The Alma, Newington Green - pub details

Love it - it's my local and is always atmospheric even if not very busy. Great little courtyard out the back for summer evenings or for smokers, an in-house canine that occasionally bundles through, and a great wine list and comfy seating. I wouldn't bother with the food though - it is overpriced for what you get and the chefs won't adapt any of the dishes to preferences. Apparently the portions of wedges are 'matched' with the number of burgers procured and never the twain shall be separated.

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stuartw - 6 Dec 2009 18:39

Im intrigued by what keep_it_green means by "perfect for couples", I have never considered that a pub may be perfect for couples, or imperfect for that matter. It certainly doesn't have lots of tables for two, private intimate booths or unisex toilets. I wouldn't think oh I cant go there with my mates because it'll be a bit weird because everyone else will be with their other halves.
What I will say yes its a touch on the pricey side, but the food is well worth it, they have a great range of beers although I only tend to drink Guinness so I can only say that there are no faults there, the atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. Kirsty the landlady is a Kiwi so you will find a few New Zealand influences in the menu and in the drinks, I would be well pleased if this was near to my house and I could visit more often.

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trickydisco - 5 Apr 2009 18:31

I have been living on the green for over three years and have been a regular at the Alma since the first time I entered the place. This gastro pub is great. Their house red is very decent for £12 a bottle and their spirits are around £3 with mixer which is not too bad frankly. Plus the atmosphere is really cosy, down to their lovely back garden. The staff is effective and friendly. Nice place.

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jehanne - 22 Jan 2008 11:28

Half decent gastropub, although I wouldn't go out of my way to return. As peviously stated, the beers was a bit ropey. Is this the place Bobby Gillespie complained about making noise on a saturday night?

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whatbill - 11 Apr 2007 12:32

I've been going to this pub on and off for a couple of years now and I keep making the same mistake - steer well clear of the draught beer - it's terrible! They've changed brands more than once since I first went and each time I think I'll give it another go and end up with a pint worse than any watered-down pound-a-pint beer I ever had in the student union (it’s worse than any jar I’ve had in the worst nightclubs). £3.30 for a pint of metallic tasting lager (it was Amstel last time and has been Red Stripe and Miller previously) without the slightest hint of a head is shocking for the money. They're all the same so it can only be bad storage practice that makes a terrible impression on an otherwise lovely pub bar (apart from the service, which can be infuriatingly slow and offhand at times). Stick to bottled beer, and if you’ve got a thirst make sure you’ve got plenty of cash.

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charliehodge - 25 Oct 2006 15:25

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