The Harp, Covent Garden image

The Harp, Covent Garden

Restaurant Bar Pub

Traditional pub on 2 floors with stained-glass windows, hand-pulled real ale, cider and sausages. People often mention London, beer, beers, great, selection, good, Great, staff, real, friendly,


Address

47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS, United Kingdom

Website

www.harpcoventgarden.com

Contact

+44 20 7836 0291

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (3.1K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Friday: (Good Friday), 11 AM to 11 PM, Hours might differ
  • Saturday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Sunday: 12 to 8 PM
  • Monday: 11 AM to 11 PM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 11 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: London (32) beer (28) beers (27) great (25) selection (25) good (25) Great (24) staff (23) real (18) friendly (16)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Mark C. 8 months ago on Google • 117 reviews
    Small popular bar. Well worth a visit, great real ale. Although often crowded it's worth squeezing in. Has a friendly mixture of tourists and Londoners. In the current CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2022, I always visit when in London. EDIT July 2023 Still in GBG 2023. Still my favourite London pub. Unlike many London pubs (I know its a southern thing, flat beer) the fantastic Dark Star Hophead had a proper head on... Went in for 1 had 3. PS If too crowded downstairs there is an upstairs room.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bradley W. 6 months ago on Google • 197 reviews
    Great little pub. Traditional feel, small and compact yet can fit plenty people inside. Definitely a pub directed for those attending the theatre but that didn't stop me. Fantastic beer and cider selection from various breweries. Fast friendly service. Great character and charm about the place.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Da silva J. 5 months ago on Google • 250 reviews
    Great pub in covent garden 🇬🇧 The pub has two floors, they offer a large variety of beers we had the Guinness (amazing) and the price are correct, the mood and atmosphere of the bar especially on match days is very nice.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher T. 9 months ago on Google • 162 reviews
    Arrive at the right time and there is no better real ale pub in London imo. Early in the day is the best time to go - have a seat at the window and watch the world go by as you sip on your beer. Upstairs seating and some standing space in the back alley also exists. Lively at times, chill at others. It’s a classic must-visit venue. Conversation provides the background soundtrack here and you’ll never find yourself competing with loud music. Top notch and friendly bar staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sarah 1 year ago on Google
    The harp is a great little pub in a great location. Really good selection of beers on tap and the staff are quick and friendly. It can get a bit busy but nice when it’s quiet. Good outside space at the back standing in the alleyway.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andre Lucas R. 2 months ago on Google • 194 reviews New
    A typical London pub that is visited by locals and tourists alike. It offers the typical London vibe and a good selection of beers. The prices are moderately expensive, but cheaper than the ones of the region. The customer service was very polite and welcoming.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bryan K. 2 months ago on Google • 254 reviews New
    Magnificent classic wooden traditional pub just across from Charing Cross Station. Always a great choice of beers and served with a smile. Staff members are also very knowledgeable if you have any questions or would like to try a sample. It is one of my favourite pubs in London. My only dampner is that they allow people to book tables upstairs. I feel for classic pubs like this that shouldn't be allowed! If in London, pop along, you will not be disappointed.

  • 5/5 David S. 3 years ago on Google
    The Harp was the Evening Standard's Best Pub in London 2019 - and I’m not going to disagree! Located en route from Charring Cross to Covent Garden, it attracts both tourists and those who know its reputation for real ales - so it’s rarely quiet. The small exterior is very pretty - adorned with flowers and with stained glass windows that open fully in the summer. Despite the small frontage, the interior extends far enough back from the street to accommodate a reasonably large amount of customers. There is also a small room upstairs and a passage out the back - although many people spill out into the street. Although the pub is now owned by Fuller's there are always at least a half dozen real ales available from independent brewers. Food appears to be mainly freshly cooked sausages served in bread rolls. Sometimes I’m put off by how busy it gets - but you can’t blame people for wanting to visit - it is a great pub!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alessandro 1 year ago on Google
    Nice pub with amazing atmosphere, definitely worth the visit
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Steven P. 1 year ago on Google
    This is a diamond of a pub. Small, cosy, with a lovely old interior and a fantastic range of beers on tap and pump (with a 10% CAMRA discount for members). Particularly nice is the enormous display of pump clips all plastered above the bar. Lovely staff too. Big thumbs up!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 1 year ago on Google
    A little gem, tucked away just off the mayhem of the Strand, Covent Garden, Trafalgar Sq. I was shocked that such a pub could exist so central! A proper drinkers pub. Real Ale for days. Lovely staff.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon W. 3 years ago on Google
    Long one of London's best pubs for real ale I'm delighted to see it open again. Very well organised from the moment you walk in and are guided to a table (nice touch to ask you to look at the beers as you pass the bar). Table service provided and the pint of Jaipur I had was in excellent condition. Whereas in previous visits you could barely move, it's a sad reflection of current events that barely every table was taken on an early Wednesday evening. But I'll certainly return when in central London again.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iliana De la Torre G. 6 months ago on Google • 61 reviews
    A famous pub with a fabulous touch of classic. Fresh and strong beers, they really focus on the beer being exceptional. Small but perfect place to have a walk and stop for a pint.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jon H. 1 month ago on Google • 102 reviews New
    Best pint of Fuller's I've ever had, great staff, very welcoming and efficient. Small pub but polite and considerate clientele, warm atmosphere

  • 5/5 Kailee C. 1 year ago on Google • 33 reviews
    Small and cosy pub in London with a great selection of cask ales and ciders! Can't believe we stumbled on what may be the best pub in London if you're looking for a friendly place to have a drink and a chat with friends. Warm and classic decor - and especially loved the vast array of tap labels pinned to the bar! Lovely spot!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Trev E. 1 month ago on Google • 94 reviews New
    Great little boozer for a pint or two whenever in central London. Friendly staff and a lively atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Sam T. 7 months ago on Google • 21 reviews
    The best cider pub in London, and it’s also got a really cool setting right next to Trafalgar Square on the Chandos. Has introduced me to many good ciders over the years - they always have a rotating selection on tap or in the fridge behind the bar, and you can ask to try them before you get a full pint as well. Best pub in London.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Claire G. 1 year ago on Google
    Friendly, kind and hospitable staff, not to mention Patrice the security guard, who is a living salsa legend. It’s not often you visit a central London pub and immediately feel part of the furniture. We’ve decided this is our new regular.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Miladin D. 4 years ago on Google
    Really good atmosphere, the cider drink is tasty. Really local pub and great selection of ale.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James W. 2 years ago on Google
    Superb pub. A beacon of excellence in a sea of central London mediocrity. Always a warm welcome, vast range of well kept cask beers, top bar service (dont go to many places where staff are good enough to successfully manage three orders at once) and cellar skills.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Toni T. 8 months ago on Google • 55 reviews
    Super chill afternoon drink with my mate. Vibe and the atmosphere are amazing, especially the beermat wall deco stand out the most.

  • 5/5 Alex C. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little place. Always has loads of beer on, all of which is in great condition. Just be mindful that at busy times it’s a bit of a squeeze getting past the bar!

  • 5/5 Miguel Fernández F. 2 years ago on Google
    Best pub in London. Great selection of beers and a superb sausage and mustard sandwich.

  • 5/5 tonsells1 2 years ago on Google
    We just love the harp and try to visit every time we visit London. It's got great atmosphere wher you can sit and talk enjoying one of the many guest ales or ciders ( there is a great selection of spirits and wine also)

  • 5/5 Tony G. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great little pub. Very busy but bar staff were superb. Serving 3 people at once & taking money from 2. Impressive !! Not a lot of room but a great atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Pete S. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent real ale pub with numerous cask ales. Wooden floors and bar add to the general ambience of this watering hole. A cordial atmosphere completes the equation. Wholeheartedly recommended.

  • 4/5 Roger F. 2 years ago on Google
    Always has been a good pub. Prices are rising , over £5 a pint.

  • 5/5 dancing b. 2 years ago on Google
    Simple traditional pub with a good range of beers. There is a fantastic upstairs snug that looks over Chandos Place. The good part is that it's nearly always empty. A pub of this quality so close to Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square is rare enough, but one where you can breathe - and sit down at the same time- is quite a find

  • 5/5 Cathy K. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little pub. Limited seating on ground level, but there is an upper floor lounge area too. Well kept range of beers. Real ale & craft. Good, friendly service too. Always a port of call for us when in London.

  • 5/5 Gemunu P. 2 years ago on Google
    Cracking discovery. A lovely original pub with a fabulous ale selection. This is about the beer. No frills. Remember what pubs were like in the 60s? Like that but with a great selection of ales and without the misogyny and swearing. Seating upstairs.

  • 5/5 Caterina C. 4 years ago on Google
    I love it

  • 4/5 Paul 1 year ago on Google
    Popular pub in Covent Garden. Well known amongst beer tourists who come to try a traditional British ale. It gets very busy in the downstairs bar area but sometimes there's more space upstairs. Ale is always kept exceptionally well although the beer choice isn't always the most interesting.

  • 5/5 The London Pub M. 2 years ago on Google
    The Harp 📍47 Chandos Pl, London WC2N 4HS 🚇 Charing Cross 🍺 £6.45 Asahi ❤️ An ale drinkers paradise which has won many prestigious awards. . The Harp in Covent Garden has for many years offered the real ale drinker some of the best hand pumped beers, ales and ciders the UK has to offer. I had the pleasure of visiting this pub last month and what a thoroughly enjoyable experience. This pub is a small and cosy affair with a small narrow bar downstairs and more room upstairs which is a good choice when the main bar gets busy. I myself am no connoisseur of real ale but in my time growing up and one time running a pub know that you can’t serve an unkept pint to real ale drinker unless you’re prepared to get “that look”. This pub maintains ten hand pumps which is an amazing feat, this must take so much work and dedication. As mentioned earlier this pub has won numerous awards, most notably Camra’s National pub of the year back in 2010. . There is more to this pub than just beer. The British pub is an institution where we either socialise, reflect or escape and this pub invites you to do any of the above. The surroundings here are traditional and welcoming and even though you are in the heart of the Westend there is a local feel about the place. The service here is prompt, the pub got busy and the staff kept the beer flowing and served everyone in a timely manner which in a narrow bar is tough going. . The Harp in Covent Garden is a must visit London pub, it’s traditional decor, beer choice and atmosphere tick all the boxes for me. This is one of Londons finest boozers. . 📊 Information correct on visiting 13/02/22

  • 5/5 Sergio S. 1 year ago on Google
    A very good place to drink real ale traditional styles! Mandatory for the lovers of these old styles

  • 5/5 Ranjan D. 1 year ago on Google
    Excellent pub with brilliant selection of different beers. You could spend a good few hours here!!

  • 5/5 John N. 1 year ago on Google
    Looking for a real pint of beer in central London? This is THE place to go! A fantastic, huge selection of beers to suit every taste and served by knowledgeable staff. Can't recommend it enough. A real pub - not a tourist trap.

  • 5/5 Henrik W. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pub and great beer. Cozy, intimate and only the sound from the people in the pub creates a pleasant atmosphere

  • 5/5 The W. 1 year ago on Google
    I haven't been here for years but it's the same little pub that you just have to love. Emphasis on little. It is quite a small narrow bar with an additional upstairs area. The undercover area to the left (Institute of Chinese Medicine) is also a handy overflow area - especially when it rains. The Guinness is excellent and the staff are as friendly as ever. Definitely shows that small can indeed be beautiful

  • 5/5 Wade B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great choice of beer, and friendly bar staff as well. I had the Harveys Best Bitter and it was very good. We managed a spot at the window, it was quite crowded, and some chose to stand outside. I had visited before, some years ago, and it was always a good idea to get there early to get a seat. It would seem to be as busy as before, which is good for their business, and good for us punters in continuing to give us more choice.

  • 5/5 Robert A. 1 year ago on Google
    Great pub, really nice atmosphere only had a half but beer tasted lovely, loads of chatter which is always great for a proper boozer, we definitely go back if I was in the area

  • 5/5 Lia D. 11 months ago on Google
    An award-winning, traditional place, since 1753, and close to Covent Garden. Well known for their traditional ciders and perries from all around the country. Located in London’s famous Covent Garden, The Harp is a great example of a traditional British ale house and absolutely a recommendation and with friendly & helpful staff

  • 5/5 Steve B. 3 months ago on Google New
    What a gem of a pub, fantastic selection of beers available, drank Bristols Good Chemistry Brewing Lamplighter, a beautifully crafted dark beer, like nectar. I didn't eat here so can't rate the food. For everyone who remembers how a good pub used to be and for those that don't spend an hour here.

  • 5/5 Yuval K. 8 months ago on Google
    Great local bar in Covent Garden. Only beer, no food except nuts. The beer selection is great and fair prices with friendly service

  • 5/5 Peter Le R. 3 years ago on Google
    Great pub with a big choice of beers. It’s everything a tourist wants to photograph but good for Londoners too.

  • 5/5 Ron B. 4 years ago on Google
    Great selection of beers, we still talk about coming back to this place since we moved offices. Even though the back alley is very narrow and smelly, probably the best pub in Covent Garden.

  • 5/5 Kate J. 4 years ago on Google
    Great pub incredible portraits from the theatre cosy atmosphere warm and friendly.

  • 5/5 tim a. 4 years ago on Google
    Best pub in the West End, and has been for years!!

  • 5/5 David G. 4 years ago on Google
    Top pub

  • 5/5 Andy H. 4 years ago on Google
    Good real ale pub, well kept beer. Not a place to look for food, prices as you'd expect for central London, but good.

  • 5/5 David P. 4 years ago on Google
    Absolute bags of character and great selection of ales.

  • 5/5 David G. 4 years ago on Google
    Historic pub and one of my favourites. Friendly staff.

  • 5/5 Shaun S. 4 years ago on Google
    Very friendly bar staff, great upstairs seating area, lots of different beer on draught

  • 4/5 Harriet S. 3 years ago on Google
    Groovy place, enjoyed the vibes. Good staff

  • 5/5 Todd W. 3 years ago on Google
    A classic for real ale enthusiasts. Friendly bar keeping with knowledge of the goods and very helpful to visitors and locals alike. Can’t wait to tip another pint at The Harp. Well done

  • 5/5 Colin B. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the best beer and cider pubs in London. Good variety, cozy atmosphere.

  • 5/5 Amy S. 3 years ago on Google
    The real London pub, great!

  • 5/5 Jon B. 4 years ago on Google
    Probably the best pub in central London. A proper "boozer" but minutes from Trafalgar Square.

  • 5/5 Adam R. 4 years ago on Google
    Loads of good beers here. And staff who are interested in them. Friendly crowd there when I visited. Bar room is long and narrow. Pretty much a bar for standing in. But the beers the thing to visit for!

  • 4/5 Rutger van der L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great ambiance, crowded to the rafters, nice draught beer selection, nice seats upstairs. Nicely decorated place, friendly staff, comfortable seats (upstairs). Nice go to place for after work drinks.

  • 4/5 Michael D. 4 years ago on Google
    Great little west end pub. Comfortable room upstairs you can book but bar is downstairs.

  • 5/5 Benenen 4 years ago on Google
    Good beers super cozy. Great mulled wine. Only negative it's always crazy busy. And you probably have to stand up. But apart from that I must have been to this pub over 50times when in town.

  • 5/5 Koji F. 4 years ago on Google
    A good selection of ciders and ales, plus a second floor nook oozing with atmosphere makes the Harp one of the best pubs in London. But don't take my word for it (really, don't).

  • 5/5 Steven J. 4 years ago on Google
    This is a great little pub, which always has an impressive selection of real ales available, along with some very good ciders, wines, spirits, and some keg beers too - something for everyone! ;-) Some interesting historical and theatrical pictures adorn the walls. Only downside is that it can get crowded at times.

  • 4/5 Rahul Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Great selection of local British beers. Atmosphere was nice but man it’s tight in there. Limited space.

  • 5/5 Connor F. 4 years ago on Google
    Fantastic pub with a superb selection of real ales and amazing staff and friendly customers definitely worth a visit

  • 3/5 James B. 4 years ago on Google
    Really good choice of beers as you'd expect from a CAMRA pub. There isn't a lot of space so don't bank on being able to get a seat. Overall I was a bit underwhelmed given its reputation

  • 4/5 Caroline W. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice place... Very cosy and snug. Helpful friendly staff

  • 5/5 Jack h. 4 years ago on Google
    Called in by chance one afternoon, great pub

  • 5/5 David M. 4 years ago on Google
    A proper pub selling proper beer.

  • 5/5 Steve L. 4 years ago on Google
    Great beers, every time. A craft & cask beer London institution. The last time I went, was particularly good as they had a NZ Waitangi Tap take over. :)

  • 4/5 Jerry C. 4 years ago on Google
    Cosy little pub with great range of real ales

  • 5/5 John w. 4 years ago on Google
    Great pub,small and compact with a small room upstairs.Great selection of beers.

  • 5/5 Connor J. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely old pub. Great variety of beer

  • 5/5 Razvan N. 4 years ago on Google
    Extremely busy!! Nice pub. Very very old. Lovely!!

  • 5/5 Mina P. 4 years ago on Google
    Great beers, the pub itself seems a bit old and traditional. Good experience

  • 5/5 Lisa B. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice pub, nice area

  • 4/5 Kevin L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very nice pub with a good tasting beer selection, but the pub smells of chlorine, which was also the case on the last visit last year. (Original) Ganz hübscher Pub mit gut schmeckender Bierauswahl, allerdings riecht es im Pub nach Chlor, was auch beim letzten Besuch vergangenes Jahr der Fall war.

  • 5/5 Dai T. 4 years ago on Google
    A great pub, hidden away in plain sight! Covent Garden, the Strand, Trafalgar Square, it does not matter, you are practically here! Great beer, wonderful staff and a superb place to stop off for a pint. Judging by the badges, every pint ever brewed must have been sold here at some point. Pop in and keep the dream going.

  • 5/5 Milo W. 4 years ago on Google
    Lovely little pub with excellent selection of beers and (box) ciders and a nice portrait of James Mason. Gets very busy.

  • 5/5 Nic C. 4 years ago on Google
    Excellent cider selection

  • 4/5 Ethan D. 4 years ago on Google
    "Good beer, and fair price.

  • 5/5 James D. 4 years ago on Google
    One of the two boozers (Chandos) that you can't miss around here. An absolute winner

  • 5/5 chris N. 4 years ago on Google
    Very enjoyable atmosphere

  • 4/5 Gareth J. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice pub, comfortable, friendly staff, reasonable prices (for London), good range of drinks

  • 5/5 John L. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very cozy typical London pub. (Original) Erg gezellig typisch Londens kroegje.


Call +44 20 7836 0291 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Food
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Hard liquor
    • ✓️ Free water refills
  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✗ Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Seating
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✗ Takeout
    • ✗ Delivery

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