The Albert, SW1

There are far too many pubs in Central London that get enough business that they don't need to try too hard and the Albert is, regrettably, one of those. Several drinking areas on the ground floor (I've not ventured upstairs) but all of these are too often drowned out by loud music. The beer selection is somewhat hot and miss. On a recent visit, I sampled the ubiquitous Doom Bar (which was ok), but stock control seems somewhat sub-standard as half the ales and half the lagers were unavailable. To be honest, I only visit this place when dragged there post-work and I'm sure that there must be at least 2-3 pubs which are 2-3 stars better no more than 2-3 minutes away and I really should seek them out.

They still have five ales on. During my midweek lunchtime visit they were Young’s London Gold; Directors; Bombardier; Deuchars IPA; and London Pride. There’s nothing very unusual in these offerings, but the Pride I had was OK, and at £3.30 a pint much the going rate for this area. This is another classic Victorian pub, obviously named after Queen Victoria’s beloved consort. It’s been largely stripped out inside, but there are some nice etched and cut glass windows remaining, and the Albert and Victoria clock above the bar gantry looks original. There’s a tiled splash area around the bar counter, the central bar area is bare-boarded, but the majority of the room is carpeted. All the seating is normal tables and chairs, plus some small stools. There aren’t even any stools at the bar, which seems a very sensible omission in a very tourist orientated pub like this, being just a stone’s throw from those A-list tourist attractions of Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. There is an upstairs room, reached by an open and fairly ornate staircase, where a carvery and fish & chips are advertised. Apparently they also do afternoon teas, and with the fact that they also sell souvenir shirts, is a definite testimony to the touristy nature of the place. Nonetheless, I definitely think that it is worth dropping in for a look around if you’re in the area, but I don’t that I would make this a regular venue.

I saw some signs up advertising the famous 135 seater carvery restaurant upstairs and the waitresses seemed to be darting around in the bar area with plated of food so you can guess what the pub smelt like. Adnams, Directors, Pride, Deuchars and Bombardier were all available along with a selection of standard and premium lagers. The Pride was located on the smaller bar area around the side past the small glass food display case. The Pride and Deuchars were good and the staff polite, but I doubt that I'd return unless eating.

This wonderful large Victorian pub juts out like a brick peninsula from the jungle of steel, concrete and glass office blocks that now dwarf it. The downstairs has been knocked through into one continuous room, the front being an open spacious area with plenty of tables, large etched windows with grand curtains, a high decorative ceiling and different areas divided by wooden screens. To the rear is a smaller cosier area with a fireplace, fruit machine and several old pictures of either Royalty or Parliamentary themes, pride of place being Queen Vitoria's wedding. The L shaped bar has a traditional frame with an inbuilt clock and still has gas lights attached. There are usually 5 Real ales albeit nothing adventurous (Pride, Youngs, Courage Best, Bombardier, Deuchars if you are lucky) on offer at fairly reasonable prices given that the pub can be very touristy - Westminster Abby and the Houses of Parliament etc are a few minutes walk away. Personally I have never had any problems with getting served. The staircase to the right of the bar is adorned with portraits of distinguished prime ministers, many of whom have dined in the upstairs restaurant. The choice of bar food is not particularly extensive given that they seem to do a good lunchtime trade – expect to pay around £6.00 - £7.50 for a main course although there are specials on the boards near the bar. It must be said that parts of the pub are getting a bit tatty in places, notably some of the seat coverings but this former Evening Standard Pub of the Year (1984) still carries enough grandeur to keep it as a regular main entry in the Good Pub Guide. The pub is generally relaxed with unobtrusive piped music and a fair bit of character. Apart from tourists and office workers, it seems to be popular with Chelsea Pensioners whose presence feels so in tune with the surroundings. Despite its shortcomings, if you like traditional pubs with a bit of character then you won't go far wrong here.