‘We’re having a ball’: New owners plan to keep menu at Harp & Crown — with some additions
Tweaking menus and perfecting recipes is nothing new to pastry chef Keli Marks. Running an Irish and English pub, however, is a new adventure for Marks — one that she and her husband, Tony, recently embarked on when they took ownership of Harp & Crown in Cornelius.
“We’re having a ball,” Marks told CharlotteFive. “Tony is more front of the house, and I’m more back of the house. Over the past seven years, [previous owners] Chris and Tina created something that’s going to last for a long time; we’re excited to be part of the community.”
The Markses plan to keep all menu items, including staples bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and the restaurant’s best-selling entree, fish and chips — cod battered in Harp beer.
“We’re not going to change the menu, but we will add a couple of things — some healthy items and another vegetarian dish. And we’re going to have a lot of fun with desserts,” Marks said.
Sweet tooths take note. Former executive pastry chef at The Ballantyne, Marks previously owned and operated Bakery 28, where regulars came back for almond croissants, macarons and other delectable treats. Marks attended the Culinary Institute of America and worked in New York, Atlanta, Vail, Las Vegas and Chicago before moving to the Charlotte area.
“I love to make and eat croissants,” Marks said. “They’re crispy on the outside with a soft pillowy almond cream baked in the center — they’re extremely addictive.”
Of course, classic pub desserts such as banoffee pie (think bananas and toffee) and sticky toffee pudding will remain on the menu.
Gentlemen, start your … breweries?
Marks hopes folks see Harp & Crown as a destination for good beer, too. After all, what’s a pub without beer? Unsurprisingly, Guinness is the pub’s best-selling beer. “Harp and Smithwich’s are among the top sellers, too,” Marks said. “We also sell a lot of Jameson Irish whiskey.”
English and Irish beers aren’t all beer drinkers can look forward to, though. Among the craft beer on tap? Two-Time Blonde Ale, Bump & Run Classic Wheat Ale and Checkered Past IPA — all products of Michael Waltrip Brewing.
That’s right — the NASCAR legend has started a brewing company — and he’ll be found behind the Harp and Crown bar from time to time. “He’s a former neighbor and friend, and we’re going to coordinate having him here from time to time — maybe call it Waltrip Wednesdays,” Marks said.
Cornelius’ own ‘Cheers’
The neighborhood pub will keep many of its existing traditions — celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is at the top of that list. “We’re actually going to have a ‘St. Practice Day’ on Saturday, March 11. We’ll feature corned beef and cabbage, sausage, beans and chips, and chicken curry in addition to our regular menu,” Marks said.
On St. Patrick’s Day itself (Friday, March 17), expect these features and the added entertainment of bagpipers and Irish dancers. Plus, Marks will debut her Guinness chocolate cake with Baileys Irish Cream buttercream. They’ll have a tent and will celebrate, rain or shine.
In between celebrations, however, Harp and Crown aims to remain a go-to spot in Cornelius.
“We see ourselves as the neighborhood hangout,” Marks said. “Regulars call it their own ‘Cheers’.” With a hearty menu, one of Lake Norman’s best heated patios, and a reputation as one of the top soccer sports bars in the Charlotte area — it’s easy to see why.
Harp & Crown
Location: 19930 W Catawba Ave, Cornelius, NC 28031
Cuisine: English, Irish, pub fare
Hours: Wednesday, 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Thursday, 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, 3 p.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
Instagram: @theharpandcrown
