The service hatch in the public bar of the Harrow Inn, in Steep, HampshireCredit:Alex MacDonaldThe Harrow Inn in the village of Steep, Hampshire, is run by sisters Claire and Nisa McCutcheon their names are proudly inscribed above the front door of the establishment. Inside are two rooms, of which one the public bar is especially good.This is a sturdy room with well-worn benches and chequered quarry-tiled floors. The bar is a simple hatch at the back, and radiating comfort along the length of its western wall is an inglenook fireplace presumably the oldest part of the building. The interior, as a whole, has the reassuring patina of independent ownership.The public bar is small enough, at about 3.5 3.5m, that the entire room can take part in the same conversation, even when full. But just as easily, patrons can tune into the talk at their own tables. This space for conversation between strangers and friends and for drifting between the two is what makes it a good room, and a good pub. Kristina RapackiExplore more from the good rooms series here, or in the Good rooms + AR House issue2025-02-06Eleanor BeaumontShare