The Harlequin

I had booked tickets for a performance at Sadler's Wells and was searching for pre-theatre stops when The Harlequin caught my eye. It seemed like serendipity since I have always loved Christie's Satterthwaite and Harley Quin! This chance find did not disappoint: my husband and I discovered a charming, family-run pub, lovingly maintained and showcased by it's owner. The pub's history and connection to Sadler's Wells proudly adorn the walls. Even it's smaller size contributed to the cosy atmosphere. We had a lovely chat with both owner and niece whilst enjoying our cheeseboard and drinks. The pub serves many good beers on tap alongside its own Harlequin amber ale. I can envision myself sitting and quietly enjoying a book, as I had observed another patron do. Sadly, I did not have the opportunity to enjoy the secret garden due to time constraints, but I can forsee it being a planned stop for the future. It's a testament to the owner and his lovely niece that this has become part of a truly enjoyable outing to Sadler's Wells. British pubs have historically served as a social hub. Entering the Harlequin, it's easy to see why. It's not just stepping in for a drink. It's stepping into an atmosphere of friendly welcome and comfort steeped in history. May this long continue!

A real cracker of a pub. A flying visit after the 🩰 at Sadlers Wells. Small and cosy inside and a very nice hidden garden at the back. Very good service by nice friendly ladies. Great beer (including Blue Moon Wheat beer and Leffe on tap) There was a piano in the bar where hat someone was playing beautifully. There was as food available but we did not eat his time although we did have some nice big olives 🫒 We were also given some advice to book or reserve a table as it does get busy after ballet/theatre performances. A really good find and thoroughly recommended 😁🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Fabulous pub with the nicest owners and staff. Always great no matter what time of the day both inside and outside on their patio. Great selection of beers including Belgian ones and high end crisps. Perfect for an intimate setting or a more fun evening with friends

My absolute favourite pub in Angel! This is a quiet haven to decompress and read after a stressful day at work, and a regular stop for me on the way home. It has a very warm, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is always exceptionally friendly and nice. It’s a nice and warm escape in the winter, and for hot summer days, they have a beautiful hidden garden in the back to seek refuge from direct sunlight and the scorching heat. Without doubt the loveliest place to spend an evening in the area (and arguably, in London)!

🚇 Angel 🍺 £6.50 Pravha The Harlequin is located on a quiet street at the back of Sadler’s Wells Theatre in Clerkenwell. The nearest Tube is Angel in Islington. Prior to becoming a pub, this terraced house was built in 1822 and was the former home to a baker and then a lithographer. In 1848 the house was converted to a beer shop and has remained a Free house ever since. Brian Reader, mastermind of the infamous Hatton Garden hole in the wall gang lived for a while with the landlady in the flat upstairs. This is cosy and intimate one bar pub that has a rustic and homely feel. The servery is located on the right hand side and is clad in beach washed panels. The decor consists of burnt orange walls with more panelling below, a bare boarded floor and some ornate chandeliers. There are some nice touches, like the fireplace, Sadlers Wells advertisements and the piano located at the back. Considering the size of the pub, there is ample seating plus plenty of stools huddled around the bar. At the rear of the pub is a Secret Garden which is covered in flora and fauna. The beer line up is good and included some craft ipa’s and cask ale. I decided on a Pravha, my pint was spot on, price point was above average. If you’re feeling peckish, there is a bar snacks menu consisting of Cheeseboards, Bastides Saucissons Secs and Pinchos. I arrived around 6pm for an afterwork pint on a Friday evening in April. The pub was fairly busy with local punters and a few visitors to the area. The atmosphere was convivial and relaxed with a soothing soundtrack playing in the background. The service was excellent, the team member who served me was welcoming and friendly. Visiting @theharlequin1848 has to be one of my most chilled and relaxing pub experiences ever. This pub environment is calming and seductive which makes it easy to settle into. I loved architecture and history, the beer choice was good, there are nice local pub vibes and the hospitality is on point. Maybe not one for the traditionalist but If you’re on a date on just want a chat with a mate, then this is the ideal spot. 📅 19th April 2024 More London Pub info @londonpubmap 🍻

We went for Trivia on Monday. It was very community vibes, the host did a great job engaging every one of all ages. The questions spanned across a variety of topics. The bartender was great. It was a cool little homey pub.

One of the most wonderful, atmospheric and beautiful pubs in the area. Great staff and great beer, what's more to ask for? The team have kept this pub true to it's original form whilst ensuring it's clean and well looked after. The beer selection ranges from some great lagers to a few more hard to come by IPAs, including at the time of writing a Vedett Pilsner. We were really looked after by the pub staff and will be back again.

A village community pub in old Clerkenwell. Established 1884 this narrow front terrace pub has a beautiful green tiled facade in front of a spacious, single room around a square centre bar. Gorgeous aged, original floor with cellar trap under a variety of low seats & plenty of tables. This well loved pub has modernised, pretty rustic wood cladding on the walls & bar to compliment from original floor through squared & harlequin windows to cladding ceiling. It's dressed down but features theatrical art & original centrepiece fireplace. An excellent beer selection from 20th century bar set near a well dressed sky light & a cute, backyard secret garden. Great tunes & no screens create a good, feel good vibe. There's an excellent quality about the care invested in making this pub a peaceful, destination of artistry & love.

Quite surprised at the small number of reviews for this lovely little pub - just as I tend to be surprised to get a seat after kick-out at the Sadler's Wells. The latter's bar closes before the performance leaving patrons lost for somewhere to congregate and discuss the piece they've just experienced. Most people follow the main stream towards the bright lights that lead back to Angel. However, if you turn left and walk down a little side street around the corner, you can settle for a drink in relaxed company. Highly recommended, but please don't all come here at once.

Many a night I have spent in here after frequenting Sadler's Wells theatre next door. The place is usually filled with the staff and performers from the shows which gives it a bit of a community feel. The staff are really friendly and the beer is good. They do great pie and a pint offers too if you fancy a boozy lunch and the cheese board always looks very tempting.

Cute pub, though it is quite small. Tiny little beer garden in the back and it is dog-friendly. Bathroom is pretty horrible and unheated, but there's a cozy fire by the bar for winter nights. Quiz nights on Monday are popular (starts at 8 pm but arrive 30 minutes early if you want a table).

The Harlequin is a small and quaint local pub that is off the main drag. It's cozy and comfortable with really nice service. A nice little patio in the back for outdoor pints. If you want a proper London pub experience, or need a place to grab a pint before visiting Sadler's wells, the Harlequin is the spot. Head over to Exmouth market for dinner after for a great night out.

One of my absolutely favourite pubs in London. It's tiny but has a selection of wines by the glass, cheese boards, spicy rice cakes and Wasabi nuts. It has a great atmosphere and is perfect in the winter as there's a real fire. In the summer there's a courtyard at the back and a bench at the front to take the last of the sun.