The Albion, Barnsbury, N1

Official site of the Albion, contains menus and wine list - www.the-albion.co.uk

Set in a villagey type area, the Albion is very appealing from the outside with its pillored entrance and ivy clad walls. The interior is decidedly upmarket and geared more towards winers and diners than boozers and losers. The front bar area is quite plain with a few settles, an expanse of polished wooden floor and an abundance of candles. The music is low and the atmosphere a bit too sedate for my liking. To the rear on the right is the designated dining room whilst behind the main bar to the left is a lounge area that almost begs you to put on a smoking jacket and slippers. There are plenty of al fresco options with a patio and benches at the front or a spacious partly covered beer garden to the rear. Just the 2 Ales available, Greene King IPA and Black Sheep Best on my last trip, but very pricey. The only time I am likely to be in the area is for a visit to the Emirates (a brisk 20 minute walk away) but even on a match day I have yet to encounter more than half a dozen people in the pub although to be fair this isn’t really the place that is likely to attract a football crowd which is either good or bad whatever way you want to look at it. It is more suited to trying to impress a first date but, as pleasant as it is, it is not really a place I would spend an evening, especially with the high bar prices and tame ambience.

Official site of the Albion, contains menus and wine list - www.the-albion.co.uk