The Harrow, Aylesbury

A good sized corner pub located just off of Aylesbury’s market square, it’s presumably quite an old building but now is something of a mixture of traditional and contemporary in terms of style. It seemed popular with a younger crowd on our recent Friday evening visit, but not excessively so and the music was set at a reasonable volume to allow easy conversation. The lighting level was fairly low which might be described as either gloomy or atmospheric depending on your point of view, whilst candles on all the tables added to the ambience. The ceiling was fairly low with a few old beams here and there, but the slightly shiny wood effect floor was clearly much more modern. There were some areas of exposed brickwork and an old brick fireplace complete with wood burning stove. A TV screen was mounted up on the chimney breast which spoilt the effect somewhat, but fortunately this was not in use on our visit. Opposite, a much larger stone fireplace had been pressed in to use as a recessed seating area which looked to be a cosy spot. A few leather Chesterfield sofas were at the front by the leaded windows and there was an old (but working) table top Pac Man and Space Invaders game. There also appeared to be some sort of courtyard garden at the rear, although we did not investigate this. Beers on tap were Doom Bar, Bombardier and Black Sheep whilst the ciders were Stowford Press, Old Rosie and Lilley’s Colider Cola, whatever that is. All in all, not a bad bet, but certainly nothing outstanding either.

Attractive old inn, but given a semi-modern makeover which won't be to everybody's taste. Split-level interior, part opened-out at some stage, with a variety of furniture in the different seating areas. Gastro-pub decor. Courtyard seating area is a reasonable spot if the sun is in the right direction, although the piped music was perhaps a bit louder than required. Four handpumps on the bar, dispensing Black Sheep, Doom Bar (£3.95, and in good form), Brakspear Bitter and Old Rosie cider.