Had high expectations for the Harp & Crown and was a bit disappointed when we dined there this evening.
Harp & Crown is the latest in a string of restaurants that have been in this space over the years and they did have a good crowd this evening. The Harp and Crown is similiar to The Galway Hooker in menu and format although the menu is more English than Irish,
In any case, was torn between ordering the Fish and Chips or the Shepard's Pie. Ended up ordering the Fish and Chips which did not end well. The Cod had been breaded and when it was cooked, the fish shrank and the breading cooked to form a shell and the end result was more of a fish rattle. Hard shell with plenty of space before you got to the fish. Fish was oily as opposed to moist and flaky which is what I normally expect in Fish and Chips.
Not a regular fan of Cole Slaw but it was good as were the fries.
My wife on the otherhand ordered the Irish Rolls off of the appetizer menu and a side order of Mashed Potatoes. An Irish Roll is a Corned Beef and Cabbage Springroll. She enjoyed the Springroll and the plating was excellent.
Service is good and the wait staff well trained and attentive. Atmosphere is not radically different from Fireside which was the last restaurant in this space. Large bar area with big screen TV and a rather small dining area off to the side also with a smaller TV.
What will be nice with be the outside patio area that hopefully will open when warmer weather returns.
All in all, the Fish and Chips were not up to par but that is only one dish on the menu. Enough other items to try on the menu that I will be back but next time, will probably go with the Shepards Pie and see how that goes.
The restaurant does warrant another visit and hopefully, next time, my luck will be better.