Prince Albert, NW1

Unfortunately, the promise of the attractive ex-Charrington tiled façade isn't fulfilled inside. The interior has been totally remodelled and refurbished, just leaving a few original features such as the main window glazing. However, the gastro-pub decor of the resulting 'U'-shaped layout is quite well done, with some quirky features such as the large incandescent light bulbs adding some interest. The staircase arrangement behind the bar that leads to the upstairs dining room is also a bit unusual. Also has a front patio seating area. Quite a relaxed atmosphere when I visited, despite (or because of, depending on your preference) a DJ plying his trade in one corner. Three of four handpumps in use, with Redemption Hopspur, Dark Star APA and Upham Punter (£3.50) available. Overall, not bad, although not exactly what I was expecting as I approached.

The Prince Albert initially looks like ‘Trad Pub +' what with its wonderful Charrington's branded green tiling, which I guess must be around 100-odd years old. So I had high hopes for the place as I crossed the threshold, a nice outside front garden with a well-developed hedge to separate it from the road. Once inside, the first thing I noticed was the place has taken a turn towards pub bistro food – the clientèle were a rather more yuppie lot than those I'd just left behind at the Constitution, plus the pumped music was of the trendy muzak kind, beloved of bars and bistros. The interior is clearly quite new, though fortunately a couple of older features remain and at least it isn't an IKEA-pine refit bar. There were three ale pumps (one was off) serving Black Sheep and Downton Mild as well as an impressive array of lagers. Sadly, both of the ales were expensive (£3.30 p/p!) and both were hazy, with the mild in particular not tasting great. I suspect that the Mild was at the bottom of the barrel and the Black Sheep hadn't dropped properly – very poor cellarmanship! The menu sounded nice, with average pricing for the area. I noticed over my reading that the couple opposite me were having an issue with the food – wrong order I think. So I didn't get a great impression of that. The toilets were pretty fabulous though, well-worth a visit. Overall I'd say stop here once, grab half a lager which gives you a few minutes to admire the exterior, then quickly use the top-notch facilities before moving on.

I was disappointed upon entering as the frontage led me to believe that this was a good old traditional pub rather than taking the gastro route. The barman got my pint wrong and a barmaid tutted at me when I sat down at a table she was about to clean. When I apologised and stepped away from the table, as I hadn't seen her loitering behind me, she walked off as if she hadn't heard me. Maybe she is a little mutton! Broadside, West Berks Full Circle, Black Sheep, Tuborg, Ichiban, Addlestones, Carlsberg, Staropramen and Stella were all available from the bar, although it may be pot luck as to which one you receive. I found there to be no atmosphere to speak of (early Friday evening) and I won't be returning.