Fleet Street and its offshoots have a high density of old London pubs and The Harrow fits in with aplomb.

The Venue
A short walk down Whitefriars Street stands The Harrow, a small city pub surrounded by a patio of furniture on the roadside. An attractive facade of glossy black paint and brass fixtures leads to a similarly well-kept interior. The short wooden bar is adjacent to the entrance and, to the left, the space opens up for a collection of neat tables, teased by the small amount of light that comes in through a tall rear window. Heavy oak partitions split up the square room and add character, along with the leaded stained glass that's fixed between tables. The walls are host to extravagantly framed watercolours of court scenes and lawmen, a nod to the pub’s relationship with the area.

The Atmosphere
The Harrow doesn't have the bustle of the Fleet Street pubs so you're more likely to find a lunchtime space here. It's a relaxed type of quiet that doesn't feel empty despite the occasional lack of patrons, the interior doing its part to create a pleasant environment. Staff are friendly and there's a general exchange of pleasantries passed back and forth between strangers who seem to quickly establish an affinity with each other. Despite its close proximity to the many nearby chambers, The Harrow doesn't have a hint of snobbery and it feels thoroughly welcoming, if a tad plain.

The Food
Prices are fairly high for what is essentially a menu of pub grub classics, but people are more than willing to pay. Expect to pay £7.95 for a simple burger and chips, £7.25 for ham, egg and chips, and £7.50 for sausage and mash.

The Drink
The pub looks and feels equipped for ale drinkers; the heavy oak beams and dark moody corners conjure up images of dark brews being supped by ale-lovers, so it’s no surprise that there are always at least three on tap. London Pride and Discovery (£3.15/£3.20 a pint) are regulars while there is also Grolsch (£3.60 a pint) and Carling (£3.35 a pint) on draught.

The Last Word
The Harrow has a friendly, welcoming nature and endears itself immediately with a relaxed atmosphere.

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