Overview
The Harp is a classic London pub with cult status, especially among fans of well-kept real ale. Located on Chandos Place, just steps from Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden, this pint-sized freehouse delivers a massive character punch that keeps both regulars and first-timers coming back for more.
Originally a Victorian pub known as The Welsh Harp, the venue was renamed and reinvented in the 1990s by the much-loved publican Binnie Walsh. It quickly became one of central London’s leading ale houses — and in 2010, it was crowned CAMRA National Pub of the Year.
The pub itself is narrow and atmospheric, with wood-panelled walls, old portraits, quirky memorabilia, and a compact bar lined with hand pumps. Despite its size, The Harp typically offers 8–10 real ales on cask, with styles ranging from bitters and golden ales to darker porters and stouts. A regularly changing tap list keeps things interesting, and the traditional cider offering is equally respected.
Food is minimal — mostly sausage rolls and bar snacks — but the focus here is truly on the beer and the chat. It’s the kind of place where you might squeeze in elbow-to-elbow, but leave with a story, a smile, or a new favourite pint.
The upstairs lounge offers a quieter spot with views of the street below, and there’s a tiny strip of pavement seating out front for a quick sip in the sun. For real pub lovers, The Harp isn’t just a stop — it’s a destination.
Last update April 2024
