The Harp, Covent Garden — Restaurant in London

The Harp has been my favourite pub in London since I first visited it probably just over 10 years ago. I couldn't wait to go back when my wife and I visited London again to watch a show over the Bank Holiday weekend.

We got to The Harp at just before 10pm on a Sunday. I had forgotten that the pubs seem to close ridiculously early on Sunday nights in the capital but there were still quite a number of customers drinking, inside and out. I bought a pint and my wife a drink we sat down to drink them in the presumption that we may have 20-30 minutes drinking up time before the pub closed properly.

We had literally sat down 2 minutes when one of the bar staff announced they were closing in 10 minutes. I thought they were winding the customers up, considering I'd only just been served but I was wrong. The barmaid and a bloke who I couldn't work out if he worked there too or she just knew him, then started arguing loudly and he pushed something off the bar which smashed on the floor which escalated the argument further. It was becoming really uncomfortable watching the barmaid screaming and shouting in front of us in such a small pub. She then yelled that they were closing so some customers then walked towards the toilets upstairs and she started shouting, "Where the * are they going? We're closing! Why are they going to the ** toilet now! When I said we're closing in 10 minutes, why didn't they go then?"

She made a real show of herself and was rude and aggressive to customers. My wife said she wanted to leave straight away so she left half her drink and we went. I hope the brewery see this review and look into it. The Harp used to be a fantastic pub which I never failed to enjoy visiting but to experience this woman badgering customers and shouting and swearing in front of them means I'm afraid to say, I won't be going back. From a 5-star to no stars (if I could) in the 4 years since I...

It's a hard life, being a real ale enthusiast sometimes. I guess in the way a somelier can never really stomach a bottle of crap red wine, having tasted good beer means that when you're deprived and have to drink a bad lager the world seems to glow a bit less brightly.

Once again, I'm amazed I've made it this long in London without knowing about this quirky, traditional boozer that glorifies and celebrates the humble hop in a beautiful and reverent fashion. The pump clip shrine to beers past & present is a stunning homage to the craft and importance in supporting British brewing and the diversity (in both beer and drinkers) that it spouts forth into this world. It's very similar to the Hob Goblin in Reading, but this is in London so naturally it kicks ass more (although the Hob Goblin is a supreme boozer)

It gets bonus points for the fact they pour the pint properly, with the spout in the ale as it draws through the pump. It keeps the gas in the beer - it's important, and so many people don't know how to/care enough to do it...

The Harp was the Evening Standard's Best Pub in London 2019 - and I’m not going to disagree! Located en route from Charring Cross to Covent Garden, it attracts both tourists and those who know its reputation for real ales - so it’s rarely quiet.

The small exterior is very pretty - adorned with flowers and with stained glass windows that open fully in the summer. Despite the small frontage, the interior extends far enough back from the street to accommodate a reasonably large amount of customers. There is also a small room upstairs and a passage out the back - although many people spill out into the street.

Although the pub is now owned by Fuller's there are always at least a half dozen real ales available from independent brewers. Food appears to be mainly freshly cooked sausages served in bread rolls.

Sometimes I’m put off by how busy it gets - but you can’t blame people for wanting to visit - it is...