Albion, Hastings

I popped into here on Monday evening last week and I was the only customer apart from a guy sitting at the bar who I think was the barmaids mate. She was nice enough, but the Guinness was off so I went for the Landlord which was a decent enough pint. There are another two hand pumps, but they were both drawing Bass which is a bit lazy. I think that there is a TV hidden away in a wooden case on the wall in a corner of the pub and a piano is present that is used for a sing-a-long session every Sunday from 15:00. It’s probably a little livelier on Friday and Saturday nights when the karaoke is in town, if that’s your bag. The seating is made up of conventional tables and chairs and there are a couple of fireplaces that were both unused during my visit. There is a jukebox, but this was switched off and the team of Arrow FM were on hand to delight me with their Simply Red tracks and advertisements for local businesses. There is an entrance off the pedestrianised George Street and from the Marine Parade opposite where five outside picnic tables are situated. There is a separate restaurant that was closed during my visit and the toilets are located downstairs. I think that this place is a bit tired and living off of its location. I will walk past when next in the area.

Six months ago I said I wouldn't be going back. Well, I did. What is it with this place? It could be good - it's got half way decent decor, and three ales on. But when I'm playing tourist in Hastings in the mid afternoon there is never anyone in this place. That's not "not many people", that's no one at all. Not a single soul. 12 March 2007 It was grim when I was a teenager in Hastings, and now twenty five years later, it's worse. I visited it out of a sense of nostalgia, but won't be going back.