to the walls. We're going to add a lot more of our flair and fanfare that we've added to what was the Gloucester Road Ale House and Kitchen to create the GRAK and hopefully pack out our beer garden with happy, eager drinkers in the summer months.

“We're going to replace some of the artworks and move things around a little bit and change the focus of the building, make more of a gaming space in the back room by adding a pool table, try and get as many community groups using our little snug space, which has got lovely seating for about 20 people and any art clubs and stuff like that, much like what's been going on at The GRAK, really.

“[The pub’s] home of the Bristol Celtic Supporters Club, they've got quite a strong following and we're obviously going to keep the pub as is with these groups of fans that have supported it generationally speaking.

“I mean the baton has been passed on to the children of the parents and the baton of this pub has been passed on to me now and I'm just hoping I can be a proud custodian for them.”

When asked what Bristolians can expect from The Coach, Gez said: “Well, we've got a few events lined up.

“We've got an events manager that's sort of organising any events here. But here is really going to be the focus on showing good, wholesome sports on the multitude of screens that we've got on our walls and making the space into a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

“Obviously we are pet family friendly and we want to welcome all of the old community and new community of Old Market and further afield to come and see the unique service and smiles that they'll get at The Coach now.”

Scroll through for a first look at the newly rebranded The Coach or check out the video above to learn more about the pub from owner Gez Couch.