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The Harp |
Great for ale and sausages
I HAVE always found that it is difficult to decide where to eat when one goes to the theatre.
Before – sometimes it is too early and one has to sit through the whole performance after dinner. After – it could be too late.
So I found the answer while walking in Brydges Place when I saw a group of three people drinking pints around a cask that served as a table.
I went into the Harp pub which is elongated and goes from this picturesque small street to Chandos Place.
From this entrance a dark-wood bar runs along the right-hand side.
Several interesting paintings hang on the walls.
There is plenty of space with stools placed by the windows, at the bar and throughout.
A lovely room on the first floor is available for private use with a good view of Charing Cross.
The charming publican, Bridget, was brought up in the business and has been at the Harp (previously known as the Welsh Harp) for 13 years.
“If you don’t do something well then don’t it at all,” Bridget tells me.
Hence she decided to specialise in sausages and look after every detail by cooking everything on the premises.
I decided to try one of the three varieties on the blackboard (£2.50). I got a succulent one: Moroccan lamb – a bit spicy, very tasty with delicious fried onions in a submarine roll – all wrapped in a white paper napkin. The sausages come from Bill and Liam O’Hagan who won the 2004 British Bangers Award. ‘No artificial anything’ is this Chichester-based company’s motto.
I found that the quarter-pound sausage was more than just a snack – you could always have two.
It is served with a variety of mustards and pickles.
I chose a Cote du Rhone from a large selection of wines by the glass all at £2.90 each. It was excellent.
The Chablis is sold only by the bottle at £l4.
What the Harp is really known for is its ales.
It buys from small breweries in Scotland and Newcastle which produce real ale.
Sara, who has been at the Harp for over l3 years looks after the cellar and ensures that on arrival the casks are kept at least 36 hours before the ales are served from the taps.
They stock three resident ales and three guest ones which sell for £2.70 or £2.80 per pint.
The place was buzzing with patrons – many regulars who seem to feel at home and are well looked after by Bridget and two charming young ladies behind the bar.
So now you have an alternative next time you are in this area.
The Harp opens 11am to 11pm daily.
The Harp
47 Chandos Place, WC2
020 7836 0291 |
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