The Harcourt, Marylebone, W1

Tucked away in a side street a Swedish pub serving real ale,"craft keg" and continental keg. Food served. Interior as described below.

This is still a Swedish themed pub, housed in a Grade II listed building dating back to the early 19th Century. The Swedish Embassy, and a Swedish church, are nearby thus explaining the Swedish connection. At the back on the right is a lounge signed as “Svenska Salongen” (Swedish lounge), bunting style flags encouraging us to support “Swengland” are strung across the room, and a faux chalkboard informs us that “Swedish sports here”. But they did have a couple of ales on that have no connection with Sweden – Doom Bar and Adnam’s Ghost Ship (£2 a half). Laminated menus were on all the tables, offering light bites (wraps and sandwiches) for £4.50, and four basic main meals – e.g. homemade beefburger and chips for £9.75. I quite liked the pub itself. Despite the Swedish stuff, it still felt like a traditional pub. The room is dominated by the central horseshoe bar, which would once have served two separate rooms. The bar counter itself looks to me to be a pretty ancient, if not original, feature, as does the wood panelling on the walls. As well as the Swedish stuff, there are a couple of very nice brewery and drinks manufacturers’ mirrors on the walls, and a couple of original looking fireplaces grace each side of the room. The main bar is nicely carpeted throughout, and apart from one tall table with its attendant tall stools filling a bit of space in the middle of the floor, furnishings are banquettes and normal tables and chairs. The only negative point for me was the music radio station being played, although admittedly not to loudly. I thought this was a very comfortable and welcoming little pub, and I would be very happy to drop in here for another pint sometime.

Official site of The Harcourt Arms - www.theharcourt.com