A West End wonder, the Harp has done London proud by becoming the first of the capital’s pubs to be crowned Britain’s National Pub of the Year. This is the first time in 23 years that a London Pub has been recognised by Britain’s most discerning drinkers – the 105,000 members of the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA).

The Venue
Inconspicuous, modest in size, the most basic of food, unpretentious in character – yet the Harp in Chandos Place, Charing Cross, is the honoured pick of 52,000 UK Pubs. Why? Because of the magnificent quality and variety of its real ales and ciders, the unfailing charm and competence of its staff and the agreeableness of its ambience.

You can find the Harp moments away from Charing Cross and close to Theatreland. Welsh harps are traced on the outside windows and, in summer, it is bedecked with hanging baskets of flowers. It is a narrow building with a downstairs main bar and an upstairs parlour that has the intimate feel of a Victorian snug. It is furnished with warm wood panelling and mirrors – many of these are also etched with images of harps. The bar is decorated with hundreds of pump clips and the walls are filled with prints and reproductions of different styles and periods, some gilt-framed. Appropriately, several of these are of famed thespians such as James Mason and Elizabeth Taylor.

The Atmosphere
London’s great adopted son, Dr Johnson, observed that Charing Cross offers “the full tide of human existence” and the Harp shows this is as true to-day as 250 years ago. Core regulars are workers from local businesses and Whitehall offices, as well as many theatre-goers and workers, who pop in before and after shows and even in intervals from the nearby Coliseum. Mingling happily with them are shoppers and visitors, including many a real ale connoisseur from the provinces.

The pub is always heaving at lunchtimes and early evenings and remains busy at other times. Yet the prevailing air of politeness is such that it never seems disagreeably crowded. Much of this politeness stems from the invariable helpfulness of the landlady, Bridget Walsh. In charge for 17 years, she knows great numbers of her customers and the chat is always cordial. Equally, her well-trained staff are pleasant and proficient in the art of service.

The Food
Food at the Harp is simple and straightforward – sausages in a baguette. There’s a choice of three different kinds every day. If you want to eat, go early. Demand is such that in the evening they’re usually sold out.

The Drink
The Harp is a real ale mecca. Eight hand pumps offer a changing variety but there are always two each from celebrated micros, Sambrook’s of Battersea and Sussex’s Dark Star. Among the eight, two dark beers – mild, porter, or stout – are always available. These styles are not easy to find in London pubs and appeal to many devotees.

Equally remarkable is the choice of nine real ciders and perries from artisan producers. These can include rarities such as 8% ABV varieties matured in whisky and rum casks. You can also find one or two perries, with Two Trees from Gwynt Y Ddraig often available.

Bridget Walsh has been an advocate of real ale for decades. She supported it in her previous south London pubs and has made the Harp a shining example of its growing appeal. It has been CAMRA West London Pub of the Year several times, and in 2010 was CAMRA Greater London Pub of the Year, prior to the supreme achievement of becoming the National Pub of the Year.

There is the usual range of lagers, Guinness and wines but real ale is the overwhelming choice.

The Last Word
There’s only one reason not to recommend the Harp: it’s so popular that inviting more customers along will make the wait for a drink a bit longer. But good things are well worth waiting for and no drinks are better than those at the Harp. Go and experience a National Champion.

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