Harden's says
Originally established in 1790, this pub has been central to the Clerkenwell community for generations - and was once especially popular with folk from the Observer offices nearby. Recently restored, it now boasts a menu from chef-restaurateur Henry Harris, of Racine fame.
Harden's survey result
Summary
Under chef-director, ex-Racine chef Henry Harris, Harcourt Inns have created a real “neighbourhood asset” with this year-old venture in Clerkenwell, winning a steady stream of satisfied reports of its “very competent”, “high-class pub-food”: “an interesting menu with unusual items” of a gutsy Gallic nature. “Downstairs is more noisy”, with a “buzzy” bar at the front, “lovely, glazed-sided restaurant” and a “small terrace garden that’s lovely on a sunny day”; upstairs is more elegant and leisurely.
Summary
“So good to have Henry Harris back again!” – this “great revamped gastropub in Clerkenwell is under his gastronomic tutelage” (one of four, where he is collaborating with James McCulloch, including The Hero of Maida, The Three Cranes and The Harlot). “The downstairs is still recognisably a pub at the front and has a light and airy dining area at the back, while upstairs is a more formal dining area with lovely original features”. Ultimately there’s the risk he may move on or spread himself too thinly, but for the present “keenly priced French food” – “more fine dining than pub grub” and reminiscent of his Racine days – is the pay-off here (some dishes are “incredible”, not least “knockout roasts”).
The Coach Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Henry Harris is back - excellent food. My lunch club loved it. The premises may be a bit on the "pub" side, rather than "gastro", but the end result was well worth it. Really good."
Prices
 Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.75 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
 Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £1.75 |
| Service | 12.50% |
26-28 Ray Street, London, EC1R 3DJ
Opening hours
| Monday | 7:30 am‑11 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am‑11 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am‑11 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am‑11 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 11 am‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
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