The Albert

The Albert is very deceiving. From the outside, it looks one-​of-​kind, but inside, it is very cookie-​cutting corporate as it is part of the «Taylor Walker» chain of pubs.
My fellow Americans, think of it as TGIFs or Applebees of England.
Try elsewhere.

London solved its notoriously «terrible food» problem by creating another problem.
This pub, and many like it in London, are beautiful visual spectacles. Old buildings, incredible atmosphere, lots of history. But many of them also share another common thread — the «Taylor Walker» menu.
It’s a menu that’s replicated in what must be dozens of pubs in London. The food is certainly good, but when you can get it on so many street corners, it renders itself painfully inauthentic, so much so that I’d call it the «London tourist trap of food.»
Speaking of which, beer. Boddington’s, Newcastle… meh. I can get that stuff any day of the week in America. And the downright communist beer pouring rules… how can you get drunk in this town without carrying a flask around?
Have a beer or two here… the food by its very nature can be skipped.

Bien bien bien. Repas de groupe oblige, je n’ai pas eu le choix dans la date. Euh, dans le menu, pardon. Alors bon, au vu des avis des voyageurs en groupe, j’ai eu peur d’avoir droit au fish&chips, pas mon truc du tout. Mais non, le serveur nous a annoncé tout autre chose: soupe de poireaux, poulet avec purée de pommes de terre et tarte aux pommes. OUF, soulagée !
Bön, commençons par le commencement, c’est-à-dire l’extérieur. Effectivement, ça en jette, ce petit bâtiment à l’air ancien au milieu de ces grandes bâtisses de verre. L’intérieur est accueillant, un joli pub bien comme il faut. L’étage semble réservé aux groupes, c’est là qu’on nous dirige.
L’entrée, soupe de poireaux donc, était un peu chiche. En trois coups de cuillère c’était plié. Et en plus, ce n’était pas exceptionnel… un petit goût très chimique agrémenté de poivre, vraiment désagréable.
Le plat de résistance: poulet, sauce gravy, purée de pommes de terre, petits pois avec quelques carottes ainsi qu’un soufflé. Bön, né nous le cachons pas, ce n’était vraiment pas bon. Le poulet était blanc. Genre lavé avec la célèbre lessive qui «lave plus blanc que blanc». La sauce, bon ben, c’était du lyophilisé. Les petits pois/​carottes était très (trop) craquants. Et le soufflé ben… raplapla et sans goût. Né restait que la purée de pomme de terre qui était un peu froide mais qui se laissait manger.
Le dessert, tarte aux pommes, me semblait une valeur sûre. Eh bien non ! J’ai cherché les pommes, dans une tarte qui avait un faux air de cheesecake glacé au vague goût de pomme.
Côté boisson, notre groupe avait le choix entre un soft et une bière. Alors je né sais pas si notre tête né revenait pas au serveur mais mon compagnon et moi-​même né nous sommes jamais vu proposer de boissons autre que de l’eau, contrairement à tous nos autres comparses de voyage. Mais aucun regrets car la bière était apparemment assez insipide.
En bref, pas vraiment une réussite, si je reviens à Londres, je né reviendrai pas dans ce restaurant et je né vous le conseille pas.

Je né sais pas si mon avis sera objectif car repas de groupe donc menu non choisi.
Nous avons eu en entrée une petite salade (dans une assiette à café) donc petite salade de poulet et fromage puis le fameux fish ans chips et en dessert un gâteaux aux pommes assez surprenant ni bon ni mauvais
L’endroit est superbe de l’extérieur mais assez sombre à l’étage

I was blessed to visit London last spring and stay in Westminster. Our first day there we arrived in the evening and decided to take a stroll. We rounded a corner after leaving our hotel and much to our pleasant surprise we stumbled across this adorable building that was The Albert.
We decided after the long flight and travel that we wanted to go upstairs to a table and order. What ambiance. This place is now one of the peaceful happy places in my mind that I go to to destress some days. I suppose that is why I’m taking the time to write this review some months later. From the fire blazing in the fire place on that cold night to the candles burning around the room we instantly felt welcomed and warmed.
Our servers were super friendly, welcoming us to the country. As to ordering, of course, I ordered the fish and chips what with it being the first meal in London and all. It was the best fish and chips I have ever had and I am now hesitant to ever order it anywhere again. It was gorgeous. Flavorful and just yum. My companions ordered the bangers and mash and the steak and kidney pie. To die for. They also have a Carvery on Sundays.
We made this spot our home away from home while we visited, eating there several times, and we got to know the staff a bit. They gave us great pointers and walking paths to take in the sites. The Albert will always hold a special place in my heart. Should I find myself in London again it is definitely on my must do list. It is just off the district line at St James Park station. Do yourself a favor and go.

Découvert lors d’un voyage organisé, j’ai découvert Albert au sens le plus direct qui soit…
Tout d’abord, c’est sans doute parce que le chauffeur nous avait baladé durant une bonne heure dans les rues de Londres et qu’au détour de deux bâtiments ultra-​moderne en verre, on a vu apparaître ce pub tout droit sorti de nulle part. J’ai cru être plongé dans un des livres d’Harry Potter tellement ce vieux bâtiment semblait sorti d’un autre temps et d’un autre monde.
Ensuite, par le plat imposé. Un fish and chips! Au nom, vite une corde! Lol
Enfin, étonné par la qualité du plat. Le fish en question avait l’air frais et pas surgelé, ce qui est déjà pas mal. Ok, l’accompagnement (des frites et des petits pois) pouvait prêter à sourire. Mais finalement même si les frites n’avaient rien à voir avec les frites belges, elles étaient bien en chair. Quant aux petits pois, ils étaient anglais donc… pas de la grande cuisine.
Au final, un bon dessert (une tarte aux pommes) et une bière pour le coup pas trop anglaise (c’est connu les bières anglaises sont beurk). L’endroit est sympathique au final et mérite la note.

Nous nous sommes rendus à The Albert dans le cadre d’un voyage de groupe. Par conséquent, nous n’avions pas le choix sur notre repas.
Nous avons eu un Fish & Chip’s, et j’en suis plutôt septique: si le poisson assez bon, avec une «belle» friture qui le rendait aussi croustillant que fondant, les frites et petits pois étaient quant à eux surgelés, et franchement pas terribles… D’autant plus que la quantité était minime.
Le point positif, c’est que restaurant propose une large variété de bière et que la décoration aussi bien à l’extérieur qu’à l’intérieur vaut le détour.

It’s a bit touristy but we enjoyed our visit. The place was packed busy and we got the last table in the pub. Service was friendly and prompt as could be for a busy pub. The beers were great and the fish and chips were everything they should be. Generous portions and great taste. It’s pub food not fine dining and that’s what we wanted. The atmosphere was fun and energetic.

Great vibe at The Albert! Loved the inside of this place. Their fish and chips was alright — we’re American so we found it to be a bit bland, but I’m sure we’d say that about all fish and chips. Overall though, we liked this place and they had a great drink menu. Get there early — it fills up by 5:30 or 6p.

I am not sure if it was just a coincidence that when I walked in there servers were dressed as Christmas elves in the middle of October, but I LOVED it!!! We came back a second time for a drink. One of my favourite spots in all of London!

One of my favorite things about London are it’s Pubs! There really isn’t a better place to enjoy a Pim’s and Lemonade along with some delicious fish and chips. The Albert didn’t disappoint. The fish and chips was yummy. The atmosphere is like something out of a Dicken’s novel.

I have been to this pub a number of times, good value food and obviously a well known and popular pub for tourists, but on the day, I did notice some mice droppings on the seating, (brought it to the attention of the manager). It’s an old pub, side doors are open so this is probably usual. Hope this isn’t a regular occurrence.

After an unsuccessful attempt to dine at their sister pub, the Grafton Arms, we were directed to the Albert Pub on Victoria, and it turned out to be a great experience. This pub sits on the very busy thoroughfare, Victoria Street. It’s architecture and design were lovely from the outside, and looked pretty good from the inside too. On the exterior, their etched glass windows made it look like a place with character, with inviting and cheerful flowered window boxes. The interior was a blend of older dark brown oak bar meets juke box. We found a corner in the back, next to the fire place, and wound up being cozily installed in a booth where we could quietly chat and recap the long day we’d had while planning the next one. We ordered a sampler platter with fish & chips, mincemeat pies, and sliders as well as a full-​sized burger. I had a cider, and we shared a delicious bite and related for an hour. Unlike our original experience at the Grafton, the server immediately greeted us and ushered us to a table. There was no confusion about serving or not serving, or dining or not dining. All went beautifully with brisk and efficient service, a nice meal, and a crisp cider. We were so tired and hungry, it put a nice end to a long day. We tipped our terrific waiter very generously, and plan on going back.

Terrible fish and chips served to tour company guests. Was told by server that the tour company, Premium Tours, only pays for the cheap haddock for its guest rather than cod. It was really garbage and the staff even agreed it was rubbish. Hard, frozen and awful. TV dinners are better. Shame on the tour company but shame shame shame on the Albert for agreeing to this arrangement. Gives London fish and chips a really bad name. Avoid!

We liked this place a lot. Several pubs we looked at seemed to be bars that only cared about serving drinks – not dinner. This one, though, had a separate dining room upstairs. We weren’t disappointed. My fish & chips was great, & the portion was huge. Tom liked his rump steak, too. I definitely recommend this place (despite the bland peas & French fries).

Cosy little pub — perfect for a drink (or more). Really friendly atmosphere and great service — even when there was a footy game on and it was super busy. Downside — the loos are down a steep spiral (well spiral-​ish) staircase. But would still go back again.

Very bland food won’t ever be back and wouldn’t take the left overs home to my dog. The wait staff kept offering silly excuses to all tables

Great location. It’s cleaner and brighter since it was purchased by a big chain, Taylor Walker. However, it retains its Victorian charm with large cut glass windows. They have ten cask ales in addition to mass produced watery stuff like Stella. Service is slow and not especially friendly.

great pub. great location. great ambiance. great food — for the price.
visiting from san francisco — i ordered a double vodka on ice, a pint of london pilsner, the steak and ale pie and a side salad. all told, 26 pounds — or ~USD$ 43. (hey — it’s london. EVERYTHING’S expensive!). i really liked the steak and ale pie — it had a great crust — and the london pilsner was clean and nutty.
i’d definitely recommend this place to my friends and fellow travelers.

Staff was friendly. Our waitress was from Madrid. She is a hard worker. She took great care of us. First meal in London was very tasty. We’d go back

This is my go-​to pub when I visit London. This gem is located in a beautiful old building in the middle of busy Victoria Street. For the location, it’s an excellent value — the brews are good, the bartenders are friendly and best thing? Full English breakfast in the mornings.

This was pretty much the only restaurant open within a 3 block radius that still served food at 7pm on a Sunday night. The James’s Park train stop is definitely a quiet area on the weekends.
We came here with 2 babies and it was fun seeing the looks we received as we walked into the pub while everyone was having a good time with a drink. The restaurant is beautifully decorated and it definitely gives you that England spirit.
There was a room in the back bottom floor that was empty and quiet. We were able to enjoy our fish and chips (don’t be deceived by it only containing one piece, it’s basically the whole cod), my husband had the roast beef (super tender) and my brother in law had the beef pie (yummy crust). A few of us had mashed potatoes and mashed peas along with other variations of sizes.
The portions are huge. The prices are about 3 – 4 pounds more than the other similar restaurants serving these dishes, but I don’t know about the portioning.
My only complaint is that the fish and chips lacked flavor. There was absolutely no seasoning on anything. The peas were actually the most flavorful part of the dish. The batter was tasteless although the texture and crunch were good. This was a bit disappointing for me. The other dishes were good.

Bier ist eh immer lecker ;-) Fish&Chips zwar nicht günstig, dafür aber eine sehr hroße Portion.

Loved this authentic pub in Victoria. Beautiful interior and exterior, bringing you back to Victorian times.
I do agree that there aren’t many beer options, however, I had a couple of pints of a lighter beer that I quite enjoyed.
The food is NOT microwaved as someone else here has indicated. The fish and chips were amazing — a GIANT, FRESH piece of battered cod served with crisp fries and green peas. It was perfectly light and crisp. Delicious. I had a beef and ale pie which was incredibly crisp and buttery on the outside and beefy/​saucy on the inside. This was served with mashed potatoes and gravy and fresh mixed vegetables. Our other friend had the roast beef dinner which was like prime rib here in the states served with mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, mixed vegetables and yorkshire pudding. A LOT of food for the money.
Prices EXTREMELY reasonable — fish and chips 13.99GBP, my steak pie $ 13.99GBP, the roast beef dinner i think was 15.99GBP.
The pub is extremely busy and loud (which is part of the atmosphere). Service a bit slow but very friendly. Oh — and bathrooms are down a spiral staircase in the basement (quite a challenge if you’ve had too much to drink I am sure).
Must try if you’re looking for a great pub experience while visiting London

The Albert c’est un pub sympa en plein London… mais surtout une façade extérieure assez impressionnante: l’établissement typique est situé entre de grands buildings financiers! L’intérieur est tout aussi sympa d’ailleurs!
Par contre, dans la majorité des pubs anglais, il faut bien souvent (trop souvent) se déplacer soi-​même jusqu’au comptoir pour être servi à table… C’est aussi le cas ici malheureusement.
Sympa si vous passez par là et que vous avez une petite soif! (soif de Pepsi…) — Wifi gratuit.

I stumbled upon the Albert late one night when I was starving and it was the only thing open in the area. After a baked potato, glass of wine, and consumption of the free wi-​fi, I fell in love and have been back several times. The ambiance is so cozy and old-​pub-​y. It doesn’t seem like a tourist trap to me, because from what I could tell mostly locals were there whenever I went, and my British coworkers like it too. I’ve only been in the downstairs, because the upstairs restaurant seems too formal for me and doesn’t have a menu I’m interested in.
It’s true that downstairs they don’t provide table service, but from what I’ve experienced this is fairly common in British pubs. Not such a weird thing.
The food is delicious. I was super excited to see a vegetarian fish n chips option (made with halloumi cheese), which I’ve yet to find anywhere else, and it was yummy — a little too greasy, but still good. And I love the sides, desserts, and wine selection. I plan on going back many more times.

Nun ja. Hübsch ist es ja. Das Bier ist, für England, auch gut. Problem ist das die Bude eine Touristenfalle ist. Als ich dort war, war der Laden voll mit Touristen und entsprechenden Preisen. In der Gegend gibt es eine menge andere Pubs. Albert ist schön, aber nichts was man unbedingt gesehen haben muss von innen.