Prince Albert, Brixton, SW9

This is a single room, identikit Greene King pub on Coldharbour Lane. The pub is fairly narrow with the servery on the left hand wall towards the front. Opposite is a split level carpeted seating area offering a range of standard table and chair arrangements. The walls here are covered with mirrors, old black and white photos and some rather odd pieces of art, which brighten the room up a bit, if nothing else. Towards the rear of the pub, things narrow further as you enter a bare boarded strip with wicker chairs and a few high stools to perch on. This in turn leads out to the rear patio and should that prove too busy, there is a fenced-in decked seating area out the front as well. Music played quite loudly throughout my midweek, early evening visit and the pub was notably busy. Just the one ale on the go when I arrived – the ubiquitous Greene King IPA – which was reasonably priced at £2.75 and actually tasted fairly good considering it’s usually a waste of time. The bar staff seemed quite friendly and the barman did well to resolve a potentially difficult situation when a group of lads nicked another customer’s pint from the bar. A decent enough menu was available, although I’m not sure I’d fancy eating here. This is a fairly functional place with very little of interest, including at the bar. A couple of years ago, this might’ve been worth visiting on rotation when in Brixton, but since then the local beer scene has dramatically improved and this place is getting left behind. All in all, it’s a safe choice – just don’t expect anything exciting.

Basic Greene King pub with an undistinguished facade not helped by an untidy raised decking area at the front. Long rectangular bar, with one of the smaller seating areas located up a couple of steps. Patio seating and shelter out back. Plain furniture and decor. Music slightly above background level. Plenty of cheap food / drink offers. Just one handpump, offering IPA at £2.70.

Randomness Guide to London - Prince Albert entry

Randomness Guide to London - Prince Albert entry