Posts Tagged ‘Covent Garden’
What Happened to the Cove Bar – Part 2
Jun 25th, 2011 |
An early morning stroll across Covent Garden, an open door and accommodating staff enabled me to get this set of pictures. They show the new patisserie called La Duree which is sited on the north-western corner of the main Covent Garden market building. Recently opened, the smell of fresh paint is still in the air – too early even for coffee.
Of course some of you may recognise that these pictures show what became of the Cove Bar – London’s only cornish pub which closed at the beginning of 2011 – see So Farewell to the Cove Bar in Covent Garden for my sparse collection of photos from the Cove. The transformation is significant – gone is the plain wood and the cosy rustic charm. Also gone is the old bar formed from a part of a real fishing boat.
What Happened to the Cove Bar – Part 2: Read the full post »
The Harp, National Pub of the Year
Feb 22nd, 2011 |
On Wednesday 16th February 2011 CAMRA announced that the Harp in London’s Covent Garden had won the 2010/2011 National Pub of the Year Award.
It is the first time that a London pub has won this award, and the Harp has beaten three other excellent pubs which made it to the final shortlist.
The Harp, National Pub of the Year: Read the full post »
So Farewell to the Cove Bar in Covent Garden
Jan 16th, 2011 |
Was wandering across Covent Garden Piazza on Friday last week and I made a sad discovery – the Cove Bar is no more.
So Farewell to the Cove Bar in Covent Garden: Read the full post »
Harp, Covent Garden – Photo Competition Update
Jul 5th, 2010 |
Recently I helped the Harp pub in Covent Garden with their photo competition. The aim of the competition was to have a bit of fun and get some great pictures for the new Harp website which was launched recently.
Harp, Covent Garden – Photo Competition Update: Read the full post »
The Harp Bar, Covent Garden
Oct 5th, 2009 |
I recently revisited the Harp in Covent Garden, London after a break of a couple of months and unbelievably the pub has got even better. I’m told this is due to the fact that the landlady has bought the pub outright from Punch and now has complete control over how it’s run and what beers to stock.
I was a late convert to the Harp some 2 – 3 years ago but now when in the rea it’s a must visit pub. It used to be one of the smokiest pubs in London, but that’s all changed now and the atmosphere is just people enjoying themselves.
Harp, Covent Garden
The pub is extremely narrow inside and when it’s busy (seemingly all of the time) it can be a struggle to get past the bar to the slightly larger open area at the back. There is a quieter room up the narrow stairs if you need a bit of peace and quiet. Be aware though, the stairs are almost as precarious as those at the Seven Stars in Chancery Lane.
The beer selection will never disappoint as there are 8 different beers on at any one time. The selection varies constantly apart from the two staples and on my last visit the list comprised:
- Harvey’s Sussex Best – a regular here. Almost as good as being in a Harvey’s pub.
- Sambrook’s Wandle – Hoped it might taste like the Wandsworth brewed Young’s ordinary but it’s a different beer completely. Similar colour but much fuller in taste, and maltier. It calmed down to a subtle caramel flavour.
- Dark Star Hophead – As good as you’d expect it to taste but slightly glazed.
- Dark Star Original – Such a deep, dark beer but not as intense as the Espresso.
- Morrisey-Fox Blonde – My first opportunity to try this on draught and much better than the bottles. It’s a strong golden ale – not unlike Summer Lightning but somehow richer.
- Timothy Taylor Landlord – Not tried, but another constant I believe.
- Holden’s Will O Wisp – Not tried
- St Austell Tribute – Not tried
If you’re hungry there are various sausages in a roll to eat assuming there are any left – they’re very popular. These are cooked for you behind the bar.
Update: The Harp now has a website.
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