The Albion, East Molesey

A pleasant looking pub on this very nice high street, alarm bells should have perhaps started to ring on spotting a number of yoof’s loitering around outside smoking, but with limited other options nearby we persevered. Internally it’s quite traditional with a U-shape layout around the bar counter, a few beams on the low ceiling that had a selection of beer mats affixed to them, a laminate wood floor and a brick fireplace at either end. One of these had a darts board fixed up above it. A TV was mounted up in one corner, but this was not in use on our visit. It had a slightly shabby appearance overall, and certainly gave the impression that it had not seen a paintbrush for quite some time. The main problem though was the clientele who were predominantly young males and talking very loudly and coarsely about topics including c**k sucking. Call me a prude if you like, but that’s not what I want to listen to when I’m out for a quiet drink with the wife. Perhaps surprisingly, there was a decent selection of beers on the bar and the friendly barman was happy to discuss my preferences and make suggestions. On this occasion they consisted of London Pride, Oakham Inferno, Black Sheep Ember Pale Ale, Hawkshead Windermere Pale Ale and Quartz. Ciders meanwhile were Stowford Press and Aspall’s Suffolk.

Bit rougher around the edges than you would expect for this part of the world. I liked it. Very good pint of Exmoor Silver Stallion. Photos and story at http://bit.ly/2a2SnEC

I’ve visited the Albion several times recently. It remains as well described below, but has expanded its ale capacity to two banks of four handpulls: the bank to the side of the bar serving Youngs Ordinary, London Pride, Sambrooks Wandle and Old Rosie cider, and the one at the front serving a more changeable range which last night included Jarrow Rivet Catcher, Purity Warlord, and Yasigi, with the fourth pump unclipped. I haven’t had a bad pint here, and last night enjoyed the Rivet Catcher and Yasigi. Service is friendly and efficient, albeit sometimes with a short wait when busy, and a 20p/pt CAMRA members discount is available, which, I suspect from the bar staff’s confusion about how to apply it, isn’t often claimed. I also noticed signs advertising a Monday cask ale club, with ales at £2.50/pt, a quiz Sunday and Tuesday nights, and acoustic night on alternate Thursdays. Food is served, with Sunday roasts at £7.50. I‘ve always found this pub to have a bit of a buzz and a comfortable atmosphere, with a mix of clientele – I think it is a cracking pub for locals and visitors alike.