The Harp, Covent Garden

For centuries the humble public house has been the cornerstone of London. Whether in heavily residential backstreets with the same punters every night or situated by places of commerce in the centre of town, serving a more transient clientele, they have seen and heard it all.

As a rule I generally avoid the bustling West End - preferring the more intimate surroundings and atmosphere of a locals boozer - but I make exceptions to visit if I know I can nip into a timeless classic such as the Harp.

One for the real ale fan it’s won various CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards and I love the homage to all the old beers they’ve guested over the years above the bar. Hundreds of hand pump clamps decorate the ceiling showcasing quite an array of quality refreshments. Straining your neck is not too much of a inconvenience whilst licking your lips at the selections of yesteryear.

It’s always busy but maintains an intimacy and has a genuine London buzz where tourists mix happily with hardened regulars. It’s at its most vibrant of a warm summer evening where thirsty revellers, many officer workers with ties loosened ready for the weekend, spilling out onto the pavement. It cuts quite a scene of a humming city and draws in many passers by looking to sample those good times.

All pub opinions are subjective and I enjoy that certain people sometimes love yet dislike others that many cherish. I’ve yet to meet anyone who didn’t shout this stalwarts virtues from the rooftops. For such a little treasure on the corner of Trafalgar Square this is the most ringing of endorsements.