please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Only been here a couple of times.... Love it though! Lovely friendly staff, nice beer, can't really ask for more!
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Nominated CAMRA West London Pub of the Year 2010.
Surely Binnie and her girls have got to win this; particularly after being abused on BITE by the Top 40, self promoting Cask & Kitchen management.
No contest; the Crooked Cask & Kitchen, against the honest, hardworking Harp.
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Great staff, great beer, great pub! Nominated for CAMRA West London Pub of the Year 2010. To vote, visit http://www.westlondon-camra.org.uk/index.html. Deadline 31 March 2010.
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Small pub tucked away from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.No longer the secret it used to be and deserves its accolade.
The harp is a gallery itself of showpiece beers. Eclectic band of customers
8 handpumps. Harvey's Sussex best ever-present. £3.10 on my visit.
Large opening concertina window at the front opens it up to the street is a striking feature to be enjoyed(for myself with the Telegraph crossword)
Friendly bar staff.
This is a destination pub, worthy of a detour.
R10
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As a semi-regular of The Harp, I would put my house on Binnie not having the time nor inclination to engage in smearing Cask.
I imagine that - especially now she's a free house - she is entirely preoccupied with running what is a great pub.
I have been to Cask and it's fine. I'm not sure it warrants some of the adulation it receives here; and I admittedly prefer The Harp. As they are both - happily - geographically quite discrete, I'm not forced to make a choice between either and will use both when in their respective areas.
But the suggestion that Binnie is somehow orchestrating some campaign against Cask is as offensive as it is plain silly.
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Jonaphon and Jilly went up the Pimlico to fetch a pail Of ale
Jonaphon fell down and broke his Wallet
And Jilly's Purse came tumbling after.
Up got Jon , and to the Harp did trot
The Cask not as good as on Paper
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Went in to meet a friend on last tuesday. I had two excellent pints, one Sambrooks Wandle and one Skinners Betty Hogs Best Bitter.
Pub was full, thanks to the great service I got the chance to try samples before ordering the proper pints.
Everything about the nice interior is said in pervious posts.
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Been to this pub a couple of times and was very impressed on both occasions, the Harveys is excellent its a bit snug but that's party of its charm, i wish there was a pub like this in Brum
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an amazing pub allways has something good . but they should replace the 2 sam brooks because they rnt that good.instead having 2 more guests .
i had the dark star 6 hops and over the moon and both were stunning beers.with super friendly staff this pub is one of londons best.in my oppinion.
1.cask pub and kitchen (pimlico)
2.the harp. (covent garden)
3.the old fountain. (old street)
4.the bree louise. (euston)
5.wenlock arms (old street).
6.the castle. (holborn)
7.the trafalgar (south wimbledon)
8.the white horse (parsons green)
9.the bricklayers arms .(putney)
10.market porter. (london bridge)
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Busy as ever last Friday night, but as usual you are served very quickly by charming staff and the quality of the beer (especially the Hophead) was simply beyond reproach. Only time for 3 before we left for dinner, I would hapilly have forgone the food and stayed here all night. Without doubt one of the finest real-ale pubs in London
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Nice little pub, good atmosphere, Lovely staff - however the smell of the Sausage that they do is very over power and you end up leaving smelling of grease or cooking fat. - Get rid of that and it will be great boozer, especially with the comfy sofas upstairs.
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Really nice pub close to Covent Garden. Normally very busy it has a great selection of beers and they pour a fabulous pint of Guinness.
Lovely atmosphere and good staff.
No music or TVs - heaven!
Recommended
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Have a look around the glorious National Portrait Gallery just off Trafalgar Square and then just a few steps away go into this fabulous old pub. Honestly its wonderful with stained glass windows and the ale. Boy oh boy. A fine selection. Everyone who loves ale go here. Friendly staff as well. Plus the fact it was my birthday and my husband paid for the drink!!! Utopia!!!
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Definitely one of the better pubs in this area - not sure how it has escaped my notice for so many years. Good selction of beers on including a couple of dark ones - all well kept and some fantastic food smells wafting through the pub made me wish we didn't have alternative eating plans. Really nice little building with pleasant helpful staff - well worth a visit
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I wish I'd found this pub years ago. I always used to go to the Chandos along the road toward Trafalgar Sq.
Along with the Ship & Shovell it's the pub I use before taking the train from Charing X.
The one problem is the Harp is so often busy and being a small pub it's not always easy to get in let alone served!
However the beer is great (Harveys and a couple of others ) and the staff are always friendly. The last time I was served by a girl who used to live in Dover, where I currently live! The atmosphere is lively and cosy.
If there are a few of you and you visit early enough you could try to get a table upstairs. There's more room and it's quieter.
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Chav_Man (11 Dec Comment) clearely has mental health problems (he seems obsessed by feaces) - check out his previous entries.
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How foretunate for us to find this fine English ale house recommended on this site. And thank you Bridie for the welcome drink.
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How foretunate for us to find this fine English ale house recommended on this site. And thank you Bridie for the welcome drink.
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How foretunate for us to find this fine English ale house recommended on this site. And thank you Bridie for the welcome drink.
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Easily one of the finest pubs in the west end. Eight well kept guest ales on rotation, friendly bar staff & a daily (except fridays) selection of quality sausages in a bun with onions.. what more could you want. Very busy all year round but worth the squeeze!
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After a pleasant pint at Chandos, wandered down a short distance to a pub I had always wanted to visit. Appreciated the knowledgeable and friendly service and help from the staff as the handpumps on tap were foreign to me. Settled on Sambrook’s Wandle and Dark Star Hophead and both were great. I could be very happy making this my local.
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Simply cant fault this pub choice of 8 ales not all run of the mill but all in top condition. This is my usual meeting place for regular london pub walks and quite often end up here as its only a 15 min walk to waterloo station most of all its a real pub well done binnie sarah and all the staff keep up the good work
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What a great pub! Recommended by a friend who knew we'd be in the area and we were definitely not disappointed. Even on a Saturday early evening the place has a wonderful vibe to it - lots of good, old-fashioned hubbub and conversation with not an electronic device in sight. Beers in excellent condition, nice array of real cider/perry and great, happy, helpful staff. Will visit again soon.
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Always a pleasure. Where's Hillary? Around Jimmy's?
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Full of oldies wearing anoraks, good beer and great location,but i've seen more life in a Wether...... pub
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Heaven in a pint class; served by Angels.
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Why this obsession with real ale. Surely there are other drinks and other qualities that make a good pub.
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One of my favorite London pubs. Serves an excellent selection of quality ales and always friendly staff. Not for chavs or Stella drinkers.
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Chav_man clearly has a bone to pick with real ale and/or real ale drinkers. This is at least the second top London real ale pub about which he posted an offensive review. Get a life, clown.
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Great boozer. Good ale and snacks and a nice air of geniality.
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Superb little howff ! Warm, friendly atmosphere & splendid range of ales and ciders. Excellent food, charming staff...and even the toilets are top notch.
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Really friendly staff, and a splendid selection of beers. Thoroughly recommended.
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What I don't get is why this pub hasn't got a higher rating than 7.x. It really should have an 8 or 9 as it is by far the most consistent pub in London for good beer (though the Bree Louise comes a very close second).
I go to The Harp maybe once or twice a month and there are so many things I like about it, most of which have been covered in the previous 20 comments. There have been times when the beer hasn't been quite right, especially with the troublesome (over-lively) but superb Hophead. But it's never a problem as the engaging staff just change it regardless without no fuss or any hit of West End attitude.
And they don't rip you off. £3.10 a pint is pretty good for the very centre of town.
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Real ales always in tip top condition!
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Quite the thought that just a stone's throw from the tenner-a-caricature plastic of Covent Garden is this. Made sure I came here thanks to the earlier great reviews, and I was not disappointed. This place really is only about the beer, and as you'd expect that was absolutely superb, with a selection split between local micros and underrated 'names'. No Fuller's obviousness here...
Deservedly busy on my visit - there are no tables in the conventional sense - so took a seat by the open area by the door. Yes, there wasn't even a pane of glass there.. This pub is truly one out-of-time. Essential
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Us two Northerners introduced our Southern friends to this gem last weekend when we met up for a re-union. It was a Sunday evening and comfortably full. We had pints from two local brewers whose name escapes me but settled on the Dark Star Hophead which was magnificent. We loved the place and would recommend it to anyone - friendly staff and "locals". I don't know if they do food - it doesn't matter - this is a place for talking and drinking. Even if you are on your own, you can just absorb other peoples' lives and there are always the pictures to look at. Most intriguing - perhaps someone could do a little leaflet telling folk who they are and the history behind them. Recognised t'northern lad from 'Uddersfield though!!
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I was going to post a more detailed review but I'll be lazy and ditto jonnysaint who visited the day after I did and drank the same beer.
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The Harp - for ages I'd walked past only to be put off by it being crammed to the rafters. Not a fault of The Harp - it shows how popular a place it is. I just like to take in a pub sat down with no hassles, noise and all that.
I popped in at midday on Wednesday. Virtually empty. I had an excellent pint of Dark island from the Orkney brewery - there were at least 5 other ales on. All good ones. The venue is long and narrow, untouched by modernisation. By that I mean it hasn't been gutted and turned into something generic.
Service was good. Surprising, however, alot of the pubs in the Beer in the Evening top 40 are London establishments. There are quite a few pubs similar to The Harp (I'm thinking in the New Forest & Isle Of Wight) which is my neck of the woods, that don't get a mention. Just as good. I guess its because of the amount of traffic The Harp and others like it see on a daily basis from locals and tourists alike.
I'm not knocking The Harp - it is a splendid pub and I've given it an 8/10. One of the better places I've visited in London.
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Fantastic range of ales, and I've always been served in a friendly and efficient manner, no matter how busy it is. And as many other reviewers have mentioned, it can get absolutely rammed, especially in the post-work, pre-theatre hours. The little upstairs lounge is nice but almost always occupied (or maybe I'm just unlucky).
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Cannot fault this pub. Speedy, friendly service and good range - very busy though so not one for a quiet drink!
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They had a staggering eight ales on last week. I had three during a lovely lunchbreak and each was as wonderfully kept and served as ever. Simply the best pub in the area for beer and one of the greatest pubs in London. The sausages are amazing too, and the bar staff are the little gems in the dazzling crown of excellence that is The Harp. Am I being over-praising? Not in the slightest, words are not enough to express how magnificent this pub is or how good the bar staff are. It does get busy, but then it is because it is so good. What do you expect! 10/10 for Binny and her fellow Harpians.
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The stand out pub for quality ale in London. Often has a Mild which as a midlander is great. Always busy with first class staff and with a different beers ever evening you have to return on a daily basis to keep up to speed.
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Best real ale house anywhere. This is the place Ye Old Mitre would love to be. Everyone who works behind the bar is knowlegable about what they sell and they selll a lot!
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The best pub in central london, end of.
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A gem - beer as good as it gets.
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Thank god they've kicked Punch out. Definitely a better beer range than before. Wolf, White Horse, RCH, Moorhouse with the usual suspects.
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Spent a week in London near The Harp. This was my everyday watering hole. Pleasant publicans and the cask ales fresh. Super nice feature is on pretty days the stained glass window fold open and a nice breaze flows through this small cozy pub.
A must visit place if you come to London.
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I'm sure this place has had enough glowing reviews in the past, but if you are reading about this pub for the first time I can tell you it is great.
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Simply the best in central London.
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Nice ales and intimate atmosphere. The sausage baguettes are wonderful if you are feeling a bit peckish!
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just a perfect London pub ; small range of expertly kept ales, friendly service . Gets a bit packed because there's no real competition anywhere close . Sausage sandwiches available if you're starved.
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Great place , always a good range of ales on. People out fron with the windows open, always been a good crowd here on my recent two visits over the past two months.
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Great beer & the sausages went down a treat as well.
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Binny continuing to assert her new found independence with eight on last night:
Bateman’s Middle Wicket;
Orkney Red McGregor;
Sambrook’s Wandle;
Dark Star Hophead and Dark Star;
Timothy Taylor Golden Best;
Harvey’s Sussex Best; and
‘Piddly Xpress’(?).
More power to her.
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Came back here a few weeks ago and it's still a great pub with staff to match, shame it's not my local.
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Quite simply one of the best pubs in London.
Fantastic range of beers, great bar staff.....nothing more to say!
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Formerly a Charrington's pub called The Welsh Harp - a long time ago mind - it's now just The Harp. It's situated little more than a stone's throw from Trafalgar Square.
It's a long narrow bar with the walls covered in fine paintings and mirrors.
It's also a multi award winning CAMRA favourite and a CAMRA GBG regular in recent years. The pub now proudly displays the certificate recording it as SPBW Greater London Pub of the Year 2008.
It seems to be inevitably always crowded, given its beer range and location and its narrowness in front of the bar makes it a bit of a squeeze sometimes. There is however an upstairs sitting room ( no separate bar ) to where you can retreat to avoid the crush.
Pleasingly, it's a drinkers pub first and foremost, although speciality sausages are served.
Even though I only come here about every 3 months, there's invariably someone serving who I recognise - always a good sign.
There's usually 5-6 real ales on. On my recent Saturday afternoon visit, these were Harveys, Sambrooks, Greene King Sundance, Dark Star Hophead, Timothy Taylors Golden Best ( unusual to find a TT beer other than Landlord ) and a beer from South Wales Newmans Brewery called Last Lion of Britain. On previous visits, Black Sheep has usually been on.
I usually go for the Harveys in here, but went for the Dark Star Hophead on Saturday - £ 3.10p - which was in typically hoppy form.
The pub is well worth a visit, but try to visit when it's relatively quiet if you can
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Girls! Girls! Girls! All lovely! Served me a superb pint of Black sheep the other day, keeping me waiting, but didn't mind as beautifully poured and presented. Given a stool to sit and smoke my Cigar at back. Highly recommended as usual.
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Don't forget that there is a small comfortable lounge upstairs, that can be a quiet retreat for a drink and chat, or a read of your newspaper, when the main bar is busy and noisy!
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On the strength of the reviews for this pub, I went there this evening and found all that had been said in its favour to be true. A great pub for ale drinkers although small and quite crowded. The clientele seemed, for the most part to be dedicated ale quaffers and the barmaids were efficient and suitably buxom.
It was , inevitably, noisy but the background conversation was genuine and not the usual "Look at me" exhibitionist chatter that one finds in pubs where the customers are oikish 40-year-olds or kids showing off. However, for the individual drinker, it lacks the privacy of a secluded corner to read a newspaper and, having enjoyed the experience, I shall be returning to one of the souless barn-like establishments where I can unobtrusively blend into the background.
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Popped into last Friday night and packed. Served superbly as ever; eye contact, warm verbal welcome and handed pint of my usual happiness here; Harveys.
Stood outside in front of the opened window enjoying the delights of a Cigar and watching the world go about its business. Happiness is the Harp!
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Visited last fall and enjoyed my stay a lot. The place was packed but the lady behind the bar served me with no problems. In fact, she was doing the work of two people: answering the phone, claening tables of glasses and serving--so I was impressed. Several good real ale's on at any one time and a good atmosphere. I'll get back to London again and visit--worth it!
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I love this pub. Extremely nice staff. They usually have a good selection of ciders and perries, which changes often. Be aware that perry taken in excess can and will lead to "explosive decompression", apparently caused by some chemical present in pears, and extremely awkward when staggering around "theatreland"! Occasionally infiltrated by football yobs on Saturdays.
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Like ‘Bucking Fastard’ I am aware of the level of passionate support that The Harp evokes. I was slightly hesitant about visiting, on a recent trip to London, in case I had to point out the emperor was naked. However, it’s a fantastic little pub
The interior has all been described in great detail before, so I will just limit myself to stating I couldn’t believe how small it was and how unfeasibly narrow the area is opposite the bar! There were about fifteen punters when I called at about four o’clock, on a Thursday afternoon, just enough to give a nice chatty buzz and to set off The Harp’s almost conspiratorial cosiness. However, I would struggle at peak times, no doubt finding it oppressively claustrophobic.
My barmaid was friendly and welcoming but could have been a little bit more product savvy. Several of the beers I’d not come across before and she struggled to describe what style they were.
Quality of the beer was excellent, crystal clear served in squeaky-clean glasses. Disappointed with the much-lauded Harvey’s, but found Dartmoor ‘Jail Ale’ much more to my taste. (I couldn’t bring myself to try ‘Landlord’ served in the ‘southern style’!)
Will definitely call again next time I’m in central London. It’ll be a fantastic refuge when the distaff side of the family do their usual trudge down Oxford Street.
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Superb small pub near charing cross and handy for the west end. Clean glasses, well kept ale and friendly staff. Well worth a visit.
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There is a slightly messianic tone to some of the reports on The Harp.The TT Landlord is well kept and shifts in vast quantity and the bar service is like poetry in motion ,uber efficient even when the pub is packed and the barmaids are always very friendly.However the beer range is restricted ,always featuring Harvey's Best (oaky but distinctive),Black Sheep (dull) besides the TT Landlord.Morris Mayhem(bland GK brew) was guesting and when this ran out Sharp's Doom Bar made an appearance,now so ubiquitous and frankly unexciting despite the hype.So despite sampling all the brews on offer ,the group I was with gravitated quickly back to the TT Landlord.The news of the break from the Punch tie is welcome but no change yet.A more imaginative selection of ales is now required to place the Harp back at the top of the pick of central London boozers.
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Visited The Harp again last week and had a couple of the best pints of Harvey's I've had outside Lewes. Well done to Sarah for her outstanding cellar skills.
Got into conversation with Binnie who tells me she's bought The Harp from Punch, so her beer choice will be expanding now she does not have to rely on them for her supplies. I did mention she ought to look at Dark Star brews, but that's just my personal opinion. If you are in The Harp, mention your favourite beer. Binnie: why not start a suggestions book?
Cheers,
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Whisper it not, but is The Harp loosing the plot? The beer range is getting very predictable and I'm of the opinion that the beer-line cooler has not been working properly for some months now. Has to be said that the beer quality in the Salisbury has got the Harp beat these days. Sad but true.
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Really wanted to rate this pub badly to stop people going and filling up the seats, but couldn't bring myself to do it. The Harp is excellent.
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Great pub. Fantastic choice of beers and ciders (proper ones like), very friendly and attentive bar staff, good atmosphere, great location.
It is small, it is busy and it isn't especially cheap. But as a place to meet in that area of Central London for a few cheeky pints, you'd be hard pushed to beat it.
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Always rammed! Good beer and a good mix of people. It's a bit pokey (although there is space upstairs), but this gives it a friendly atmosphere. Staff were good. This pub is a 'must do' in this part of London.
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This is my favourite pub in the Central London area. Nevr had a bad pint - on this occasion (fri 03 Apr) I had a quality pint of Landlord whilst stood outside.
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Mid afternoon saturday 4th. The big windows at the front were open making it very pleasant sitting inside watching the world go by.
Went in for a Sussex best but this was off so settled for a rather nice pint of Landlord.
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Brilliant pub - good beer - good service.
One of my London top 5 boozers.
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What a Boozer! I've walked past this plas hundreds of times over the years and never given it a look in, but thanks to BITE I have discovered one of the best served pints in London. Started up with a couple of pints of Ringwood and when that ran out (I had one of the last pints and I was passed the message that I could exchange it if it wasn't up to scratch) I moved to the Harvey's. Both were served with that fantastic frothy, bubbley head that you so rarely see these days as "swan neck" spouts become the norm. Nice interior, friendly staff and great beer - a rare find in central London. £3 a pint? Money well spent in this place.
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Popped in for a saturday afternoon beer and discovered they have a very small room upstairs. We sat by the window upsatirs and watched the world wizz past outside.
I tried a pint of Harvey's Sussex best, but its not the best beer that I have had. Then a pint of Landlord, Normally I don't Like TT ales but I have to say it was very nice.
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The place is a victim of its own success. Whilst a good twenty metres long, it can’t be more than three metres wide at most – and that includes the space taken up by the bar. There isn’t room to move, and it was heaving when I visited. And hot. Far too hot. There was a small upstairs room where a group of us found a table, but the stairs were a tad steep, and none of us fancied the fight back to the bar for a second pint, even though they had six hand pumps, all serving different ales.
Six – You don't often see that many. They offered tasters, so I sampled the three beers I’d never heard of before. All in exceptional condition. The Harp is somewhere I’ve been meaning to visit for ages. It has a reputation of benig one of those “Holy Grails” for the ale drinker. Unfortunately, very few things in life live up to their reputation, and in my honest opinion this pub isn’t one of them. (Sorry)
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Apologies!...The views on here have made me give this place a well deserved another look, Excellent beer!check the sitting room upstairs if you run out of space....on this place I'm suitably chastised
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Nice little pub in London's West End on the outskirts of Covent Garden. Finding a seat in the main bar here is always difficult, particularly at weekends. During the summer, punters spill out of the narrow bar onto the street. You can always walk up the narrow rickety staircase to the upstairs bar if you're desperate to be seated. Although you're unlikely to have the same 'atmosphere'. Always have a couple of real ciders or perries in the fridge (from the New Forest producer) in addition to a handful of real ales. I've never been fully convinced about the quality. But overall, this is a handy watering hole only seconds from Trafalgar Square.
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I love visiting this pub but £3 a pint for Harveys? Don't Punch know there's a recession on? Somewhat soured my visit to this otherwise superb boozer. I suppose my £1.88 pint of OBB at Chandos next door balanced it out to satisfy my cheapskate tendencies.
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Haven't been in for ages, so I was surprised to find it quiet on sunday for a change. Some of the other punters were getting stuck into a range of real ciders they had in jugs behind the bar, but I stuck with Harvey's Bitter which was sublime. Still the best pub in Central London.
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Excellent, excellent pub. This was my 7th trip to London from the US, but my first to The Harp. I now realized I had walked by it several times!!! It is now in my top 5. Anyway, all the ladies behind the bar are extremely nice no matter how busy they are (Hi Hannah!) A couple of fellow patrons, Mike and Mira are really fun to drink with as well.
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Superb pub all round. Absolutely heaving last night when some other nearby pubs were emptier than normal. The Harveys (£3 a pint) was spot on and the sausages are great too.
You may struggle to get a seat here, but the friendly atmosphere will lift the weight off your feet.
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Not sure if that was a rhetorical challenge but the Market Porter in Borough Market.
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What many people forget is that the Harp is a tied house not a freehouse. It is tied to Punch Taverns and must, therefore, choose its ales from their list and at their dictated prices too . Having said that, there are always six real ales on and from memory at least two are guest ales. In addition, there are several other taps for the standard lagers, plus cider and guiness and Scrumpy to be had on top of that. I challenge you to find a pub with that selection and quality (cask condition, beers from the wood and others have all have endorsed this place). This is all topped off with their lunchtime selection of O'Hagen's Sausages.
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Is it me or is this place losing its glory? The last few times I have been in there they have the same, run of the mill ales on with only one uninspiring guest ale. Maybe I've been unlucky but it is a worrying trend.
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This jewel joins the Square and Compass in Worth Matravers and The Bridge Hotel of Buttermere in my Holy Triumvirate. Pray that it stays exactly the same- especially the toilet- cos places like this are magic.
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The first session of a new version of London's proudest drinking society was held at the Harp last Thursday. Missing a few core members due to relocation, customs problems and general domestic duties (Barry) the new group quickly settled into this charming little boozer. Even though the pub was crammed, service was prompt and efficient, seating was solved by moving upstairs to the "lounge" where one could relax over a larger whilst reclining on one of the leather seats. Only one of the group sampled one of the many ales on tap, with the Sussex Ale described as "pretty good". A high rating indeed from someone who really knows his english ales. Bar snacks were well covered and I can highly recommend the bacon bites. All in all a decent little pub first out although the one down side would be the ridiculously small mens toilets which were a little cozy when filled with a couple of drunk Irish businessmen.
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Just had a 6 week jaunt to the UK from Australia (where I am currently living). Visited the Harp 7 times in that time and every trip was great. One of the best pubs there is...I only discovered it by chance last year on another trip. Will be back in Feb!
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A little gem near Charing Cross Station, I have been using this pub since 1968 as I consider it on of the best pubs in London.
The beers are kept in excellent condition with three house beers, Harveys Sussex, Black Sheep and Tinothy Taylors Landlord and 3 guest beers which includes, from time to time, one of my favourites, Batemans.
The staff are friendly with a good sense of humour and the O'Hagans sausages are a must have. If you are not a sausage fan then you can bring in food from the local cafes/sandwiches bars.
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Saturday 22nd. First visit to this very small pub. Almost walked past witout going in but glad we did.
There was a fair selection of ales on offer and a bonus we managed to get a table to enjoy our pints of Tribute.
The loo is tiny and up a narrow staircase.
Will visit again when in the area.
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Never fails to tick all the boxes. This is a pub! If there's a better one round here, I ain't found it. More power to Binnie's elbow. (mind you, I'm a bit worried about upsetting FARTINGGHOST... phew).
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Just focusing on the pub: yes, the ales are good, and yes, it has nice decor. I did find it to be...dull. Very few people; even the barstaff were not chatting. Maybe I caught it on a too-quiet Sunday afternoon when everyone seemed to be elsewhere watching football.
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gaylords
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In the show Avenue Q ,there is a song called
"Everyone"s a little bit racist sometimes"
Which sums this up really! , so lets get back to reviewing the pub please
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Great pint in there again last evening. This time it was the Tribute which seems to be establishing itself as a regular now. Am I right in thinking that only 2 of the 6 pumps rotate guest ales now rather than 3 before? No matter. Lovely beer, lovely staff, lovely pub!
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Kiwiphil, you silly little fat head! How can you possibly mark down a pub because of the comments of a beer critic, who is commenting on something outside the pub. Your a prat. Surely you know this by now? I recall you at the Uplands in East Dulwich, and the East Dulwich tavern. Mind you, you can't help it, it's genetic. Hands up all those who have ever found a decent barman/Manager/Landlord working behind a bar from New Zealand? None, I hear you reply. Little wonder you enjoy watching "the eye candy" coming in and out of the toilets in the Golden Lion in Soho; your quote 14 Sep 2006. You dirty, little, soliciting gay hobbit. Your a typical of the average product of that backward pair of islands down under; sexually repressed, unless incest, sheep, roving gang banging, buggering Maoris or bored, cast members of "Lord of the Ring" are in town. Little wonder that you have to sneek back to the Motherland for a view of normallity and employment. Let's face i, you marked the Harp down because of the young, glamourous, friendly and professional female bar staff serving there. Admit to it? Twice you have attacked "Eastern European bar maids" in your earlier comments? Yet, you fall out of your pram over comments about "Eastern European builders"! I take it you fancy them? I'm glad you won't come back to rub shoulders against me; it's not your shoulders rubbing against me that I'm worried about. Pervert!
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Bit harsh Kiwiphil. May I point to your comments about The Walkabout? "...go watch it in a french pub !!! ( oh , sorry , I forgot , they surrendered it to the germans wihout a fight.... "
Isn't that racist? And I am sure coming up to Armistice Day the families of the thousands of French men and women who fought and died for their country would rightly be insulted by your comments. Or was it a tongue-in-cheek light-hearted joke? Like Fartingghost’s comment? It was a throw away statement and I think you over-reacted.
But, this is a site to review pubs, and the Harp is a modern miracle and certainly one of London’s finest, if not the finest. Long may they continue to serve me beer.
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Good grief, if I rated every pub on the views or behaviour of the odd individual who drank there they'd all get bad marks. The pub can hardly be held responsible for the views of one of its customers - particularly when these comments are expressed outside of the pub anonymously. There is not a hint of racism whenever I have been there and I certainly can't see the staff putting up with such behaviour. All I can say is this is a most excellent pub with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere - who ever you are you will not regret popping in for a beer or a sausage or both (I recommend both!).
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Tounge in cheek i think "kiwiphil"
maybe it"s a British thing
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the thames water trench has been dug by has probably been dug up by one of the Irish companies that has the contract. Fartingghost is being a racist twat by assuming that it may be someone of eastern european origin that has left the job 1/2 done. I like a drink or 2 in the harp, but would not like to be rubbing shoulders with a racist twat. rating of the pub goes down
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What a fantastic pub! A great selection of ales and a really good friendly atmosphere.
No TV, no music, good service, not a restaurant, a great location and a great beer.
superb all round
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It's a true reflection of the Land lady & her ladies that run this most perfect of pubs that makes this one of the very best of British real ale bars. A credit to the British tourist industry.
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At the moment Westminster council has allowed Thames Water to dig a trench right out side the place, place 6 foot safety fences along the way and pile earthworks up and around the entrance. Then they allow the Navvies to disappear back to Poland/Albania or where ever East and leave it up to the Great British drinker to hack his way through to the dear old Harp! No problem for this Britisher however.
As always, great beer, well served. Great girls behind the bar. The best staff in London. Carry on!
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harveys was good , pub reasonably busy, not a regular stop but not bad for one on the way to elsewhere. reccomend at least a visit
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This is truly one of the very best pub's not just in London, but in the country. Heavenly bar staff. Great selection of well served beer. Well worth a day trip to the capital for a drink or two.
anonymous - 25 Oct 2008 17:19 |
Great beer, nice staff,good location. Tip top!
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HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE FOR MONTHS TO VISIT THIS LOVELY DRINKERS HEAVEN. WELCOMED LIKE A LONG LOST BROTHER BY THE STAFF! VERY TOUCHED INDEED. A SUPERB SELECTION OF BEERS AND BOTH MY BLACK SHEEP AND HARVEYS WERE LOVELY. A GREAT PLACE JUST TO SIT, CONTEMPLATE LIFE AND SAVOUR SUPERB BEER. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
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What a gem of a pub! Can't believe I haven't found it before? 5 handles available (Summer Lightning, Harveys Best, TT Landlord, Jennings Cumberland, Sheps Spitfire) Tried both the Landlord and Cumberland (several of!!) and each were on superb form!! Plus 2 Real Ciders available. A warm evening so the front windows were open creating a wonderful atmosphere. Long narrow pub with seating available upstairs as well as out the back. Bar staff were very friendly as were the clientele. Very impressed with the prices for Central London - £3 a pint, £2.90 for the Harveys!! We've been paying £2.90 in tied houses for guest beer in Colchester for some time now. I'll be back!!
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Went here on Saturday for only the second time. In all my years of drinking how have I managed to overlook this excellent pub? A friendly, efficient barmaid, a choice of six or seven ales (I tried the Summer Lightning, Black Sheep and Tribute - all well kept) and a relaxed atmosphere all made this the most pleasant evening I've spent in central London in a long time. As more and more West End pubs go down the bland, soulless bar route (like the Marquess next door) it is extremely important that this pub survives.
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I must say I think foghorn is being a bit harsh. The chap concerned only helps out when the Landlady (or is that Landperson these days?) is short staffed and has always been friendly and polite when I've been there. May be you just caught him on a off day.
I totally agree with bitman's comments - it is my favorite pub in London too. Well run, great bar staff, good food and the best kept beer by far (at a reasonable price too). If you're a regular London worker and fancy a pint and a sausage, or if you're just up town for a day out, then you'll not be disappointed with what is probably the West End's last traditional pub.
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Revisited a few weeks back - the beer is still good and the updstairs room has had an overhaul, so now looks well worthwhile going up the Lynn Faulds-Wood bothering staircase. Good work all round.
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The Harp is my favourite pub in London. It's a beautiful old-style pub with a traditional wood interior and stained glass windows that are opened in hot weather giving great views of the people and street outside. The place is very well managed and the bar staff are all very friendly and efficient. The selection of drinks is excellent and they serve a very good selection of sausages in rolls. The customers are from a wide variety of backrounds - office types, local residents ( unusual to meet in London) shoppers and staff from the nearby theatres. It's quite easy to strike up a conversation at the bar, which as a Dubliner, I like to do.
It can get very busy at lunchtimes and in the early evenings but there's plenty of space to drink outside at both the front and the back. There's a very comfortable upstairs room too but I haven't tried it yet!
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This pub has lots of character with old photos adorning the walls.
Nice selection of ales albeit a little pricey at £3 for a 4.2% pint, but I guess its in the middle of town.
Very much worth a visit.
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Arrived at my favourite West End pub at 2:30, after the lunchtime rush. Shock-horror, there was a man behind the bar! This is a novelty in The Harp. I have long held the prejudice that Englishmen, especially those from the Home Counties, make the worst possible bar-tenders in the whole world: they haven't the faintest concept of service (and I speak as a born Londoner). This particular "Stressed Eric" confimed my worst suspicions by handling his shift with the polished aplomb of a two year old in the grip of a mighty sulk (every request being met with a tut, a mutter, and a flounce). A lovely French lass approached the bar and sweetly asked "Excuse me, I do not understand... what is a wild boar sausage, please?" Matey-boy replied "Well madam, it's a WILD BOAR SAUSAGE" thus demonstrating the well-known fact that all an ignorant Englishman has to do to make himself understood by Johnny Foreigner is to SHOUT. Only 8 points this visit Binnie. The Summer Lightning was the best pint I've had for weeks,but must deduct two points for all the SHOUTING! Sorry.
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Great Little Pub, Great atmosphere, Harveys avalible which is always good. a Proper Pub
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About time I contributed to BITE instead of just reading it, so where better to start than the best pub in the West End and probably in London? Binnie runs a proper old pub with a great atmosphere, friendly staff and a good range of well-kept beers. I treat this as my "local", even though I live in Barnet, and inevitably end up there on any visit to Central London.
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What a great place Binnie runs. Whilst I try to avoid the centre of town if I do get dragged there a trip to the Harp is sure to brighten my spirits. Lovely ales, good atmosphere and fantastic O'Hagans' sausages.
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On Friday night I was served a nice pint of unknown ale by a very friendly barmaid. I smoked a cigarette in the alley out back and then climbed the treacherous stairs to the tiny bog. I had great fun; I just wish that I could remember some more of the night!
One thing that I will say is that even though it looked heaving there was room at the back and although I couldn’t get to the bar I was informed of the ale selection by the barmaid and then served instantly.
Well worth going out of your way for!
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Just back from an excellent saturday afternoon session. Sitting by the open front windows meant some good repartee from other drinkers and passers by. Beer selection top class as usual with Otter, Sharp and Bateman ales to go with the standard choices; Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted coming on later meant for a prolonged stay. Service top class as ever.
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Sat inside on a busy Wednesday evening with the front of the pub opened up and folk spilling out onto the street. William IV St is pretty busy but it calmed down later and we very much enjoyed a few Harvey's Sussex at £2.90 a pint. The small bar was well covered by three professional staff and the previous guest ale labels plus a charming little upstairs which is rather like something from the Geffrye Museum.
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Good, well kept beer selection. Adnams Explorer was very nice.
Because of it's location and rather small interiour it does get rather rammed quite quickly.
mrse1 - 20 May 2008 13:54 |
Not much new to add seeing over 250 comments to date. 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. Spotted the intimate upstairs parlour style room I've never noticed before.
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.
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This was pub 10 of a crawl and to be honest all I can remember was the beer tasted Ok and there was a good choice.
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Today apart from the usual three there was Spitfire, Deuchars IPA and Titanic Captain Smiths which was very nice if a bit heavy for a warm afternoon.
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No I didn't have 3 pints in 2 minutes! The bloody "hand held device" I was using said it hadn't posted.
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The Thwaites Wainwright is excellent. Drinking it at this very moment :)
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The Thwaites Wainwright is excellent. Drinking it at this very moment :)
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The Thwaites Wainwright is excellent. Drinking it at this very moment :)
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This pub ticks all the boxes.
Happy girlies behind the bar; plenty quaffable ale; and Binnie (the landlady)is everybodys favourite Auntie.
If there's a better pub than this in the West End, I aint found it.
And ,thank the good Lord above, it's Chav-free.
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Another pub which I enjoy visiting very much because or the good range of beers which are available. The staff are always very friendly and helpful. They are also all very knowledgeable about the drinks which they sell.
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Good staff and atmosphere, and excellent beer. It is narrow and busy though. there will be times when you simply cannot get in.
The climb to the gents will burn hundreds of calories, and you should hope you don't meet a fat bloke on your way up, because you'll have to back down.
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Irony and sarcasm are my fortes.
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Love the review Chav_man! Who said irony was a dying art...
You've recognized that this is one of the best boozers in London and your pithy recommendation will be appreciated by Binnie and her staff, who will no doubt be preening themselves in the glow of your praise.
Your review will serve to make those who have yet to enjoy the delights of the Harp even more eager to abandon lesser venues, eschew lager-drinking übergits, and head for Chandos Place...
Cheers!
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Very average. People say that this pub has a great range of beers but there is hardly any of the major lager brands with their "super chilled" products. Very disappointing. Who drinks ales anyway - except for geriatrics pretending it is the 60's again.
And why the comments from CAMRA? This pub is not linked with photography is it?
The staff were trying hard but you could sense that even they realised they were fighting a losing battle trying to make this pub appealing.
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I mean The Best!
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Best pub in London! The manager is the gest, she gives us some free examples of different beers and stuff!
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I can't believe that I only found this pub about a year ago. Since then my wife and I(who have about eight years experience of cellar work in a GBG listed pub)have returned on every single visit to London, only to have our initial impressions reinforced. Namely friendly and efficient staff who serve a good range of beers kept in tip top condition. I cannot find a single fault, only cause for celebration - the decent London boozer is far from dead! So congrats to The Harp for its latest awards. Truly well deserved! Looking forward to Saturday and our latest visit..:))
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Excellent pub as per everyone's comments. I had a few excellent pints of Harveys.
One thing to note is that the Google Map has the location completely wrong, I think it is a problem with the postcodes. the streetmap seems correct.
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Congratulations to Binnie and her talented team! For the second time in three years, the Harp has been selected as CAMRA West London's Pub of the Year! Competition was fierce this year, with seven top-quality pubs on the shortlist. Chosen also as the No. 1 pub this year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. If this trend continues, the award certificates will soon outnumber the many portraits on the walls.
My rating for this pub? How could it possibly be anything less than 10.
Kimberly Martin
Chairman, CAMRA West London
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Paid a return visit on Saturday evening and was made very welcome. Enjoyed Titanic Stout until it was replaced by Saltaire Amarillo Gold which was even nicer! The pub wasn't too crowded and the upstairs room was a pleasant retreat from the bustle outside.
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It's all been said, but my tuppence-worth would add that my smoking pals were impressed with the (previously undiscovered) provision of ashtrays and little half-barrel beer tables in the ginnel out back. Got a table to the rear Sat nt & enjoyed some extra beers, rather greedy after a Reading crawl but the Saltaire Amarillo Gold was outstanding.
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Good pub. Popped in on the evening of Tuesday 11th March for a swift pint. First impression was the size of the place, very narrow. Not packed, but there were a good number of people in. Friendly service, and numerous real ales to choose from.
Extra points for the novelty of the sausage grill behind the bar - I've never seen that in a pub before!
When I'm next in London and feeling thirsty, I'm sure I'll be going back to The Harp!
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An excellent drinkers' pub with 6 real ales on offer, served in good condition.
Floyd - 22 Feb 2008 10:29 |
Excellent choice of beers, really well kept. My only minus would be the place is pretty narrow and cramped - I'd be happier if I could spread out a bit!
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This pub single-handedly restored by faith in London boozers the other day.
I'd just cought a pint of bitter and was heading to my seat upstairs when the landlady spotted the ale was cloudy. I hadn't even noticed myself.
She insisted I choose another ale and had it sent up to me.
Most licensees (and certainly most cack-handed bar keepers at lesser establishments than the Harp) couldn't give a toss about the quality of the product they serve, so well done to all the staff here.
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What a gem. The staff are really, really friendly, and even though it is often crowded in the evening the service is superb.Good range of real ales including many of my favourites, Harveys, Tim Taylor Landlord, always in excellent condition. SPBW London pub of the year 2008.
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I too am at a loss to understand how anyone can complain about the range of beers on offer in this pub.
Highly recommended when in the area, as is The Salisbury in St Martins Lane
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When I visited (Saturday 26th Jan) they had 6 real ales on tap - Exmoor Fox, Proper Job from St Austell, Hobgoblin from Wychwood, Sussex Best from Harveys, Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Black Sheep. They also had 3 ciders available - I went for the New Forest Snake Hatcher - 7.4% The Exmoor Fox, Black Sheep and Snake Hatcher all received a vote of confidence from our party.
Fairly busy but getting a seat for myself and 2 friends was not difficult.
There is an eclectic collection of dirty Victorian paintings on the wall.
A nice little pub if you are visiting the centre of London.
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Yes, quite right Allison. I was in Wednesday afternoon and had a pint of Davenport's Export which was excellent, and was only one of a number of decent ales on offer. I don't think you need to make excuses for your range of beers on offer - the selection remains one of the best in Central London.
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With regards to the comments from GuideDogSaint about are choice of real ales as being 'nothing unusal', we would just like to say that we are tied to Punch Taverns and and not allowed to buy are ales from anywhere else. We do however rotate our 3 guests ales constantly.
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"6 real ales tonight but nothing unusual: Landlord, Sussex, Spitfire, Black Sheep, Eden and Hobgoblin. Nice little pub but not as good for beer as I was expecting." . . . . ???
Sussex, Black Sheep and Landlord are permanently on here. The other three pumps rotate guest ales very quickly. You should have been in earlier. Moorhouses Pride of Pendle and another guest I can't remember at 5:30! The Rock "Eden" was excellent. I can't understand anyone knocking this pub for beer choice!
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6 real ales tonight but nothing unusual: Landlord, Sussex, Spitfire, Black Sheep, Eden and Hobgoblin. Nice little pub but not as good for beer as I was expecting.
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The Harp was packed last night for yet another award - the Society for the Preservation of Beer from the Wood (SPBW) awarded the Harp the honour of London Region Pub of the Year. All the beers were in tip-top condition as usual, and Binnie and Sarah led a super team of staff who made sure there were no queues at the bar despite the place being jammed.
If you appreciate cheerful friendly service, tasty O'Hagans sausages and a wide range of very well-kept cask-conditioned beer, then this bijoux pub is the one for you. Being so good, it does get busy tho'!
Cheers,
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First visit last nigh to the Harp and I was suitably impressed. Great range Harveys Sussex best, Spitfire, Black Sheep Bitter and Tim Taylors. This pub deserves it's high praise!
BenEd - 16 Jan 2008 13:45 |
It took a very long time to get my colleagues to come here but as soon as they walked in they've hardly left. Old school boozer with proper staff and good beers. Cider lovers rate the place too. Nice spot for a lunchtime pint!
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I had forgotten all about this place! Lovely little gaff with some nicely kept real ales on, a real find.
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The St Martins-in the-Fields real ale drinking bellringers ought to make this wonderful little pub their post-practice venue. Best-kept cask ale in central London. Why settle for second best?
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A nice little pub, six ales on tap, friendly staff, nice Christmas decs.
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cosy spot, we got in before it filled up too much, excellent cornish beers.
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Nice, friendly pub, good service
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Having worked in Floral Street for 10 years, and hung around Covent Garden for twice that; I can say that this is easily the nicest pub on the patch - and I'll happily walk past the Lamb & Flag to get to it. Beers are excellent, and service impeccable. The less-than-desirable types mentioned below are the scene and prop boys from the English National Opera next door. They can be a little 'geezery', but never seem to be installed for that long. Crowdedness is the only realy downside; but, to that extent, it is a function of its success.
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Was in there last night (Tuesday 20th October). Bini the friendly landlady is doing all the right things - great array of well kept ales (nicest Harveys I've had)which you can try before you buy, eccentric and eclectic art on the walls and hot sausages readily available. What more could you wish for? Congratulated her on having the best pub in London. Richard
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Cracking selection of beers including two Cornish ales and Landlord. Was packed on Friday night as upstairs wasn't open and some of the clientele left plenty to be desired, so a return visit at a less busy time will have to be on the cards.
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This excellent pub has just been voted London Pub of the Year by the Society for the Preservation of Beers from the Wood. Excellent beers and superb friendly and efficient service make this a worthy winner.
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Rocking Pub, can't remember much but rockin!
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We were in early Sunday lunchtime prior to our trip to Wembley Stadium for the NFL match. Was very quiet. Nice pub though. Recommended.
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Crowded, but a wonderful pub, and even more so in the middle of the West End. Very good beer - especially the Harvey's Best. Glad to hear they make the Stella taste foul: might keep away the sort of people who drink it. Another plus point!
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After going for my skinner's fix at the Cove, on to the best Pub in Covent Garden, and, as far as i'm concerned in London. Although the crowds frequenting the Harp spill out onto the pavement, you can usually go upstairs to the lounge and grab a seat even on a busy Friday night. Black Sheep Best, Taylor Landlord, and Harveys Best are the staples here, with a couple of guests and real cider. An excellent Pub.
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This pub is consistently good with fine beer. I think I have only ever had one bad pint in here over the years and that was changed by the barstaff without hesitation. Gets far too busy but that's just because it's such a great place to drink.
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Took a friend from Montana here for her first trip to an English pub, and she was very impressed. I feel sorry for all the tourists whose first (and maybe only) trip to the Great British Boozer is the likes of The Tottenham or the Leicester Square spoonies.
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What a gem! Great decor inside and out and beers and stuff. Shame its kinda small and lunch wasnt very exciting, but still one of the best pubs.
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This pub is fantastic, there are numerous different beers on offer and the barmaids are brilliant, they give you a good bit of banter if you want.
And yes, come here and drinkl ale, don't drink Stella or anything like that (or at least don't complain about it).
Go and find this place, it is a real gem.
arkid - 26 Sep 2007 13:45 |
Staggered upon this place by sheer chance.
Abso-bloody-lutely wonderful! Great selection of ales and ciders (got zonked on some stunning IPA at 5.4%)
Shall be making many return visits.
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Nicgooner (23rd Aug)- If your pint was foul the brilliant staff here would have replaced it instantly and given you a few more for nothing, probably. Was your review written from memory? I ask because all of your reviews were written on the same day. Are you sure you got the right pub? Never had a less than good pint here myself.
Cheers,
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With regard to Anonymous (13 of Aug) - each to their own, but coming here and drinking Stella is like visiting the British Library and reading The Daily Star.
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I have to post something on this pub as an antidote to all the depressing things I am now saying on many of my other favourite boozers. I over looked it for years - what a mistake. One of the best things about moving up to Trafalger Square for work. Wonderful.
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Visited yesterday and things were pretty much as usual - beer was good and there were six ales on handpump. It was relatively quiet when I was in but I could understand it getting a bit busier and thus uncomfortable. Good pub though.
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My pint was foul. Won't be visiting again.
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The service is very good; with a great range of well kept beers (6 last time i went) on.
The only downside is the place does get very busy, and is perhaps a victim of it's own success in terms of that, especially given it's a very narrow bar area; but if you go at quieter times it's a cracking pub.
mps77 - 16 Aug 2007 10:22 |
The real ale may get good write ups but I'm afraid the same can't be said for the lager. Recently ordered two pints of Stella which were promptly discarded (and the pub exited) as they tasted foul.
anonymous - 13 Aug 2007 18:50 |
Very interesting and vibrant pub. Loads of guest ales were available, gutted I could only stop here for one. It was packed when I went in but had no problems getting served by the very friendly barstaff, presumably the landlady, who made us feel welcome. Had a pint of Woods Pot O Gold which was fantastic.
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Went back on Thursday,a large wine and a pint of TT was £7,so not cheap but I like the way the front opens upto the street and the beer is kept rightplus the sausage sarnies are ok.
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delightful spot with good range of beers; lovely downstairs bar (although the one upstairs is a bit bland). try the sausage sandwiches.
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Great pub, especially for central London. Nice guest ales and a landlord and landlady of character!
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I loved this pub! Very friendly staff and comfort food. What more can you ask for?!
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I got refused service in this pub for wearing an England shirt! Granted I wouldn't be seen dead in a football shirt these days, but an England shirt! In London! In England! Never been back since.
anonymous - 28 Jun 2007 15:57 |
Good pub, there aren't many places like this around the area. The upstairs is usually pretty quite but the downstairs can get packed. A range of four or five Real Ales with Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Black Sheep Bitter as regulars. The guest beers aren't particularly adventurous at times, but at least they change regularly and are nicely kept. Recommended.
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Fantastic pub! Quality and range of beers is a rare treat for this area of the city. Can get a little crowded at times although there is usually space to enjoy your pint outside or the no-smoking room upstairs. Cheers!
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Excellent little pub. You can even get a pint of Harvey's! Being from Sussex, this is a rare sight in London!
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Small, but perfectly formed.
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A truly great pub. Really excellent Black sheep Bitter, and a barmaid that was so friendly, she smiled and said "Goodbye" when she went off duty. A great place for a drink, a gem.
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Excellent pub gets busy, but the staff still find time to smile, has around four or five real ales on draught, & usually a more unusual one. it also has real cider kept in a polypin, (small barrel) in the fridge.
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'Anonymous' has clearly never set foot in this gem. Places like the Porcupine, or the Brewmaster and the Sussex are 'bog standard west end boozers', which is why I never go in them.
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Superb pub; one of London's finest
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Nice traditional pub within spitting distance of Trafalgar Square. I'm with Tony Ale on this one, he's spot on.
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I live in Toronto and was in London last week on vacation. Before traveling to London I found this website and made a list of pubs to visit. Imagine my delight when quite by chance I stumbled across the Harp. Knowing it’s rating my friend and I stopped in for a pint. Well it’s a nice pub and all, I have nothing bad to say about it, but the top rated one?
It’s tiny so we had to stand outside and there isn’t much to see from the street. I have to admit I was a little disappointed. I’m glad we just happened to find it out of sheer luck because I was actually planning to make a special trip to find it. We visited several other pubs that I would have rated much higher.
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....But that's the point anonymous it isn't a "bog standard west end boozer" which is why it has rave reviews and is rated highly on this website.Most west end boozers are expensive,serve average quality ale and usually have several bouncers on the door!!This pub in no way falls into that category.
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I know this pub well,and it's a good pub, no doubt, but the best pub in the country? come on! it's just a bog standard west end boozer, nothing more, nothing less
anonymous - 21 May 2007 03:07 |
Very crowded after work, but well worth venturing inside to get a decent pint from their good choice or regular and guest beers.
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JohnBoner - probably was there about 9 30pm onwards
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I have worked within half a mile of this pub for over twenty years but have never been in until last week - driven by the consistently good reviews on this site. I'm jolly pleased I did! The quality of the cask ales was excellent - as many others on here have described. But the pub is slightly a victim of its own success being uncomfortably busy until the quick-pint commuters started to leave at about seven o' clock. The service was fine in the circumstances and the staff (all female that night incidentally) were pleasant enough.
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I have been here many times, and have to say it is one of the best pubs in Central London. Whilst it is small and gets smokey in the winter (bring on that smoking ban in July!), the place has character, friendly staff, and awesome beers (i.e. a proper pub). You can really tell a place that cleans its beer pipes, and this is definitely one. The Ales are amazing, and they serve the best pint of Guinness you will find in London. Great to just stand outside the open windows on a warm spring/summers day and watch the world go by. I havent tried the sausages, but apparently they are to die for!
anonymous - 1 May 2007 15:29 |
I was in yesterday evening - about 7 o'clock - service was fine and the Harveys was excellent.
When did you visit,Mr Chav Man ?
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I am not sure what the fuss is about. Checked this out and thought is was absolutely crap. Where's the duke box? But my main concern is with the extremely poor service. The attitude of some of the staff there is if you are asking them for a pint of their blood instead of their finest flat and warm lager!!
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Not bad but overrated
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Went to this pub for the first time on the 28th of april for my 21st. It's an absolutely brilliant place, a real pub in the heart oo London which is really rare. Had 6 ales, tried the black sheep, and titanic, both lovely. Friendly staff, very chatty locals. Just a really nice place to relax in this hectic part of london.
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Excellent pub - certainly when I'm in the area it's here (when I've just been paid) or the Chandos (when I need to drown my sorrows...)
Just one thing - I just wish it was a little bigger as it's understandably very popular and populated by some good drinkers who know a decent pub when they see one. I WANT A SEAT TOO!!!!!!
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It's all been said below. Probably one of the best pubs in London.
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Had an excellent pint of Thwaites Thoroughbread here earlier this week. I suppose at £2.90 it was the going rate for the area. This is a smallish pub with seating consisting mainly of stools round the bar and shelves. As it was a warm 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, lots of original paintings and the like adorning the walls add to the atmosphere. I remember this place from when it was the Welsh Harp and it does not appear to have changed much. It's a decent, welcoming pub with good beer and definitely worth a visit.
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Following on from my previous positing, I went on a Saturday afternoon and my previous thought proved right. It was busy – but not uncomfortably so – and there was plenty of room. The ales – Caledonian XPA, Black Sheep, Titanic and Jousters were on top form and well poured and well-priced.
Excellent.
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wild boar flavoured sausages. I felt looked after in here and being in trafalgar square you meet all sorts.
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This was the first pub I had an ale in upon my arrival in London. I don't know if it was because it was my first or not but the Black Sheep was one of the best ales I've had in London. Top form. As mentioned it was a CAMRA award pub in 2006. The cellar woman was rightfully proud of this award. The Landlord from Timmy Taylor was also excellent. Good range of ales that constantly changes due to excellent turnover. Good sausages as well. Highly recommended.
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Excellent little pub good choice of ale's friendly staff had no problem finding a seat considering it was 7.30 on a Sat evening this pub is Camra West London's pub of the year 2006.
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This Wednesday evening, March 4th, will be neither lifeless nor drab, with some decent philosophical discussion kicking off at 8.00 - lubricated by some of the best kept beer in Covent Garden, if not London, served by the best team in the Universe!
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Good pub, very friendly management and staff, crowded. Ideal place for early afternoon drink before the crush starts.
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Always one of the first pubs I mention when someone asks me for a recommendation in the West End, the Harp provided the perfect setting last night for West London CAMRA's annual GBG selection bun fight. Binnie knows my fondness for Scottish bears - was the gorgeous Caledonian XPA a coincidence? A pint of 'Snakebite' real cider after moderating a lively discussion of 60 potential entries was also very welcome!
PS - if anyone from the brewery is reading this, can you please replace the sixth hand pump? We'd like our Black Sheep back!
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Popped in again on Friday, again a decent selection of beer but still not too sure about the overall quality - The Exmoor Hound Dog was good but the Mordue Radgee Gadgee was distinctly average. I'll just have to keep putting my head round the door for quality control purposes...
As mentioned in other posts, upstairs in very drab, more life in Roy Castle. Stick to the downstairs area.
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Certainly to be avoided on a Friday lunchtime if you can, but this is a very fine place. Excellent, friendly service, good ale, legendary sausages.
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Excellent boozer but very busy on a Friday.
Recommend anyone to go and try their Harvey's Best, absolutely stunning beer.
Had a quick look upstairs, seems quite drab and lifeless, better to be downstairs fighting for a table...great pub & great staff.
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Can get very busy as narrow bar but never had a problem being served by the friendly bsr staff, usually at least four interesting real ales on including Landlord, plus they have real cider from the cask in the fridge.
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nice and friendly place,bar maid with the bluest eyes was very accommodating A good pint, a little squashed at the best of times but surely thats a good sign?toilets up dodgey stairs but cant do much about that.
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This is a lovely pub - an oasis of niceness in the middle of West End chains and cavernous bars which feel the need to advertise their "Traditional English"ness. Worth watching out for the traffic in and out of the back door - musicians from the Opera House next door come in for a swift half in the interval.
One thing though. Whatever you do don't sit at the bar, especially not near the front door - glasses are piled precariously high on shelves at head-height, and I've seen them come crashing down more than once, covering some poor punter in borken glass.
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lovely old fashioned pub with a nice selection of guest beers, including Timothy Taylor's Landlord and Harveys. A must place to visit at lunchtime to sample the delicious sausage menu, yumm!
Can get busy but that's the reason to visit, it's not popular by accident.
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I must be in a minority of one, as while I liked the atmosphere, the beer was pretty diabolical. Meeting up with a few friends in London after travelling I was looking forward to my first pint of real beer for months, only to be bitterly disappointed. Barely drinkable. Had to wait until I got to Newcastle for a decent pint.
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Continues to be a great pub.
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This really is a very fine pub. We had just sat at the window and were starting to wonder if our pints of Harvey's were going to clear when the barmaid whizzed over, declared them unfit for purpose and replaced them with repeated (and unnecessary) apologies and some excellent Wye Valley ale. Top class service and very friendly. We had to resist the O'Hagan's sausages, which was a pity, but we'll be back. The Harp joins the Salisbury on our must visit list when in WC2.
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The Harvey's Best was on stunning form on Saturday. It's still a great boozer but it does amaze me that people go to it to drink generic fizzylagerpop... too often too busy, which is a shame.
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May nothing about this wonderful pub ever change (apart from its constantly updated range of guest ales of course). Great to have a pub like this in the centre of London that hasn't succumbed to offering food, fruit machines and homogenised beers in bland surroundings. Terrific place - don't hesitate to visit if yr in the area.
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I don't see what all the fuss is about, myself. Their selection of Bacardi Breezers was pretty awful and it was all a bit old. There's an O'Niells and an All Bar One just down the road in Covent Garden if you want a proper night out.
anonymous - 19 Jan 2007 14:38 |
Great little pub, only real problem is that it gets too busy at certain times.
Beer is always good - only remember having one bad pint in here over the last few years which I took back to the bar and they happily exchanged (I even got an apology). The bar staff are trained properly as they are always friendly, quick, efficient and know how to pour a pint.
Watch out for the steep stairs up to the gents though. Can be a tad smokey.
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Enjoyed this place on Sunday afternoon. Good selection of ales available, although nothing really noteworthy on the day I went. Lovely decor and an excellent barmaid who kept friendly banter with all of the customers. In a small pub on a quiet afternoon, you need to have great staff to make the difference and this place certainly did that. It's great to see a place with a functional no smoking room too (it's on the 2nd floor), unlike The Salisbury's, which is as effective as a no p*ssing section in a pool. Didn't actually use it though, as the atmosphere downstairs was so enjoyable, and it wasn't terribly smoky due to the number of customers. Could see it coming in handy on a weeknight though.
One thing bemused me about the visit though....why are there three coat hooks in the single gent's stall? Does it tend to attract heavily layered customers, or is there something else going on I'd rather not know about? :O)
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The previous reviews are spot on. This is a great pub with excellent staff and a supbern range of beers including Cider. Love the place.
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What an oasis in a desert of rather tired, unwelcoming chain pubs! Definitely a place for the real drinker with a range of well kept ales (Black Sheep was on top form). Pleasant surroundings, friendliness from behind the bar. Well worth seeking out.
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An excellent little pub - not only for the selection of well-kept real ales but also the tempting sausages that are served over the bar! Good for people watching when the windows at the front are open too.
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This pub can get very crowded but the service is second to none - friendy and efficient. Always nice to go to a pub where the people serving seem to genuinely care about what they're doing. Beer range pretty good too: Harviestoun Bitter & Twisted was on top form last night. By far the best bet in the area.
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A fine, friendly, small traditional pub handy for Charing Cross Station. Excellent pint of Landlord. Also Black Sheep on. By far the best pub in the area. Smoking allowed (yes!) but for the weaker bretheren non smoking room upstairs.
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Superb pub, very well kept ales and friendly, attentive bar staff. The best by a long, long way if you are in the area...
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Splendid pint of Timmy Taylors Landlord last Saturday morning.
I like this pub more and more every time I visit, which unfortunately isn't often enough. Always nice to get served by somebody behind the bar you recognise from your last visit, even if you're not a regular
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Visited on Sunday afternoon, the first time I've ever been when it wasn't heaving. Lovely pint of a dark ale called Barnstormer from a selection of good, though perhaps rather samey, beers. This is a first class pub, especially considering the location.
anonymous - 11 Dec 2006 12:37 |
Very handy venue for aprez bell-ringing practice at St Martin's in the Fields.
The beer is worth sallying forth for, and the bar staff are good fun and have a glint in their eyes.
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A small pleasant pub, friendly service and well kept real ales including Harveys.Will be back when next in area.
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Great pub, best in the area ! Excellent selection of Ales, decent bar staff too.. keep on returning.
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Great little pub in Central London that isn't a Sam Smith's. Pricey but well worth it for the fantastic selection of real ales.
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Very good. I had heard good things about this place and it definitely bucks the trend of appalling pubs in London's West End. A small but very homely pub with a local's atmosphere and a range of four or five real ales. When I was there both Harvey's and Timothy Taylor were in excellent condition. I'd definitely pick this as venue next time I'm in the area.
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Nice but small pub with a good selection of Real Ales. I tried the homewrecker ale which was very tasty. If the downstairs is packed, there is an upstairs room with a few tables.
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Very small and busy pub close to Trafalgar Square. Great selection of ales, and the pint I had was good. Two friendly ladies behind the bar - this is a good little pub that I will go to again.
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It's Binnie's and Sarah's commitment to Real Ale that counts. They know how to look after it, serve it, and please customers. It is definitely one of the top ten pubs in central London, but this view might alter depending on when you visit: get the place to yourself and enjoy; hit the rush hour and you might be less impressed...
A great venue nevertheless!
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This is a good pub by london standards because of its choice of beers for one,but it aint that good!Its definetly worth a visit but you would be disapointed if you thought it was going to be a top of the chart pub.Got to go now as my taxi for the pub has just arrived.
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I went to the Harp for the first time last night and had a great night. Fantastic beer, brilliant sausages, great atmosphere. I will definitely go back (and will take my veggie boyfriend even though he won't be able to enjoy the sausages!).
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I agree with Aleking completely.
anonymous - 24 Oct 2006 22:26 |
I agree with Aleking to an extent... however...a place needs to be sufficiently busy to justify turning over such a wide range of ales!!! Without the people coming through the door and ploughing through the ale this would be your bog standard pub struggling to sell a firkin of London Pride!!! Admittedly it is tight on a busy night but without us ale drinkers cramming the place it would be another bog standard tourist hole selling Fosters as its "premium offering"!
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AleKing is spot on.
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A very impressive range of ales; Black Sheep; Dick Turpin and, especially, IPA, were great and well-poured by nice staff. Didn’t sample Harvey’s, Bateman’s XXXX or Timothy Taylor as I’ve had them all quite recently.
While it is a great pub for ale (rightly regarded as one of the best in the area), I have to say I feel it is a tad over-rated – the seventh best pub in the land? There are a few quibbles that, at least from my perspective, knock a couple of points off.
Drawbacks are the slender layout, which although not on the minute scale of The Jerusalem Tavern, certainly creates “hustle and bustle”. Some people may feel is part of its charm, but – and maybe I am just getting too old – it inevitably ends up too crammed and cramped. Obviously it is incredibly popular (deservedly so) but each time I have been in there, I have felt like a sardine, floating in a sea of suits, students and everyone else – not my preferred means of sampling some quality beer. Although the staff managed the bar faultlessly, it was a bit of a battle actually getting to the bar (stuck behind plebs ordering lagers) and then a challenge to get the beer back without spilling it amongst the flailing elbows, jostles and obstacles, only to stand amongst these flailing elbows, jostles and obstacles and try to drink the pint.
I also thought the décor was a bit tacky, I'm also not a fan of high chairs, and the undersized toilet halfway up the stairs was a bit of a pain; even if some people would see that as “quaint”.
In conclusion, I would easily recommend The Harp, but probably try to go there at times when it is a bit less hectic to avoid the crush.
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My favourite boozer in London, a wonderful spot to stop off and have a drink or three before catching the train home from Charing Cross. It may sound like an Irish pub but it consistently has on at least three or four excellent English bitters, some of which are a pleasant surprise, including - if memory serves - London Pride (expected), Timothy Taylor's Landlord, Black Sheep and Harveys Best (the finest beer known to humanity, and proving that it can travel beyond Sussex!). Unlike the so-called beer festivals which run sporadically and briefly in over London pubs the beer at Harp is nearly always excellent because they always have it.
The building itself has a rather long and narrow layout, with considerably more width at the rear. The back door is also a useful escape route if things get too busy at the front during the rush hour. It really is a great place to sit (or prop) and watch city life go by in the summer when the large windows towards the front of the bar are unlatched and bolted down. The Harp is also not a bad place to watch the rugby on the small TV high in the corner wall as I did during the Six Nations; the compact nature of the interior gave it a close but friendly atmosphere.
Another thing in the Harps favour is the decor, with its dozens of paintings, is strangely different but nonetheless pleasing. Also the cooked sausages make it a good place to take a hurried snack (although the lack of plates can make actual consumption rather tricky!). I believe as well that a small upstairs room has been opened, although I only caught a quick glimpse, but I think I'll be staying downstairs on my next visit.
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If your a visitor to London and want a really good drink with a wide selection of various national brews; look no further. It get's very croded, but it's a long narrow pub, so push on to the back. Wonderful place.
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Every time I go to this pub I have a good time. Nice little buzz, good beer (6 ales)and very nice service. It's all good as far as i'm concerned.
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OH FOOLISH FELLOW THAT I AM. I PASSED ON BY THIS PUB FOR YEARS, THINKING IT WAS JUST A CUPBOARD. IT WAS CALLED THE WELSH HARP THEN. THE NAME ALWAYS PUT ME OFF. HOWEVER HAVING DROPPED THE WELSH(THAT WHY GOD CREATED THE IRISH SEA OF COURSE: SPLASH) I DECIDED TO VENTURE WITHIN. WHAT A PLACE! IT'S BLOODY MARVELLOUS. WONDERFUL BEERS. WONDERFUL SAUSAGES. GREAT STAFF; HELLO GIRLS. WHERE'S HILARY? IF YOUR EVER STUCK AT CHARING CROSS FOR A TRAIN HEAD ON TO THE HARP; IT' FOR DRINKING ANGELS!
anonymous - 11 Oct 2006 15:17 |
The drinking man's Coal Hole.
anonymous - 9 Oct 2006 12:30 |
I first put a review of this pub saying what a gem it is back on 13th July 2005 and now I'm almost beginning to wish I'd kept it to myself ... haven't been for a while now but am glad SOME things don't change and that it's still tip-top. Look forward to my next visit, hopefully SOON! Janet
anonymous - 9 Oct 2006 12:24 |
A dying breed in London, especially central London; a classic house that combines a decent variety of ales with simple, home-made grub, and surprise of surprises, genuine character. Granted, it's on the small side but surely still infinitely preferable to these soulless corporate barrack-rooms now so commonplace in the capital and elsewhere. Moreover, it stands out for being friendly, and the buzzy atmos from the mixed clientele can pervade the street when the large window is opened up. Unlike lots of London pubs the Harp doesn't need to reply on dozens of colourful hanging baskets outside to draw the punters. Keep up the good work!
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The
Harp, a true West End gem
Enables us all to
Have
A
Really good, well-kept
Pint or three
Before heading
In homeward directions,
Not wanting
Nor needing to leave.
It's the best example of an
English pub (in the Irish mode)
We have.
All I ask is Punch
Leave it alone
So we can continue to
Have good times here...
Cheers!
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The thinking man's Coal Hole.
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A nice little boozer with well kept ales. Not sure what it will be like in the winter, (purely because of its size) as I have only stood outside. Very nice though.
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Good Pub,especially in the daytime ,when the front is open ,friendly clientele,good selection of real ales sausages are good too an oasis .
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Altho' I got there late evening after the fun, Sept 19th, there was still a good and convivial atmosphere in the bar and upstairs in the no smoking room. The Black Sheep bitter had peaked, but the Harveys Best Bitter was excellent.
A much deserved award for Sarah, Binnie and the whole working team!
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CAMRA West London Branch present Pub of the Year to The Harp on Tuesday, 19 September 2006. The certificate will be awarded at 20.00 but I plan to get there no later than 19.00.
In addition to their usual range of TT Landlord, Black Sheep Ale and Harveys Sussex Best, beers on sale will include Harviestoun Schiehallion, Hop Back Summer Lightening and a guest beer. The fact
that these are all top favourites of mine is purely coincidence, although I may have hinted to Binnie that I adore Schiehallion.
Real cider and perry will also be available.
Please join us in congratulating Binnie, the landlady, and Sarah, the cellarkeeper, for running what we think is the best of more than 800
pubs in West London this year!
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This place is stunning an excellent venue to take people to.
I liked the sausages a lot and will definitely come back for more!
anonymous - 13 Sep 2006 16:49 |
This would be a pub to prize anywhere, but to find such a gem in central London is quite astonishing. The beers (a great variety of which are on offer) are always in fine condition, the sausages are delicious, and the staff maintain a cheerful and friendly attitude despite having to work so hard to cope with the crowds of appreciative punters. Definitely the best pub in London.
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The front of this place is stunning, especially when they pull the front window right back.
Six ales of interest on last weekend, tried Lees Ruddy (OK - for a Lees!) and the Kerfuffle which unfortunately was warm and quite past its best, so the quality control is a bit wobbly at times it seems. Hopefully it was a one-off?
A trip to the toilets after a few is an experience, due to the narrow winding staircase and lack of turning circle when you get to the door.
Well worth a trip for the heritage factor alone.
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A splendid example of a traditional pub in a central London location. The beer is exceptional (I particularly recommend the Harveys). Both the staff and clientele are delightful. I must also thoroughly recommend that you enjoy one of the fabulous O'Hagans sausages with your pint. The Harp is a real treat for the genuine pub enthusiast.
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Why, oh why, have I been walking past this place on my trips to Theatreland and the National Gallery and drinking in the Chandos or the Marquis of Granby. Has to be the best pub in central London. If you go midweek towards the end of the evening it is a lot less crowded. The staff know their real ale and serve a great pint, great clientele make for fun people watching.
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Excellent in every way. Went after seeing reviews here and vas completely impressed. Beer was kept as well as any I have had and the staff are more friendly than any I have met in London before. will be going back soon to try the famous sausages!
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A very friendly, small but perfectly formed pub. Very handy for a post National Gallery drink. Add in the fine beer and it is comfortably one of the best pubs in the area. However to have it as one of the best in the land, is overrating it.
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For a regularly-changing carefully-chosen selection of well-kept real ale, the Harp is probably the best pub in central London. O'Hagans sausages (pork & leek, lamb& mint, etc) are wonderful! Binnie Walsh knows how to run a proper pub, and her well-trained staff deliver a very high standard of customer care. The Harp's popularity means it can be crowded at times, so choose your times wisely and enjoy a tip-top drink a stone's throw from Trafalgar Square.
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What a big surprise; a terrific pub in theatreland that not only has a changing range of real ale, but a warm and friendly atmosphere to enjoy them in. I feel mortified that I bypassed this little pub for the Marquis of Granby for so many years or settled for hot, ugly, crowded places like the Chandos round the corner.
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AN EXCELLENT PERRY ON, AS OF 17/08/06, TROGGI.
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What a great little pub. Friendly service and good quality beer. Busy but not too busy on Saturday late afternoon and found a seat easily, I honestly could have sat here for hours drinking T.T Landlord and eating those tasty sausages if it wasn't for the fact that I had other venues to visit. Will definitely return.
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Excellent beer, gorgeous barmaid, very friendly and efficient landlady. One of the few pubs in London where you get a decent head on your pint and that's relaxed about last orders. Amazing that it's in the centre of London.
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I have been frequenting this pub for many years and i find it to be the best pub in the area. Amongst all the lifeless wine bars in the area this place is a gem.
The choice of real ales is always surprising and regularly features Harveys Sussex Best and Timothy Taylors Landlord. They also are excellently conditioned and best complimented with an O'Hagans Sausage. The staff are always friendly and willing to help and the landlady is always at hand, which is a rareity in most chain pubs which lack that homely atmosphere these days.
A top class, local pub in the heart of London.
anonymous - 4 Aug 2006 10:46 |
I always find it disappointing when having to report what was an otherwise lovely pub on previous visits, being let down on my attempted visit today : Sunday 30th July at about 12.50pm.
Basically, I only discovered this pub through the positive remarks through this website and went for the first time about 2 weeks ago. I have recommended the pub to mates aswell. The beers were great (Harveys), and I had a good talk to the wonderful landlady who excels in customer service and providing beer in tip-top condition.
Anyway, went in at a quiet time, waited for the bar-girl to finish serving the guy ahead of me, then expected to be served my pint ! Instead, all i got was the girl nodding in the direction of her drink and she continued talking to someone else, totally ignoring me. I dont normally like to complain, and rarely have bad service because I generally visit decent pubs that serve fine ales away from places where you kind of expect 3rd rate bar staff: hence the joy of finding the Harp !. Needless to say, I walked out to find somewhere else this fine afternoon, perhaps annoyed at myself for not having a go at her, as she was in the wrong. I couldnt be bothered to have a scene.
Anyway, like i said,i have been to the Harp several times over the last few weeks and intend to make it a little after work stop over etc. I was there the previous friday eve for instance and all the girls serving then were nothing short of excellent. I know today might just be a one off, and the landlady was no where to be seen (ironically, i saw her enter the pub about 1 minute after I left), she takes pride in her venue and I know she reads the stuff on here. The girl who lacked in customer facing skills was about mid 20`s, brunette, definitely foreign probably eastern european. I dont want this to put me off a future visit, because like i said, this is a fab place and i havent had a problem with staff here: Unfortunately the landlady doesnt have eyes in the back of her head and cannot account for the behaviour of her staff in her absence. Therefore i will remain anon on this, despite giving a glowing review recently on bite. I just cannot tolerate bad or rude service especially when I didnt say anything to justify such stand-offish behaviour and just wanted a quite sunday afternoon drink !
anonymous - 30 Jul 2006 13:43 |
Great place - staggered to find a pub like this so close to Trafalgar Square. I like it more and more each time I come here, which unfortunately isn't as often as I would like.
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First visit recently, was very impressed. If like me, you prefer a quality ale selection (esp an immaculate Harveys), decent food, polite and friendly service, interesting decorations and summer views outside a flower drenched frontage, this place could be the place for you. Will visit again for an hour or two and watch the world go by.
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One of the best pubs in the area with an ever changing selection of guest beers. Get there early at lunchtime for the full selection of sausage sandwiches. Down-to-earth landlady is always good fun and sometimes there's a barmaid to drool over.
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I used to work in the Charing X area and the Harp was the best pub in the surrounding area to have a lunchtime drink in the summer sun. Superb. Fair enough, you are spilling out onto the pavement, but with beer gardens few and far between in the Charing X Leicester Square & Covent Garden areas, I would certainly come here for a couple at lunch and watch the cosmopolitan female talent (and tourists) stroll by!
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Excellent place. Good boozes. Busy and the staff were still really friendly and made an effort to help out or speak to you. Still haven't got round to eating the sausages!!! A favourite, this one.
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The best pub in Covent Garden. Has character, extremely friendly staff (a very rare thing in London) and unusual cask ales for London (Elgoods, Lancaster bomber, Archers - need I say more?)
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Very Nice pub. The upstairs part is very bizarre though I think!
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 01:59 |
She certainly does read the comments and they are all, of course, well earned. Would definitely visit more often if I lived nearer.
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The landlady of this pub happened to mention to me she reads the reviews of her pub on this website regularly. So be nice!
My pint of Harveys on my last visit was excellent. The place does tend to get packed but that is hardly surprising.
The upstairs room - which is presumably intended as an overspill - is odd.
anonymous - 30 May 2006 19:13 |
Just been for a visit this evening after a gap of several months. I can honestly say that the Harvey's I've just supped was the best pint I've ever had in London.
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Landlord, Black Sheep, Thoroughbred, Greyhound & Harvey's Best on offer in a crowded typical central London long and narrow single room pub. Genuine woody and wholesome atmosphere with a well heeled and relaxed clientelle. A conversation pub. Has a definate appeal. Upstairs room is quiet and smoke-free, but lacks the character of the main room.
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Continues to be the only real local in the area, and consistently Binnie and her staff are friendly, welcoming, and serve a good range of well-kept cask conditioned beers, including my favourite Harveys Best.
It well deserves the CAMRA listing - and its popularity with CAMRA West London.
It's not overun by bearded real ale enthusiasts though - a plentiful and varied crowd is to be found. And a recent feature is a comfortable upstairs no smoking lounge.
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Have been using this pub now for over two years, though not as much as I would like to. Always had a great welcome here. Good selection of well kept ales, and an above average selection of spirits. A good selection of hot sausages served, but get in early....they usually disappear very quickly. Varied clientelle, and always a good atmosphere
MX321 - 29 Apr 2006 12:33 |
Another satisfying visit to the harp. friendly barmaid. next time i'll have a sausage
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Afternoon visit was fantastic. 5 less usual real ales, a wonderful hostess, and cozy atmosphere. 8/10.
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Mmmmmm.... St Peter's Golden Ale and Jennings Sneck Lifter on today, both in excellent condition.
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Great selection of beer including Timothy Tailors Landlord, Black sheep and Harveys, 3 top beers, shame its so smokey.
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Saw the good reviews so thought it would be a good thing to pay a visit. Yet again it had to be on a Thursday evening so the place was rammed. However, we eventually got a pair of stools beisde the ledge parallel to the bar and settled down to enjoy some top beer. It really was that good, and the selection was excellent as well. The bar staff are outstanding, friendly yet efficient. Not normally keen on the West End but if you find yourself there this is about as good as it gets............
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The bar was crowded and rather smokey on Saturday evening, so I tried upstairs for the first time. What a super room - surprisingly stylish, with an interesting view down Adelaide Street - and no problems having my sausage sandwich served there. The Harvey's Bitter was excellent, building up a hoppy fragrance; two guys in the bar were also well pleased with their pints of Crop Circle.
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Great little pub.Has Harveys and Black Sheep as regular ales so you can't really go wrong.
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considering its location this place is supringsly good, excellent beers and sausages, worth dropping by anytime.
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Visited 8 March 2006. A proper pub. Great range of beers and excellent service
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Great cosy, hidey hole type pub perfect for summer or winter. In fact it's annoyingly good - I'd really like to go somewhere else for post-work pints, for a change of scene really, but nowhere cuts the mustard when compared to this place.
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Excellent ale and o'hagans bangers.great service even when heaving.
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A decent pub if you happen to be in central London. Many years ago I used to frequent it when it was called the Welsh Harp and run by a guy called Nigel whose dad I think ran before him.
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Splendid pub - a rare find for Central London. Good beer, friendly locals and attentive staff. Will visit again soon. Highly recommended
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A little gem I reckon. The beer was washin down well and it's little and I got a seat on a saturday night - cowa-bloomin-bunga!!
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A deep, narrow pub decorated in sort-of Victorian style (oil paintings on the wall and bare boards?). Two rapidly-changing
guest ales. A most welcome addition to (very) central London.
It can be astonshingly difficult to find good beer in the
Great Wen. The Porterhouse lies a short way to the east, as do a
numner of other good pubs.
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Quality. A fantastic range of real ales - the Titanic is superb. Friendly bar staff, nice and relaxed atmosphere, all in all it's one of the best.
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An amazing find in such a central location. Very busy and noisy on the ground floor but nice and quiet, with plenty of tables, and smokefree, upstairs. Classical music playing in the background; what a refreshing change! Didn't try the food but the pints of Deuchars, Black Sheep, and Landlord, were all very acceptable.
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The Harp (formerly the Welsh Harp) is a fairly small pub that can easily be overlooked due to the proximity of at least 4 other pubs / bars within 30 yards. This is probably one of the most homely and civilized pubs in the area with friendly staff and welcoming group of locals. The pub is long, narrow and full of character. Very much a traditional style pub with bare floor, large mirrors, several portraits, brass chandeliers, lamps and stained glass windows at the front (note the harp depicted in the door). Along one side is a ledge with built in tables at the rear. On top of the bar frame are several jugs and urns just asking to be shot at like a fairground stall. Entertainment is minimal with just a basic TV in the corner. There is also a no-smoking room upstairs. The real icing on the cake is the beer. 3 regular ales (Harveys, Black Sheep and Landlord) complimented by 2 ever changing guest ales (a selection of the pump clip-ons can be viewed above the bar). The sausages were very popular although I did not try one. Definitely one of the best pubs in the area for the serious drinker.
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Traditional pub. Excellent ale - especially Blacksheep. Good buzz. Good food. A Must.
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I like this one. Only been there twice, a Friday and a Saturday night. Great atmosphere, low lighting, just nice.
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Excellent. Long narrow pub just north of the Strand and Charing Cross Station. A friendly atmosphere combined with absolutely superb beer, makes this a must. Visited last night and had a pint of Black Sheep Bitter which was 100% on form.
O'Hagan's sausages are available at the bar and must be tried.
Staff very friendly and welcoming; locals and other customers warm and accommodating. Overall, this is a quality pub, serving quality beer for the quality customer. Recommended. 10/10!
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The Harp is becoming so popular that they ran out of sausages on Sunday afternoon! Fortunately there are four other pubs within easy staggering distance (also one of the few Post Offices in London which issues International Driving Permits - in case you ever need one). On a previous visit, I sampled the Timothy Taylor Landlord and found it well up to standard: soft, with hints of honey, rather than the slightly harsh flavour more often found in other London outlets. Full marks to the cellarers.
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Truly outstanding in every way. Friendly staff, great beer and a the pub itself is full of character. Given the location, it would have been easy to have slipped into complacency because the tourists would have come anyway. It's nice to think that visitors to London can find such an excellent example of a real British pub at a major tourist honeypot.
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I called in for a quick pub lunch midweek - they were serving one of the best ales in England: Harvey's Sussex Best Bitter, and probably the best sausage sandwich in London (I chose the Pork and Leek variety) with tasty fried onions, and a perfect baguette, chewy but not too crispy. Incredible value for £5.20 all in!
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Had a great pint of Timothy Taylor Landlord here last night. It is near to my work so is often frequented for a after work drink.
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Gave this place another try and happily the beer was much better (Landlord). they were also serving Black Sheep, Harvey's and a guest from Wye Valley.
I do like the feel of this pub. It's small and narrow but they haven't made the mistake of trying to squeeze in too much furniture. In fact there are no tables as such, just a broad ledge around all the walls with plenty of stools and the bar along one side.
I remember going here years ago when it used to be called the Welsh Harp and the gents toilet was halfway up a staircase, making a deadly trap if you stepped out of the door without concentrating! I didn't get the opportunity to check if it's still like that.
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I also had a similarly disappointing experience with the beers on Friday night. I took back a pint of Landlord and the woman behind the bar changed it. However she told me that 'Billy' had said it was OK - so maybe others had complained too. The best pint was Harveys Best albeit a touch 'woody', but this ran out after a while unfortunately.
However I will perservere with this pub as the atmosphere was very welcoming and lively, and possibly the beer experience was a glitch.
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Pub had a nice feel to it and there was an impressive collection of pump clips decorating the bar, indicating the turnover of guest ales they've sold. Unfortunately my pint of Black Sheep Bitter was rather "green", and the pint of Taylor's Landlord I saw someone else served with looked similar. Hopefully that's not typical and I'll still give the place another try.
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I love this pub, we often treat ourselves to a night in a hotel in town and we come and sit here in The Harp and enjoy the selection of ales on offer, always well kept. Yes it is small, and I guess if you pick a funny time after the workforce and before the night crowd it might not be the same, but I think it's great. First time we went - Pale Island (Ridley's version of Pale Rider), and the last time last Saturday - Summer Lightning. Front all opened out, sun streaming in, watching the world go by. Lovely. Friendly staff, mean sausages in hot dog rolls served 'til quite late ... :-)
anonymous - 13 Jul 2005 17:38 |
Decent pub with a large front that can be opened out. Sells cigs behind the bar, 20 for a fiver can't be bad.
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Small pub (with two entrances I think??) but friendly and with top ales. Thankfully never find myself around Charing Cross that often, but it's a place I certainly want to try again. If given the chance. Eventually.
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I've walked past this pub for years and only visited because it's in the 2005 Good Beer Guide. What a great place I've been missing. A proper pub, great beer and friendly staff. I'll certainly be back.
anonymous - 18 Feb 2005 23:47 |
I'm one of the scruffy Northerners who goes in the Harp but wasn't aware I looked shifty. Sounds like Southern paranoia to me. Keep your eye's peeled for the Anthony Eden looky-likey...he's the spit of our disgraced 1950's premier.
Phil - 18 Nov 2004 17:05 |
Amazing pub, one of the nicest in London I've ever been to. Last night they had three guest ales, and the staff were lovely and friendly, not cheesy idiots like in a chain pub. Great decor. Shame the lager is rubbish though (Stella).
Daren King - 9 Nov 2004 10:54 |
Sorry a juke box would not help at all. This is a cracking pub with real beer. and as for Sarah pulls a mean pint of Harveys
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Run by a real character of bloke called hilary.This pub is what a pub should be,spit and sawdust and all!
Nick Hamer - 20 Aug 2004 18:47 |
There often seems to be a scruffy looking set of Northeners looking a bit shifty in there. Excellent Pub though although a good juke box would be the icing on the cake
Ernie - 28 Jul 2004 10:36 |
Great little pub, the front windows are taken out in the summer and you can drink in the open air! Always nice to spot all the coppers going to and fro from the police station down the road as well.
paul - 17 Jun 2004 12:55 |
Great little pub with excellent staff and a good range of beers. A nice relaxed atmosphere and, as someone says below, customers are not rudely booted out at 11.15, as in so many Covent Garden pubs. A traditional pub in a central area which boasts very few of them. More power to its (beer-pulling) elbow.
TJR - 24 Feb 2004 18:25 |
A really small bar - really rather cramped; Bass bitter. there are better pubs around
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Excellent beer and good service - everything a traditional pub should be. Watch the stairs to the toilets, best negotiated sober!
The tip - 28 Oct 2003 13:56 |
I particularly like the relaxed atmosphere of this pub - I have been in there a few times with friends after work and the staff are very friendly and they are not rushing you out of the door at 11.00pm ... the walls are covered with interesting portraits and the decor is very tasteful and traditional ... I would definitely recommend the Harp - a very good meeting place for a catch up with friends ...
Chloe - 3 Sep 2003 14:50 |
I'm really not quite sure about this place. The first time I went we'd just seen some music at Queen Elizabeth Hall on the South Bank and sauntered back over the river for a beer. It was a very nice end to the evening. Bar staff were friendly, the front was all opened out cos it was a nice evening, we didn't get frog-marched out of the pub at 11.20pm (as so often happens around there!) and the Guinness was really good.
Second time, the ceiling had fallen in. Oops. No biggy but made us carefully examine the remaining structure before we sat.
Third time, just after work, the atmosphere in the place was really weird and uncomfortable. I don't know why. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. It just wasn't right!
In short, good pub on a nice evening, a bit later and when it's busy. Don't go in there if you're walking past and it looks a bit dead though. The locals are scary.
TheG - 20 Jun 2003 10:48 |
