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Albion, Epsom

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user reviews of the Albion, Epsom

please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.

Double Smirnoff (50ml) + dash of Coke; £7 here.

£4.50 in the Wetherspoons - across the road, with better service.

To survive (two nearby pubs have closed), this must improve.
wealdman - 27 Jan 2020 15:14
McCafferty's - the new name.
tradervic - 23 Dec 2018 15:26
Good irish bar,with live music,reminded me of how o"neill"s in Sutton use to be 8 years ago,good craic.Nice pint of Admams ghostship
talesofthebar - 29 Nov 2018 14:00
Now an Irish theme pub,still has two real ales, ghost ship and doom bar.
peterd56 - 5 Nov 2018 07:05
If there's nobody behind the bar counter - go out into rear yard to find a barperson, on their fag break!

Two prospective customers had to do this over the weekend. Apart from its central location - this establishment has little going for it.
randolf7 - 3 Sep 2018 14:08
This pub has improved greatly following a refurbishment, and the introduction of new management - two Irish chaps.

Beer quality, hygiene and service is better - and the calibre of customer has become different/upgraded.

Sky Sports is usually on - and food is to be available gain, very soon!
brewmason - 17 Oct 2016 09:32
Low quality pub - particularly the customers, who seem to scurry between it and the much better Wetherspoon across the road.

Avoid, far too many rednecks and shouting.
croydonpeer - 3 May 2016 16:21
Well, a year after the last post, things have gone downhill badly. In that time, the place has changed hands frequently - with very poor current management. All those barred elsewhere in Epsom seem welcome - and the calibre of staff and customer is very low. Sad - its right in the middle of town; however, the nearby Wetherspoon has cornered the market.
wealdman - 27 Dec 2015 09:34
Reopened after being closed for some years. The interior, apart from redecorating and new furniture is much the same as before.There is lounge area at the front and at the rear with some seating alongside the bar which is on the right. The choice of beer was unadventurous as was the choice of food. There is a patio/yard at the back and the old stables have been turned into a self contained function room with bar.
boozers_knows - 17 Dec 2014 13:40
The food at this pub is very tasty and I would definitely recommend the food, it doesn't take long to be served and is just the right temperature. The staff are really helpful and polite, the Manager makes sure that you are happy with your food and drink.
The live bands are great too!!!! it makes the pub have a great atmosphere and again fully recommend a night out at the pub for live music.
The stables are great hired one out for my brothers birthday it made a change.
holsven - 21 Oct 2014 13:38
Great place for beer, live music and a fun atmosphere. The converted stables at the back are a really good idea. I've not tried the food yet, but I will definitely be revisiting this month. New owners/management have greatly transformed the pub for the better.
ChrisWP - 13 Oct 2014 13:58
The reopened Albion is a great drinking place,good atmosphere. Come and hear some brilliant live bands.Not yet tried the food.
bentboy - 11 Oct 2014 12:18
This closed in 2013 I think and was surprised it reopened as a pub! Went in and tbh surprised how well it had been done. Took my family for lunch yesterday and we had a very good meal, surprised by the earlier comment re price as the price for 5 of us was good. They're also hosting live music which is great as the centre of Epsom was a wasteland for live music. My daughter was looking for a venue for her birthday and booked an area in the stables for later in the month, happy all around. This is definitely not a 3.5 rated pub.
Epsom_Geoff - 10 Oct 2014 14:36
Over nine pounds for a large G&T, small coke (from a warm bottle) and a bag of ready salted crips.
bongobilly - 30 Sep 2014 11:38
Just been in the Albion since the reopening. I found it to be good local, with excellent food and very friendly service. The Manager took time to show me the recently converted Stable Bar. A must for anyone visiting and particularly for those with an interest in horseracing. Each booth (previously individual stalls) has been sympathetically renovated in the colours of past Epsom Derby winners with suitable photographs and artefacts.

I will be going there again.
SDS - 30 Sep 2014 09:02
They have spent a few bob on the Albion - and its pleasant and functional. Great courtyard/stables area. I never knew the pub had stables at the back, but maybe the previous owners didn't either - total pilocks. Future looks good, as long as the dregs don't come back.


wealdman - 28 Sep 2014 22:11
Under new management, nicely done up, and a lovely job with the old fashioned stables out the back!
Nice smoking area but they need to stop the smoking on the high street as it doesn't create a good image.
ichelski - 8 Aug 2014 15:28
I'm with Claire..........it was the scummiest pub in Epsom. Unfortunately, the clientele have moved over the road to the Wetherspoons. You'll need ear defenders.
porkyc - 5 Feb 2013 10:26
Sounds more like the moron`s running it, than the pub it`s self.
ThePilgrim - 9 Jun 2012 16:43
All I can say is THANK GOD THIS PLACE IS CLOSED DOWN.

As a previous young female employee, I can tell you what everyone has said about this pub is true.

The kind of clientale they accepted into the pub was disgusting, and the behaviour that they LET THEM enflict on each other and the bar staff (who actually arent that bad) is just plain bad.

From my experioence workign there, as a young female who is classy and never been in trouble with the police, the abuse I got from working there was riduclous.

For example, I was paid below minium wage - around 3 pounds an hour, completely exploited because there was no other work in epsom at the time.

I was reguarly shouted at, threatened and harrassed by the type of people that came into the pub. Had a bottle thrown at me, a fellow bar staff member was stabbed infront of me! and the worst thing of all is the customers got AWARDED for this behaviour, in one instance, one woman and man decided to get behind the bar and steal alcohol when I came down and told them to get out, got given shouting abuse, and threats. Instead of one of the owners kicking these obvious trouble makers out -APOLOGIZED FOR MY BEHAVIOUR, and gave them a free drink to go with the alcxohol they just stole. I quit that day. Was the worst Job I ever have had.

This pub needs to be burnt to the groud.
claire_jones - 9 Jun 2012 14:25
Stiil shut/boarded. To Let sign up. Looks in a bad way....demolition?
tempest - 15 Apr 2012 15:29
Still boarded up - but has been bought by two local bar operators who are to revamp the place and reopen on a different theme. The town centre location is prime. The new place will not be called The Albion; the name is already down.
wealdman - 7 Feb 2012 11:18
In a very sorry state now - would cost a fortune to renovate and reopen.
tempest - 13 Dec 2011 10:46
publove should read the other posts.

this pub is closed and boarded up!
wealdman - 5 Nov 2011 16:41
If you would like a pint glass thrown at you then this is the perfect place for a good old pub brawl. If you would like to enjoy your drink without being surrounded by cocaine addicts this is not the place for you. If you think you would be eligible for the Jerermy Kyle show then you have found the best local pub for you.
publover35 - 5 Nov 2011 13:49
Not 'the worst pub in Surrey anymore'

Closed and boarded up - not before time!
beerlager - 4 Sep 2011 16:10
Rainlight must have taken some of the white powder frequently being used in here. Awful pub - with low standards of hygiene and beer. Customers are unemployed and unwashed and staff just grunt. Accurate rating - 1; could be the worst pub in Surrey.
tradervic - 28 Jul 2011 14:18
Not sure about the spit, but sawdust there does seem to be at least in the feel of the place. No doubt it is a locals' pub for local people as the saying goes. Beer (that's to say ale) was restr. to Doom Bar. To add to the growing surreality of the occasion, on entering we were regaled with - over some unseen jukebox - the strains the 'Pie Jesu' from Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Requiem", so you could say in a way we were Pied. I prefer to follow the lyrics of Roger Waters' "It's a miracle" in which he proffers the following tidbit:

Lloyd-Webber's awful stuff
Runs for years and years and years
An earthquake hits the theatre
But the operetta lingers
Then the piano lid comes down
And breaks his f***ing fingers
It's a miracle
rainlight - 22 Jul 2011 08:11
Dodgy pub , always trouble brewing
ichelski - 10 Jan 2011 13:40
Had an excellent night New Years Eve the Band was great, good selection of drinks and snacks and everyone was dancing and enjoyed bringing in 2011. Well Done be back
RATER14 - 7 Jan 2011 17:09
Will someone please, please burn that place down. It has to be the worst pub with the worst "clientele" in the whole area. I use the word clientele loosely, it should I believe normally only apply to human beings.
followedthrough - 24 Dec 2010 10:25
This pub has a history of violent incidents - which is no wonder given the type of individual who uses it. It has been closed recently and fails under every heading; service, beer and facilities are plain awful. I agree with the last poster - years of neglect take their toll and investment (not music) is called for.
tradervic - 10 Dec 2010 12:41
This pub's reputation is accurate; its a dive and services a lot who are barred from every other Epsom pub. Hygiene standards are low - and thank god, there is no food. Toilet standards defy description and the arrival of the odd band cannot raise the place's low standards, including beer quality which is as low as you will get anywhere. A decade + of mismanagement cannot be easily rectified.
sussexfox - 10 Dec 2010 12:14
Shooter Warriors were a great band really enjoyed the night and cant wait to see what other events are planned
RATER14 - 22 Nov 2010 12:38
THEY HAVE SHOOTER WARRIORS BAND PLAYING SATURDAY....................EXCELLENT : )
GENUINERATER - 17 Nov 2010 13:17
I have normally stayed away from the albion in the past as heard of the reputation but decided to give it a try as i heard it was under new mangement and all i can say is the evening was enjoyable and refreshing to see 2 doorman on the door which made it feel safer! the night went without a hitch and the atmosphere was friendly and pleasent, none of the old troublemakers in sight all i can say is keep up the good work and i shall be returning again as i hear you have some bands lined up to play there.
RATER14 - 3 Nov 2010 16:55
The Halloween Party in The Albion on Saturday was excellent. The DJ was brilliant a good range of music, the free buffett was gorgeous and an overall busy enjoyable night. Well done to Ric & Dean : )
GENUINERATER - 1 Nov 2010 13:56
Well it would appear the 'Lets give Dean and Rik a chance campaign' can end, as my son in law tonight witnessed a very messy state of affairs in The 'New' Albion !!
As i write this i believe Dean is being questioned as to why he threw a female into the road outside the pub after losing his 'very short' temper.
It can only confirm the recent rumours of his bad temper of the past directly targetted at his ex spouse.
I dont really see how a pub with an already very low public opinion stands any chance whatsoever of gaining respect with such a rude violent idiot running the establishment and its all very well saying they are cleaning the place up but it seems to me and many others the biggest problem there is him.
I think driving buses was probably ambitious enough but running a licensed premises..... I dont think so
TruthTalker - 29 Oct 2010 00:42
was once Epsom's best pub with managers like Glen, Mark, that stoped in 96 its has since then had a trubled reputation fights drug etc its had a few bad managers a couple of good ones that never stayed and no cash put into it in years well since 96, it however has now been tacken over by Dean and Ric and i think they are going to do the best they can to regain the title of best pub in Epsom its going to take time and lot of hard work but i think they going to do it so dont count them out give them a chance,it needs all its old customers,regulars to over look the look of place at moment as work in progression and help it become the pub it once was.it needs you old regulars from its hay day to support Dean and Ric, i rate the Albion as 5 as im shure itl go up and up
EnglishpubsRgr8 - 17 Oct 2010 12:53
Yes i can reply to you Publover1002. 1) Sanding, woodstaining and varnishing tables, cleaning chairs and improving on decor 2) There was an incident with 2 OAPs it was not a stabbing but clearly has been dramitised 3) The people who cause trouble have been barred from the premises and to answer your last question i am not the new owner just a loyal customer : )
GENUINERATER - 11 Oct 2010 19:54
This 'pub' is a joke, the only people who go there are the people barred from everywhere else! Its run by 'people' who have no idea about running a pub.
Yes a stabbing did happen Yes all the rough people still go there, only difference now is there are 2 clueless idiots running it instead of 1 !
Ive drunk at a pub close by to Albion every sat & sun for the past 10 years and the place will never be a decent boozer again, those days are well and truely gone im afraid
TruthTalker - 6 Oct 2010 03:24
So please tell everyone genuinerater 1) what has been done in the pub over the recent days to make such a difference that Rick and Andy didn't do when they had it together 2) Can you clear up if there was a stubbing in the pub 3) how the pub's rep has been cleared up 4) and can you tell everyone you are the new owner when you post cos when you put 'also hope to have food back on soon' kind of gives yourself away as the new owner/manager!
publover1002 - 21 Sep 2010 20:00
Wow just read publover1002 reviews and dont see 1 nice honest opinion about any pub, oh apart from the one they worked at.....Oh well! Thanks to billyboyblue for supporting review. The pub is slowly getting cleaned up and they are looking to refurb in couple of months, as everyone will know its a slow process but if you visit the pub you can see the changes being made : )

Also hope to have food back on very soon.
GENUINERATER - 20 Sep 2010 09:30
I accept you might be bitter with the old manager that might have been in there, but no need to tell lies!

You may have got rid of the drug problem but I seem to recall talk over at spoons that the old manager had done that job for you by barring so many people!

Also can you please advise how the pub has got better when someone was stabbed in the pub the other day?
publover1002 - 18 Sep 2010 22:48
nice to c new people in charge old manager could not walk the talk good luck guys
billboyblue - 18 Sep 2010 16:11
this pub has just been granted ownership to an alcaholic and a bus driver with no experience of running a pub!! best steer clear of the place as the owners are parital to letting all the customers get away with doing coke thus making for a hostile atmosphere. bring back the old manager nick those were the days of no arguments no its a regular thing in there
publover1002 - 9 Sep 2010 16:56
Full of Epsom chaves and not very nice staff
mjh01 - 8 Sep 2010 22:28
Awful, truly awful place, but the very fact that it's open does at least mean the lobotomized nutbags that frequent it tend to stay there and not stray into the Assembly Rooms or Marquis.
followedthrough - 15 Aug 2010 13:27
can the below people tell me why they think this pub is a joke and tell me what is not new about thee trough that has been put in the gents???

Maybe if people explained why the pub is so bad then it would only help to get the place as nice as it once was!

So please lets hear some proper feedback and explain why this pub is so bad!
albionsno1fan - 19 Jul 2010 15:08
The pub is listed here as closed.......................sadly, it isn't.

porkyc - 14 Jul 2010 10:24
this pub is a joke
billboyblue - 9 Jul 2010 11:25
'This pub is quality' - 'new era; new toilets'

Rubbish. It has no quality or new toilets. The place remains filthy and frequented by the dregs of Epsom.

Awful. One of the worst in Surrey.
wolfdog - 28 Jun 2010 15:18
This pub is quality, only if they could keep all of the keiron fallons out of this pub it would be awesome..
fatfrank - 27 May 2010 12:18
Well a new era has arrived in this pub. Under new management and new toilets being put in shortly. Andy and Rick seem really nice guys who dont stand for anything untowards in the pub! Maybe these two will be able to turn this place back into the excellent pub this always was!

I wish them both luck, and I will be down soon to see the changes.
albionsno1fan - 19 May 2010 11:41
Yeah it's open again. Warms the cockles of the heart doesn't it....

It's a tremendous relief to me personally.
terenced - 14 May 2010 10:34
Open again.
sussexfox - 17 Apr 2010 10:13
this pub is now closed 'until further notice'
sussexfox - 15 Mar 2010 13:21
I went past to-day and it appeared open. I suppose they will be trying to snare unsuspecting punters as the Deby is run a week Saturday!
wyndham - 26 May 2009 19:42
Appears closed at present
MrLloydEvans - 18 May 2009 09:57
was disgusted at the time i was made to wait for a pint just so the pikey behind the bar could finish her fag. was not impressed with the selections of real ale and when i asked the 3ft tall assistant manager he was rather rude and said" if you dont like it spoons is across the road" overall was a bad experience will never be spending my money in this establishment again!!
publover1002 - 23 Jan 2009 12:41
beer is great,some of the customers very rowdy, but overall a good pub.
davemc1 - 30 Nov 2008 20:50
You're not likely to be bowled over by warmth or friendliness in this hostelry.
Only 1 of 3 beers on.....

I am sure its regulars feel huge amounts of misplaced affection for this place but it's not brimming with obvious charms.

Played some interesting 1950s music with makes a change from Jack Johnson.

This pub should get recognition for playing Chubby Checker but its unlikely to get recognition for much else.
terenced - 25 May 2008 16:33
Last time I visited it had virtually run out of bitter ,how can this happen,dead as a doornail.
jeffdaff - 22 Nov 2007 10:08
A working class pub at the far end of the High Street. Large screen TVs mainly used for Horse Racing and Football. Long thin lounge with a small patio at the far end. An ex Hogshead pub now run by Greene King, serving GK IPA, Abbott Ale and Old Speckled Hen. Beer is cheap and reasonably well kept though Old Speckled Hen is a shadow of its former self. Food is also cheap but basic. My curry was very unappetising with a thick gooey curry sauce poured on top of chicken pieces and microwaved. Can get rather smokey and feels a bit run down. Could do with a bit of a makeover.
boozers_knows - 9 Apr 2007 12:43
Was a regular in the albion for many years till not long ago has completly fell apart since the young couple left back in march 06. I now fully apprecite the hard work they put in keeping the place together are sadly missed.this is now a place to stay away from the service is bad and the person looking after it couldnt care less just needs someone to get stuck in and care about the place alot of hard work ahead
anonymous - 20 Feb 2007 01:04
the unfortunate live sports coverage does attract a pikey element which could be done without, but the atmosphere is usually quite subdued. good quallity service nice staff, general smokey goodness.
A few nights of the month but not my prefered setting for a night out.
BUT they do have the bowling machine. would walk through fire to play that.
harrynotlarryfool - 13 Feb 2007 12:01
I have to agree with Barnie Gumble here. It's not a pleasant enough pub to spend too long in when there are other much better pubs close by. The beer isn't good enough to make up for the over abundance of TV and the regulars who block the bar even when they see you wanting to get to it.
Colourshifter - 26 Aug 2006 21:22
I am an over a decade veteran. First 6 years it was a great pub. More like a gentlemans club. The introduction of a new breed of sports fan regulars and then inevitably the pikey families starting to frequent the establishment has turned it pretty nasty. Since the latest Landlord and Landlady fights have increased from maybe one or two every other month to around four a week. They were a young couple and not very experienced so it has gone downhill quite rapidly during their reign. With the place up for sale though it could be re-invented. Basically not worth really going there when you have the Symonds well up the road one direction and the Marquis of Granby across the road.
Barnie_Gumble - 4 Apr 2006 16:44
A traditional style pub which benefits from being such, as there are no high expetations. Which is a good thing here. Beers are generally kept well and prices aren't inflated, but there seems to be no aspitarion than to sell beer and show sports on the tellys. True - pikeys do grace this bar too, but there tends to be little hassle. No real reason to go here though as the Marquis and Symonds Well are so close by. 4/10
B.R.Drinker - 18 Mar 2006 08:43
Great place, Layla is a real gem, quite tasty too! Would be nice to lose the tv's though instead of everyone staring at Football/horse racing/crpa music videos. Friendly pub would heartily recommend!
anonymous - 8 Apr 2005 01:00
This used to be a great bar before they added the big screens and the shocking carpets, but it is still good. It's more of a footy bar now, although I wouldn't describe it as intimidating. Last time I was in there an old fella collapsed on the floor in a drunken heap. Not known as a pikey haunt.
Jack_Carter - 29 Mar 2005 12:43
Great place although a group of sweaty old men that prop up the bar tend to scare off the local totty (not pikeys i hasten to add)especially the one pertaining to come from yorkshire and supports leeds utd...poor chap! Other than that its ok
epsomisfullofpikeys - 2 Dec 2004 23:22
Fantastic pub, cheap beer, cheap food, lots of TV's with sport/music always on, great staff and a superb landlord. Mark will be sorely missed!
Haydn - 5 Oct 2004 15:08
Mark's leaving for Spain soon ... Thanks for running a great pub mate! Excellent beer, staff and customers! Lets hope the new landlord keeps the pub as well ...
antichav - 23 Sep 2004 20:04
The Albion is my local & by far the best place in Epsom! Mark, thanks for running a great pub!
"Wolf" - 5 Aug 2004 10:11
The albion has got to be the best pub in Epsom as the atmosphere is great on a Friday night and you never get any idiots or morons looking for trouble in there, just people wanting a laugh and a good drink. Prices are quality and the food's pretty good too.
Chris - 29 Jun 2004 23:39
Good beer, good prices....could do with a few more staff though!
G - 17 Mar 2004 17:15
Great pub, much better than any other of the pubs in epsom. Many a sunday spent in there watching some quality sport with cheap beer. What more could you want??
Ian - 8 Sep 2003 16:14
Lot better than most the pubs in Epsom.
Andy - 22 Jul 2003 23:44
Good pub, good people, good prices. What more can there be.
Danny - 19 Jun 2003 15:37
Best pub in Epsom - relaxed atmosphere, great prices, lovely staff, no w@nkers, admittedly a slightly dodgy carpet, but all round a lovely place to pop in and get spannered, without the feeling that things might kick off if you look at someone in the wrong way. I just hope they can keep up the prices
drunken monkey - 19 May 2003 12:28
Traditional pub with an ecclectic range of Ales, Girls and Rugby Players.
Tooky - [email protected] - 25 Mar 2002 16:29

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