The Harp, WC2

As others have mentioned this is a former Camra pub of the year, which consequently makes it a very popular spot, besides the fact that it is located between The Strand and Covent Garden which pretty much guarantees a brisk trade anyway. The pub is a single room, quite long and narrow, with bare boards on the floor and limited seating, although I believe there may be more available upstairs. There are mirrors all along the right hand wall, and a number of portraits on the wall as well as Cask Marque certificates and other awards that they have won. There were hundreds, if not thousands of beer mats above the bar. Bar staff were quick and efficient, and were happy to provide samples to try. Beer choice no doubt changes continually, but on this occasion consisted of Oakham Bishop’s Farewell, Dark Star Original Bitter, Dark Star Hophead, Palmer’s Dorset Gold, Sam Brooks Wandle, Sam Brooks Junction, Red Squirrel’s Red Dawn, Triple Brewery’s Winter Bourbon Stout, Dark Star Pale Ale and Harvey’s Sussex Best. The only cider on tap was Aspall’s Suffolk, although there were a few boxes in the ‘fridge who’s names I didn’t note, although I did spot a couple from Rich’s.

My first visit to this award winning pub on a rare fetid July Saturday morning. The intriguing folding windows were open to the street, allowing early visitors to get a breath of fresh air, while watching the rozzers parked nearby. On into the pub, where I was impressed with the row of handpumps, all in use. At that time of day, the customers were mostly middle aged acolytes attending the temple of ale. I followed a group of Geordies who asked for the hoppiest beer: this was, advised the helpful barlady, Twickenham’s Naked Ladies.I followed this sound advice- a fine ale. I had people to meet, but returned later that afternoon and stood in the alley out back, with a pint of Windsor and Eton’s Conqueror , a black IPA. By that time, a younger constituency was in residence, and we felt slightly elderly. As with many London pubs, the business occupies a number of floors.However I’m not sure what goes on away from ground level. An excellent pub. I’m unsure why we never went there in our pub crawling days in the seventies and eighties. Perhaps it only sold Grotneys!

A much visited and well reviewed boozer, The Harp deserves its National Pub of the Year 2010/2011 award. Eight handpumps included Dark Star Hophead, American Pale Ale and Original as well as Sambrook Wandle amongst others. Everything we tried was in top condition. Landlord is no longer offered due to the high price charged by Timothy Taylor. Something of a shame as it used to be the best pint of Landlord south of the Watford Gap (if not Yorkshire itself) however there is more than enough on the excellent ale front to compensate. There is a lovely brass 'bar' which runs along the bottom of the front window and allows easy and convenient outdoor drinking. Also worth noting is the early Saturday opening time of 10.30. Should you arrive a little early though there is every chance of a swift one before this served with the grace and friendliness which typifies this fabulous boozer. A must visit in central London.

Wonderfull little pub near Charing Cross.It has a excellent variaty ao ales plus a mild.The only downfull are the stairs from the toilet....