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Cobham Literary Festival Celebrates Successful Inaugural Weekend



Cobham came alive with the sound of stories, ideas and conversation this weekend as the inaugural Cobham Literary Festival took place from 11–13 September, bringing leading authors, broadcasters, illustrators, poets and readers together for three days of literary events across the town.


Organised by The Cobham Bookshop, the first festival offered an ambitious programme designed to appeal to readers of all ages and interests, with events ranging from crime and espionage to politics, poetry, children’s literature, art, horticulture and new fiction.


The weekend opened with an impressive line-up of speakers and events, including conversations with leading authors and broadcasters, sessions for children and young readers, poetry, crime writing and discussions exploring everything from politics and history to gardens and the natural world. Among the highlights were Clare Balding and Callie Coles in Conversation with Rishi Persad, an evening with historian and author Sir Anthony Seldon, and the ever popular Alex Brycha MBE thrilling children and adults alike with his live illustrations.


With events taking place in venues across Cobham, the festival was designed not simply as a series of author talks, but as a celebration of reading, ideas and creativity at the heart of the local community. The programme brought together established names with emerging writers and offered audiences the chance to meet authors, hear their stories and discover their next favourite book. Phillip Wells, The Fire Poet brought another dimension to the festival with his wonderful interactive ‘pop up’ poetry at a variety of events across the weekend.


Community partnership at the heart of successful first festival


The organisers are particularly grateful to Downs Solicitors, the headline sponsor of the Cobham Literary Festival, whose support was instrumental in helping bring the inaugural event to life. As a new literary festival for Cobham, securing the support of a headline sponsor was an important milestone. Downs’ Solicitors commitment enabled the festival to establish an ambitious programme from its very first year, helping create a new cultural occasion for Cobham and contributing to the town’s growing reputation as a destination for books, conversation and creativity.


The partnership reflects the importance of businesses and organisations investing in the communities in which they operate and supporting initiatives that bring people together.

Amber O’Connor, Joint Managing Partner, Downs Solicitors commented:

“We were delighted to support the first Cobham Literary Festival as headline sponsor. The response from the community has been fantastic, and it has been wonderful to see so many people coming together to enjoy books, meet authors and share their enthusiasm for reading. We are proud to have played a part in helping establish what we hope will become a much-loved annual event in Cobham.”

The organisers would also like to thank the festival’s venues, partners, volunteers and everyone who attended for helping make the inaugural weekend such a success.


The strong response from audiences has provided an encouraging foundation for the festival’s future, with the organisers already looking ahead to building on the first year and bringing an even broader programme of authors and events to Cobham.


The inaugural Cobham Literary Festival marks an exciting new chapter for Cobham’s literary life, creating a new annual opportunity for readers to meet authors, discover new books and celebrate the power of stories to bring communities together.

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Mayfair's oldest surviving pub is set to begin an exciting new chapter as the Coach and Horses undergoes a major refurbishment designed to enhance the customer experience while preserving the character and heritage that have defined it for almost 300 years.


Just a stone's throw from Berkeley Square, the Grade II-listed Coach and Horses in Hill Street has welcomed generations of customers since 1744, earning its reputation as one of London's most authentic and characterful traditional pubs.


The pub closed on Saturday (August 1), and will reopen on Tuesday, August 25 following completion of the refurbishment.


Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has carefully planned the project to celebrate the pub's rich heritage while sensitively refreshing it for the future.


Externally, the building will undergo a complete redecoration, featuring a bespoke handcrafted swing sign and a traditional red lantern above the entrance. The pub's iconic barrels will remain at the heart of its outdoor space, complemented by new heated awnings to ensure customers can enjoy the terrace throughout the seasons.


Inside, refreshed décor, new flooring, wall finishes and carefully chosen furniture will create a warm and welcoming environment, while the pub's much-loved listed bar will be carefully preserved. The customer toilets will also be fully refurbished as part of the project.


The reopening will also see the launch of a new food offer centred around speciality flatbreads and charcuterie boards, complementing Shepherd Neame's range of award-winning Kentish ales and lagers, premium English wines, spirits and soft drinks.


Shepherd Neame’s Retail Operations Director Shane Godwin said:



"The Coach and Horses is one of London's great historic pubs, and we're delighted to be investing in its future."

"Our aim is to preserve everything that makes this pub so special while creating an experience that reflects modern Mayfair. The refurbishment will respect the building's remarkable heritage while enhancing the food and drink offer, improving customer comfort and ensuring the Coach and Horses continues to thrive for generations to come."

"We look forward to welcoming customers back when we reopen later this month to enjoy the next chapter in the story of Mayfair's oldest surviving pub."


The project forms part of Shepherd Neame’s ongoing investment in its premium London estate, following refurbishments at the Hoop and Grapes, The Tom Cribb, The Westminster Arms, The White Horse and Bower and the acquisition of the Bishops Finger in Smithfield.


Find out more here.


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