The Harp, WC2

Randomness Guide to London - Harp entry

Randomness Guide to London - Harp entry

I had an excellent pint of Sambrook’s Wandle here earlier this week, which was one of eight ales that they had on. This is a smallish pub with seating consisting mainly of stools round the bar and shelves, plus a few high tables. As it was a warm-ish sunny day the entire front of the window area was open, giving the place a welcoming feel. This is something that you don't see too often (the Lamb and Flag is one other that has the facility) and is in contrast to most pubs which turn their back on, or provide an escape from, the outside world. Anyway, there are lots of original paintings and the like adorning the walls that add to the atmosphere. I remember this place from the 60s when it was the Welsh Harp and it does not appear to have changed very much since then. It's a decent, welcoming pub with good beer and definitely worth a visit.

Situated on a side street between Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Charing Cross station, this lovely real ale pub is easily incorporated into any London sightseeing day out. A small single room offers limited seating, mostly in the form of stools along drinking shelves, although there are a few tables towards the rear. There are eight hand pumps and my recent visit saw two Dark Star beers, two Sambrooks, Ascot Alligator, Harvey’s Best and H&H Olde Trip on offer - the last of which ran out whilst I was there, the clip being turned immediately. One fridge was full of various ciders and I noticed a certificate on the wall naming this the Greater London Cider Pub of the Year for 2008. Staff are very nice and helpful and were enjoying a good laugh with the punters stood at the bar. It can get a bit busy in here at times and the cramped layout can make it hard to move around, but it's a small gripe against what is otherwise an excellent little pub.

Official site of the Harp - harpcoventgarden.com

Official site of the Harp - harpcoventgarden.com

Full of character and welcoming. Regulars are Black Sheep, Taylors Landlord and Harveys Sussex. Good enough without the guests, on this occasion, Harviestown Bitter and Twisted, Adnams Explorer and Batemans Valiant. The top of the bar is full of clips and mats from previous guest ales. Spotted the intimate upstairs parlour style room I've never noticed before. The main area opposite the bar is very narrow so seating here is limited to stools along a shelf. Only one minor gripe, the front windows fold back to allow in air and light, and also smoke. It seems de riguer for smokers to stand outside chatting through the opening to friends inside so a lot of smoke blows back in.