The Harp, Deptford, SE8

A more hideous sight I have yet to encounter on the pub scene than the interior of the Harp of Erin, not that it is particularly appealing from the outside. The multiple shades of orange on show here are enough to Stevie Wonder vomit and even my colour blindness could not mute the vivid tones. Vast expanses of wall space are coated in orange hues and apart from the occasional cheap poster, tacky entertainment flyer and a few LP records plastered by the DJ booth, there is little to break up the bright monotony. Even the pillars are painted top to toe orange. The green baise of the pool table makes for a violent clash and adds to the dizzying nausea. The rest of the décor is little better. The seating reminds me of the back of a Ford Prefect, not that you can sit down anywhere, much of the bar area being a bit cramped and when we were there, the locals had spilled their belongings over virtually every available table despite all congregating at one with the bar. Obviously they weren't expecting anyone else to wander in that day, but then why should they? A radio blasted out at a ridiculous volume (I was amazed that the tiny speakers could handle it) which leads me to believe the Please Leave Quietly signs are merely for decorative purposes. It's not all doom and gloom. The Barmaid was very pleasant and I even got my (keg) beer in an old dimpled mug. But that's about the end of the plusses. In a corner, a young mother was cradling her recent family addition. I hope her offspring grows up to have better taste in pubs.