Salt Bar, Harrow

A very run-down business in a shabby pub whose architectural value appears largely unrecognised. Originally The Half Moon, the building is a Victorian mock-Tudor house whose interior is well described by Rex, below. The internal décor could be quite magnificent, but it has been left to rot by its current owners in an act of cultural negligence. Now it's inhabited by cliquey, hostile Kyleites and has no real ale. I'll pass this one in future.

There were a couple of ales on – London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord, the latter at £1.75 a half, implying something like £3.50 a pint. They usually do food, but the kitchen was closed for some work to be undertaken during my Monday lunchtime visit. This pub is on the CAMRA inventory of heritage pubs, because of its largely unspoiled interior. The main bar is on the right, the entrance signed as the Saloon Bar in ironwork above the doorway. There’s normal seating in here, plus a piano, and the Elvis photograph is still in place. Passing in front of the bar counter, through a doorway on the left is another drinking space – this one contains the handpumps so it really is important that visitors in search of a real ale move swiftly into this room. This room is furnished with banquettes and normal tables and chairs, has a TV on the wall (switched off during my Monday lunchtime visit), and contains a highlight of an alcove window, with a plant depicted in leaded lights. There are some brass musical instruments perched on the bar gantry, making a less than usually seen decorative feature. Beyond this room there is a small snug bar with just a couple of solid wood tables plus some banquette seating. This is a virtually untouched pub, retaining the feel of a traditional inter-war pub, although the building is much older. It was virtually empty during my visit so it’s impossible to judge what sort of pub “atmosphere” it normally has. But I liked it as a pub with a traditional feel to it, and would be delighted to be able to pay a return visit.

This is a good sized horseshoe pub that is split into three sections with two of them being fairly traditional and quiet on the Saturday afternoon I visited. The final section was a bit livelier with a few friendly locals propping up the bar whilst some rock and roll music was playing. I think that the governor may be a fan as along with a piano, a couple of violins and two accordions in a raised alcove at the front window there are also a few Elvis pictures and posters adorning the walls. I also spotted some signed photos of celebrities such as Ross Kemp and Rowan Atkinson who seem to have wandered into the governor’s pub at some point. There is also flat screen TV up on the wall and although it was off during my visit I did spot signs up advertising Sky Sports. The busiest part of the pub was the small yet comfortable courtyard to the side which was good for breathing in some spring air as the sun had decided to put in an appearance. There were a couple of unused hand pumps, but Pride and Landlord were available alongside a standard draught range and I was served a decent pint of Guinness. I spotted a few menus dotted about the pub so food is served, but I didn’t see anyone eating and I didn’t try any so I cannot comment on the quality. This pub seems to have a passion for music and live acoustics can be found here on Sundays and Wednesday nights are for traditional jazz fans. I enjoyed it in here and would gladly return.