The Harrison, WC1

Only 5 minutes from Kings Cross but in a different world, a backstreet local independently-owned and it shows. The classic 1930s exterior features some original Watney's windows, while the interior has been tastefully modernised but retaining some nice original features like the fireplace. Pavement tables are provided outside. Ales on were TT Landlord, Five Points XPA and Small Beer Steam, with some craft keg and a range of bottles also. Food seemed to be good, no nonsense grub and there are even a few bedrooms. I can't say that the prices leapt out as too excessive but I suppose it depends where else you have been. Anyway, a good pub for me.

On 6th May 2016 - rating: 5 A first in here, this pub was built in the 1860s but was rebuilt in 1934; there's some rather nice Watney's Ales signage to the windows. The interior's a bit modern with quite conventional furniture and brown leatherette sofas to the rear. Walls are white with burgundy-painted infill and artworks to the walls. The bar appears to be modern and the floor is bare boarded and there are two log burning stoves. Given that it's situated down a quiet side street, surrounded by council blocks, we were surprised to see that the crowd was quite young and rather fashionable - the place was very full, especially when you consider that it was a mid-evening Monday. The pub is also quite big on entertainment with live music in the basement, mainly Folk in nature. There are also comedy nights with some quite big names that have appeared on Live at the Apollo. The barman was friendly enough and served me with a decent half of Timothy Taylor's Landlord at a rather steep £2.30. Also on were Fuller's London Pride and Sharp's Doom Bar. This pub was hugely better than expected. I'd have given it a higher mark if it hadn't been so full and the ale choice had been both more interesting and extensive. Certainly worth a visit if in the area. --------------------------------------- Yup. Have to agree with Will on this one as a visit last night elicited a half of Landlord at a staggering £3.15 and this is Bloomsbury! A half of the delicious Unbarred Old Ale (6.3%) was just £2.40 at the Queens Head across the road; it's was no surprise that this pub was dead and that the Queens Head was heaving. With prices this high, there's no chance of a return visit; marked down accordingly.

I caught the Harrison at a quiet time and wasn't as impressed as previous reviewers. The beer offering of Sharps Doom Bar, Fullers London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord was uninspired, and my half of Pride was insipid and pricey. I paid £2.30 here compared with £1.55 at the nearby Queens Head (admittedly for a weaker beer and with Camra discount applied) - I dread to think what the usually expensive Landlord might have come to. I didn't stay long enough to find out.

Advertised as a bar, kitchen and hotel the Harrison was empty when I visited mid-afternoon on a recent Monday. The interior consists of standard tables and chairs with some additional arm chairs at the rear. The bar was stocked with standard draught and the three hand pumps were drawing Fuller’s London Pride, Sharp’s Doom Bar and Timothy Taylor’s Landlord. I had a half of generic lager and was going to order some food from the lunch menu, but as the only customer I decided against it. However, I did note that the lunch dishes were priced between £5 and £6. I didn’t spot any televisions, but there was some extremely slow and depressing background music playing. Maybe the atmosphere is better when there is live music in the cellar bar. The preferred genre was indicated by the availability of the Folk London magazine that was available for £1.20. I didn’t notice any signs for a beer garden, but there were some awning covered picnic tables by the front entrance. I found the service to be friendly, but I must admit that I wasn’t upset to leave the barmaid to her web browsing so that I could find somewhere with a bit more life.

Housed in a rather functional 1930s building, the Harrison describes itself as a 'Bar - Kitchen - Hotel' but is probably most notable for the live folk / blues music and comedy events held in the basement. The bar itself has light decor and basic furniture, and there is additional seating out on the front patio. Four ordinary beers on handpump: Doom Bar, Pride, TT Landlord and Bellhaven Brewery bitter (£3.90). With something for most people, you could see why it was busy, and if they were a bit more ambitious on the real ale front then this place could rate even higher.