Nº 04 — History
A riverside pub with music at its heart
A late 16th-century former coach house on the Whitesands, overlooking the River Nith. A public house since 1801.
I — The building
Bank Street meets the Whitesands
The Coach & Horses stands where Bank Street meets the Whitesands, overlooking the River Nith.
Dating from the late 16th century, the building served as a coach house from 1590 to 1801, then became a public house. It has been listed since 1981 and retains the intimate feel and traditional character that makes it such a distinctive place to spend an evening.
II — The music
A home for live music
Over the years, the Coach has become a familiar home for live music and a part of Dumfries’ creative community.
Providing a platform for grassroots performers from as far afield as Canada and Australia as well as a whole host of local acts. An eclectic mix of genres, with cover bands as well as original artists.
III — 2019
Fire, flood and friends
That sense of community showed itself clearly during a difficult chapter in late 2019.
A fire forced the pub to close in November, and flooding before Christmas disrupted the repairs. Friends, customers and musicians rallied round, organising a benefit gig that raised more than £2,000. It was a reminder of how much the Coach meant to the people who performed here, met here and called it their local.
IV — 2023
A new chapter
A new chapter began in August 2023 when Calvin Harris and Mark Irving bought the pub from Heather when she retired.
Heather laid the foundations, providing a platform for bands to try new material, reach an audience of local music lovers and have fun doing it. It soon became an institution in the local music scene and a community pub in the heart of the town.
The current owners are committed to keep the pub going in the same tradition for many years to come
V — Today
Live music up close
Today, regular live bands, jam sessions and poetry nights keep that creative spirit going.
"The Coach" remains a place to meet friends, hear something new and enjoy live music up close — a small riverside pub with an ongoing part to play in the story of Dumfries.
Next — Nº 05
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