The Harp, Covent Garden

Quite simply one of the best pubs in London.

Fantastic range of beers, great bar staff.....nothing more to say!

11 Aug 2009 13:53

The Castle Inn, St Ives

Excellent choice of beers changed on a regular basis and a decent pub generally (although I preferred the pub when it was divided into a front public bar and a rear lounge bar....about 20 years ago). The beer festival is very good with the choice of beers quite staggering.

The maritime affectations are presumably when the pub was opened out into a single bar. Previously it made do with pictures and photographs of ships and of locals playing cards.

I much prefer the Castle to the Union just up the road, which was also a traditional locals pub out of season, with a lounge and public bar. Unfortunately the Union has retained little of the character it had and tends more towards food than beer, which is the opposite of the Castle which is more of a beer pub than a foodie one.

The only downside is for smokers as there is nowhere to go with a pint. You can go outside but beerless.

11 Aug 2009 13:34

The Western Hotel/Kettle and Wick, St Ives

Underrated pub with decent beers in Tribute and Proper Job. The local musician's night is worth a visit and it does have a well kept open area for smokers at the back of what is now the carvery.

My wife and I go there everytime we're in St Ives, which has to be 4 or 5 times a year, and we've never noticed any smell!

11 Aug 2009 13:19