please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
A slightly odd pub/restaurant, the saving grace of which is the fantastic beer garden. Worth it for a quiet beer on a sunny day, not worth it for the overpriced and underwhelming food.
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The steak costs £18 (sic), and is comparable to a small Sainsbury's rump steak chucked in a frying pan. I know there's a recesssion coming, but they might want to consider cutting their prices as well as their costs...
The staff are very unwelcoming as well, but then maybe they're being ripped off by the owners as well.
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From all these comments about waiters and bookings and food, you'd think the Albion was actually a restaurant plonked into the shell of a pub.
Oh that's right - it is. Pubs are supposed to be relaxing places, but with the amount of diners and the crowds, this place really isn't.
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Went for a Sunday lunch this weekend and loved the Albion - yes it's a bit pricier but it's worth spending a bit more to get food of this quality. I had a delicious sunday roast with perfect Yorkshire puddings (a pre-requisite for me seeing as I can never make them like my Granny's). The staff were courteous and attentive, even though they were ridiculously busy. The (Italian?) manager managed to find us a lovely table in the window even though we hadn't booked and turned up at 2pm.
Overall a brilliant pub (LOVED the bloody marys, well done the bar staff!) with great service, the only thing it could improve on is reducing the prices (not likely but it would be nice).
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Went here for a meal and a few drinks on Sunday. We didn't go expecting pub grub and great ales, but were hoping to make the most of summer in the sun. Of course, the rain stepped in to ruin our hopes of the bbq but the Manager offered us a table inside (as we had booked table outside). The service started out slowly but did improve. The meals were quite good (especially the Lamb, the steak was a very rare medium rare) and the wine list is superb. The Black Sheep is well kept too. The service really picked up through the meal and the friendly waitress with the short black hair earned her gratuity (albeit added onto the bill rather than suggested). I know that this isn't a pub but it is quite good at what it does, which is high end gastro pub food. If only they could somehow give all the Islington Media luvvies a lobotomy...
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Great Pub, great food, superb wine list. I prefer mid week to the weekends, they are far too busy, but there are few better places to spend a weekday lunch in London.
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I like restaurants. But if you want to run a restaurant, buy a restaurant instead of wasting a potentially cracking pub in a great location.
See the 'pub' bit? That means 'public'. I know it's your pub and you can do what you like with it, but the point of a public house is to allow the public in to generally hang out and feel at home.
This evening I was literally barred from the garden on account of there being nowhere to sit. I think I was 15 the last time I was chucked out of a pub, my route being cut off by a black-clad waiter who apologised for the fact that I couldn't be allowed to do anything so vulgar as to stand with a pint in the spacious garden.
Absolutely absurd, and remarkably even managing to top the last time I tried the place (yes, I should've known better than to give it a second chance). Having been admitted to the hallowed garden, I wasn't allowed to order any food there because it looked like rain. Well yes, it might rain and it might be a bit inconvenient. But then the pub might get hit by a meteor. Might be for the best.
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I like restaurants. But if you want to run a restaurant, buy a restaurant instead of wasting a potentially cracking pub in a great location.
See the 'pub' bit? That means 'public'. I know it's your pub and you can do what you like with it, but the point of a public house is to allow the public in to generally hang out and feel at home.
This evening I was literally barred from the garden on account of there being nowhere to sit. I think I was 15 the last time I was chucked out of a pub, my route being cut off by a black-clad waiter who apologised for the fact that I couldn't be allowed to do anything so vulgar as to stand with a pint in the spacious garden.
Absolutely absurd, and remarkably even managing to top the last time I tried the place (yes, I should've known better than to give it a second chance). Having been admitted to the hallowed garden, I wasn't allowed to order any food there because it looked like rain. Well yes, it might rain and it might be a bit inconvenient. But then the pub might get hit by a meteor. Might be for the best.
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Used to love this place - a country pub in the city, and a nice outside area for Summer sun - but last time I looked in it was all Greene King. The staff looked at me like I was something they'd found on bottom of their shoe. I turned on my heel and scooted out. Why is it we read that pubs are desperate for punters and yet they do everything possible to drive you away? I don't want fawning over, just a pleasant atmos. Too much to ask for?
ofrex - 29 Jul 2008 14:18 |
Nice interior but overpriced and, if you don't look like the the usual, upper class, Islington crowd, expect to be served last and the service to be minimal. They even had the nerve to charge gratuity on my bill! Never again!!!
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Albion has a very nice interior -- I like it more after the refurb than before. I don't agree with the comments that the decoration is soulless, by-committee, etc. To me it looks like someone has put some time into the decoration although it may not be to everyone's taste.
Also has an extra-large beer garden out back. Expensive GK IPA and Black Sheep on draught in addition to the usual continental lagers. Wine list looks much better than the beer options, though.
Most of the outdoor tables seem to be reserved for diners, are there any pubs in this part of N1 that are not actually restaurants? We did not eat there, only had a couple of pints, and once again (cf. Barnsbury on the same day) felt that we were drinking in a restaurant rather than a pub.
I appreciate this may be the only way to keep a pub in business in this area, but it's disappointing when all you want is a nice drink or few in a pub....
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One of the best but that is not hard.
Be a bit pricey and be a bit sterile.
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The Albion used to a really nice locals pub. A bit of a hidden gem with a good atmosphere. But having been there recently it's a shame it wasn't bought by property developers and turned into flats before the recent refurb! The staff are so RUDE and pompous and that includes the manager. Service is terrible and the food is ok but hideously overpriced. Stay well away unless you're merely popping for a quick (and expensive) pint on the way to a much nicer and friendlier place to drink in N1.
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No soul indeed. A pointless refurbishment that has spoiled a once welcoming pub. There is little sign of the oncoming recession in Islington if this place is anything to go by - designed by focus group. A scandalous disrespect for tradition.
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I really do like this place, but the staff are too often useless and rude.
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The Albion is very appealing from the outside with its lovely villagey type setting and pillored entrance. The recently refurbished interior is decidedly upmarket and perhaps geared more towards the winers and diners. The front bar area is quite plain with a few settles, an expanse of polished wooden floor and and an abundance of candles. The music is low and the atmosphere sedate. 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 a patio and benches at the front or a spacious partly covered beer garden to the rear. 2 Ales - Green King IPA and Black Sheep which at £3.20 a pint doesn’t come cheap. Despite a packed house at the nearby Emirates (a brisk 20 minute walk) there were barely half a dozen people in the pub prior to the game but then this isn’t really a place for the sporting fraternity. 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.
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We had our second visit (post refurb) last night for a meal and a pint, and once again the food was excellent and the Black Sheep on draft was well kept. The pub had a welcoming atmosphere (especially with the open fires), and last nights staff were polite and efficient. I think it is giving the Drapers Arms round the corner some stiff competition, but we still retired there for a pint of TT Landlord, with a preference for the more diverse selection of ales.
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Completely spoiled the pub with the refurb.
Barmaid got drinks order wrong and I only ordered two drinks!
Nowhere to sit as most of the tables are now reserved for diners. Despite there being literally no diners.
No soul
roddy - 23 Oct 2007 00:21 |
I recently wandered away from my local to the Albion for the first time and was impresed with the decor but I can see how the refurb has vastly cost the customers. I ate there and was very unimpressed with the bland and very over-priced food presented pretenciously. I had the summer veg pie which was presented to me on a chopping board with two square metal dishes ontop, one with leaves dressed in salt, salt, more salt and olive oil, which was unedible and the summer veg in the other dish, which consisted of pea carrot and mang toute in some kind of creamy sauce which tasted of nothing. My partner had a very small mackerel with 4 potatoes and lemon, Iv'e made better meals than this when im defrosting my freezer.
Im going to stick with my local The Crown, which has really tasty, very well considered food without any pretence.
anonymous - 18 Jul 2007 21:43 |
Recently visited while doing a tour of the pubs in the area. After starting at the bottom of the Liverpool Road, it became very evident that every pub in the area is now a gastro pub. It'd been a few years since I was last at the Albion but it was one gastro too far. Agree with comments about the staff- they were hopeless, we gave up waitng to be served and moved on. One or two gastro pubs in an area can be good but surely some people still want to visit a pub to drink and not to sit and eat.
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I am a local of The Albion and I must say I was delighted to see it being very nicely refurb but above all the foods had gone from shitty burgers to very nice gastro menu at very decent prices.
One numerous occasions I have taken a lot of my friends there and we enjoyed great meals.
However if the food is still excellent the quality of the service has completely gone horendous in the last month of so. the great managers and staff that initially took over have just deserted the place!
I am writing this because my experience at the Albion service-wise has been so unacceptable on two occasions that I don't think I will spent money there...which is a shame given the fact that the food and premises are really great.
On two occasion I went with a big group of friends for big slap up meals and left my card behind the counter so we could have a tab.
On these two occasion when at the bar to pay my bill, the staff member went straight for the credit car machine withoiut even presenting me with an itemised bill.
After requesting my bill (which was clearly making me a pain in the a** if I beleive the attitude to the staff), on two occasions I noticed that my bills where
LOADED with drinks I had not had or even ordered .
I am not talking about small amounts. Forty quids added to your bill once, maybe...twice: it's unacceptable...especially when the manager hardly apologises and is not considering a goodwill gesture.
To recap:
Great Beer Garden
Great Drinks
Fantastic Food
Rude and Careless Staff and Management
From now on it's back to the DRAPERS ARMS round the corner where 10/10 is guaranteed.
anonymous - 27 Jun 2007 14:08 |
Great location, great garden and often good for the odd Islington C list celeb. Bad selection of beers, made up by a better wine list. The management should seriously look at the attitude of their staff - having witnessed on numerous occasions outright rude behaviour where frankly it was unnecessary. Seriously let down in that respect.
anonymous - 13 Jun 2007 18:02 |
Dropped in for an afternoon brace and the ales were good. Food is now the focus and it looks like a nice place to eat, re-furb work looks good. Certainly plenty of column inches in local & free London papers suggesting good food, although like the Barnsbury & Drapers not at the cheap end.
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I spent a fair few quid here on Monday night on food and wine for 2. While the quality of the food looked excellent, I was disappointed with the veggie options. One starter (please – no more goat’s cheese!) and one main course. The main course of Spring Veg Pie was largely just a pea pie with a few green beans and spuds thrown in. While it was tasty, at £10 it was well over-priced and not worth it. And I think The Albion needs to worry about the Trade’s Description Act, since when does a scattering of leaves (and I mean a small handful) constitute a mixed side salad!? The meat dishes looked much better VFM, the side dishes generous enough and the 3 times cooked chips were sublime!
The biggest disappointment however was that the bar staff didn’t know anything about the wine on their lavishly priced wine list. At almost 30 quid for a bottle of white wine, he was unable to tell me anything about it – dry, sweet, oaked, Chardonnay – he knew nothing and when you are forking out that much money it’s not on. I quite like the décor though all that green is over-kill. As my boyfriend said, “it’s like sitting in the Wizard of Oz’s waiting room”.
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I think The 'New' Albion is lovely, the garden, the decor, the food. How people can pass negative comments about it I have no idea, have they not looked at any pubs in London?
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hear, hear! great if you like Fosters, Ikea, average food, poor service and a hole in your wallet. shame as it's a great location
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Spent £23 on dinner for two and was throughly disspointed wiht the tiny potion they served. When I complained to the Manager, turned out the General Managers' were sitting at the table next to us and accused me of 'trying it on', 'having a big stomach' and told me that for £11 I 'would be better off eating at MacDonalds!' Great customer service and good manners all round then. Avoid this place with their cheap plastic garden furniture and lame selection of beers and give your money to a place that appreciates it and knows how to deal with customers. Amen. PS to the nice Manager Michael, get a new job, your managers suck.
anonymous - 18 Apr 2007 13:17 |
have to say, this was never a fine looking pub, it was a vaguely ok 'fake old' fullers/youngs type pub fit-out. food was microwaved veg and soggy yorkshire puddings. the pub has changed for sure but definitly for the better.
plus the beer garden is looking great.
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Morning Mist! Like it. Only someone with a vested interest could come up with that. You've taken a fine looking pub and made it look like a childrens' play area.
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It's not turquoise, it's Morning Mist. The colour comes from a colour palate that dates from the building's late georgian not victorian construction.
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An excellent refurb - if you like turquoise.
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An excellent refurbishment, with a really nice if a little up-market atmosphere. We spent an entire saturday afternoon and evening here for my birthday and we were treated fantastically well.
The food was absolutely top class and the beer certainly went down well (pride, bombadier, Kronenbourg, san miguel, addlestons cider and the usual others). Seems to be run by some people who really know what they are doing.
The rear beer garden (which used to be the only reason to visit the pub) is being refurbished and perhaps expanded. will be interesting to see how it goes in the summer, I can see this place being very popular.
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Still a great pint, but the whole place has been painted turquoise. Probably the most bizarre redecoration of any pub ever, perhaps in a misguided and pretty laughable effort to "feminise" a Victorian boozer. Would love to see the business case for this work. - "I've got it! All the young trendy monied things will be falling over themselves to come here if we install a coffe machine and paint the whole pub turquoise". Rating still high due to quality of beer. If that goes, the rating will plummet.
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This pub has re-opened as of today (20th Feb 2007)
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Currently closed and undergoing renovation.
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Was in here a few weeks ago and the Pride was really very good indeed. Probably best pint I've had in Islington for a while bar any visits to the Wenlock.
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Having only been here for several lunchtime drinks I cannot comment on Cardomom's views which I assume were of the evening. At lunch time it is quiet so good beer & food with matching service. This is a big place with the garden area offering some shade on sunny days for alfresco supping. I promise to visit in the evening to get a better view of this place!
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If you start queuing at the bar now then you might get served by the time hell freezes over. Those looking like old regulars were definitely more likely to be served first, although saying that they were probably sprightly teenagers when they started to order their round.
Garden is unbeatable for the summer; inside looked good enough but the service really is that bad as to be off-putting.
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I think it's an improvement on the previous, slightly grubby incarnation. The right-hand room at the back used to smell of piss, due to its proximity to the gents', and that problem seems to have gone. The spacious beer garden is still the Albion's biggest selling point, and that seems untouched. Service is still shoddy - they never have enough bar staff on and those who are around are well-meaning but slow.
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Have frequented this pub on and off for a long time and loved the Olde Worlde look and feel. Unfortunately a recent visit left me sadded. Whoever thought that a naff sub-IKEA look would work in this place? I won't go back until they change it back!
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Now open again, is really nicely done. food is good, beer lovely and it has a really nice feel to the whole place. nothing to w£%ky here, just people minding their own business.
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Currently closed for a re-fit and nothing in the window to indicate a re-opening date.
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Changed hands recently, new management. The food seems a LOT better + better priced than before. Defintely a nice 'local' pub. It's just down the road from me, I'd keep going back if the drinks weren't at Central London prices (although it is in posh/expensive Islington)
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This is definitely a summer pub. The inside isn't particularly nice, but the garden is glorious on a hot summer's day. Watch out for a few of the barstaff. One of them's a real truncheon polisher. The drinks are only slightly over-priced.
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Nice place for summer, a pool table would not be a bad idea for the place, as well as a new food menu with new prices... CHEAPER prices...
Collin - 12 Oct 2004 14:55 |
Quite low key, very standard, non-pretentious place. I wouldn't call it formal. Feels a bit like you're in a pub out of London. A good comfortable standard regular, rather than a special place to go. A few real ales on tap.
I've always found the staff to be quite friendly and helpful, and up for a chat, if that's what you're after.
If you want upmarket, go to the Drapers Arms up the road and around the corner. If you want a quiet one without having to be dressed up, here's the one for you.
Brett KS - 15 Apr 2004 14:21 |
Quite expensive considering it doesn't have much vibe. Tacky "Ye Olde English" decoration and furnishings. The garden is nice enough, though. :)
Ewan Booth (local resident) - 31 Dec 2003 19:43 |
Used to OK in the summer (big garden out back) but more recent attempted country style manages at once to feel both overly formal and quite tacky, seems rather staid compared to vastly superior neighbours The Crown and The Drapers.
Food is very basic (mostly microwaved pre-prepared meals by the taste of it) and over priced.
Perhaps if the staff managed a smile and some sourtesy while taking your money the generally poor standard wouldn't leave a such a nasty taste in the mouth?
Jonny Angel - 11 Dec 2003 17:32 |
A real rarity, tucked away in Barnsbury. Large beer garden, with so little traffic noise that in Autumn and Spring it can feel like a country pub. Busy on the weekends. Typically two real ales on: London Pride and one other.
Ben - 16 Aug 2003 11:42 |
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