Harrow may not be the obvious choice for a big night out. Gemma Clish set out to uncover Harrow’s top five watering holes which could pleasantly surprise you and your pals.
Cheap and CheerfulTHE JUNCTION
This is a cheap and cheerful place to meet friends and as part of the Scream chain, the clientele is predominantly student-oriented. In terms of dress code, anything goes and in general there is a pretty friendly atmosphere.
For lazy sunny days there are plenty of picnic benches outside as well as an outdoor pool table and giant Jenga.
It offers a Yellow Card scheme which is open to NUS cardholders. It costs £2 and lasts for one academic year, giving discounts on draught beer, soft drinks and selected spirits. Look out for other drinks promotions and wacky offers – Thursday nights are pound-a-pint night from 7pm.
Open: Monday – Saturday from 11am until 11pm
Sunday from 12pm until 10.30pm
TRINITY
Ask any student in Harrow and the Trinity bar will be at the top of their list of venues in the area. It has two rooms; upstairs is the place to see an array of live bands and DJs which depend on the night and downstairs is more of a chill-out room to rest those weary feet.
Trinity bar has something to offer everyone, ranging from salsa classes on a Monday to a more mellow acoustic night on a Sunday. And if that is not enough all drinks are £2 during Happy Hour every Sunday to Thursday, from 6pm-10pm.
Open: Monday – Saturday from noon until 2am
Sunday from noon until 12am
CAFÉ CAFÉ
This is one of the trendier establishments in Harrow. A little off the beaten track, Café Café is a bar/restaurant situated right at the top of the hill but with its modern, spacious layout and light, airy feel it is definitely one of Harrow’s hidden treasures.
The bar boasts a wide range of spirits and an extensive cocktail menu. The drinks are not cheap but will not break the bank by any means.
The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes from baby shark to lamb shank and for those of you with less adventurous tastes, do not fret. You can still get a burger or steak and kidney pie and all the food is homemade. Starters cost around a fiver and main courses are between £10 and £18.
THE CASTLE
Take a stroll further down the hill and you will find The Castle. Although not known to be a student haunt do not let this put you off. The Castle is a Fuller’s pub with an excellent atmosphere. It is very popular with the locals on the hill and offers both food and drinks at reasonable prices.
Recently refurbished, The Castle mixes old-fashioned charm with modern interiors. You can sprawl out on a soft leather sofa while enjoying a pint of London Pride or sit in the more stylish and romantic restaurant (be warned there is no smoking in here) which offers good food at affordable prices. There is also a beer garden tucked away at the back.