18/02/2011 - Covent Garden pub gets top award
A Covent Garden pub has been named national pub of the year.
The Harp is the first pub in the capital to receive the award from the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).
It described the pub as a "small, friendly, independent free house which has become a haven for beer choice".
The group praised the pub for having no "intrusive" music or TV to distract from drinking and noted its interior adorned with mirrors, theatrical memorabilia and portraits.
Owned by celebrated real ale pioneer Bridget Walsh, the pub is described as a "true gem", situated just yards from Trafalgar Square, serving eight real ales and a wide selection of real ciders.
Kimberly Martin, Camra's London regional director, said: "I never ceased to be impressed or surprised by the continuing success of a pub staffed by individuals so passionate about the real ale industry. The Harp is a perfect example of how the London cask beer scene is reaching out to new drinkers."
Bridget Walsh said: "We pride ourselves on the range and quality of our real ale and to be London's first ever national pub of the year is a real honour."
Copyright © Press Association 2011
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