For a taste of Scotland right in the heart of our fair capital, Albannach - meaning Scotsman - does a decent job of giving punters a less than cheesy themed night, helped along by the biggest selection of malts outside of Scotland.

The Venue
Albannach has one of the most enviable locations in London, based as it is within the confines of Trafalgar Square. This central positioning means that it’s easily reached from almost anywhere, and the relatively wide open spaces of this particular area affords the bar a lot of light. Easily spotted, the large building isn’t hard to find once you enter the main square.

Although not spectacular to look at from the outside, other than its size, once inside and past the main reception desk and sign proclaiming Doon (their basement club), you’ll find an extremely tastefully decorated bar that keeps its Scottish theme clear without ramming it in your face. Scottish touches are clearly evident - from the black and white prints depicting everything from the beautiful Highland countryside to Aberdeen Angus cows, to a large deer head shaped light standing proud behind the bar, shining down on the exhaustive selection of whisky bottles below. There’s even a full-standing deer model beside an attractive stairway taking you up to the restaurant. Finally, an antler chandelier is unusual and fun, tying the theme together nicely (the antlers are indeed real; however, they were only obtained after the stags had shed them). This is all balanced out thanks to the neutral colour scheme, tasteful decor and well spaced out seating - from the dark wood high tables and chairs in the centre of the room to the comfortable leather booths lining the outer edge. Large windows have frosted decoration on them so you can’t see much of the outside world, but allow in plenty of light. In all, very well done.

The Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Albannach is really testament to the good job this bar has done in an area populated with tacky, cheesy venues. Although it could easily have been taken over by tourists who, of course, do pop in after a hard day’s sightseeing, they have - quite remarkably - maintained a balance. A large number of Londoners can be spied here, unusual for an area where locals often avoid.

There’s also an interesting divide of different types of people coming here, on accounts of the fact there’s a bar, restaurant and club all within the confines of the one venue. You’ll have your casually dressed shoppers and sightseers popping in for a quick drink, or diners walking through and up the attractive staircase, of all ages and dressed in anything from eveningwear to jeans. There’s also an interesting collection of dressed-to-the-nines clubbers, having a pre-club drink before heading downstairs (although there’s nothing of the rowdy element) to groups of friends and even dates, relaxing in the large leather booths with a couple of cocktails. The soundtrack to all of this is right on the money - a great selection of funky house and commercial tunes played loud enough to permeate the bar but no so much so that you can’t hear the person next to you. They have deftly walked the line between being a pre-party venue and somewhere you can kick back. Everything is helped along by an extremely friendly and helpful staff, all wearing cute kilts.

The Food
Upstairs in the restaurant is an excellent selection of Scottish dishes on the a la carte. However, if you don’t have the money or inclination to enjoy a full three courses then the bar offers a tapas menu of light Scottish bites, allowing you to sample Scottish cuisine the easy way. Served from 12pm-10pm, you’re looking at a reasonable £15 for three dishes or £20 for five, which is more than enough to satisfy the cravings of a party of two (order more if you’re in bigger groups), offering everything from haggis dishes to kedgeree.

The quality of the tapas is surprising for anyone used to greasy fried grub offered at the nearby bars. For example, the sauteed Scottish mushrooms and chestnuts are light, well cooked and full of flavour. The sauce is delicate and various mushrooms are used to create an interesting looking dish. The subtle texture differences between the mushrooms and the chestnuts offering a pleasant dimension to each bite. Equally good are the organic salmon fishcakes; light and fluffy with a delicately crunchy breaded exterior, they are as good as at many of London’s restaurants. This extends to the tortellini of haggis - if you don’t like the idea of haggis then this is the way to be experimental. Looking like mini samosas and with a definite Cornish pasty feel to them, the heavily seasoned meat is delicious. However, if you just can’t face it then instead go for the smoked haddock and potato croquettes - light and airy inside with a delicate smokeyness that prevails after each bite, they are highly recommended.

The Drink
This is where Albannach really excels, with the largest collection of Scottish malts outside of Scotland, proudly lining two huge shelves behind the bar and well priced to suit any budget - from the connoisseur to the amateur. However, if you’re not a massive whisky drinker then there is also an inventive and well put together cocktail menu, that delivers time and again. Worthy of note is the Raspberry and Vanilla Highball (fresh raspberries and vanilla with Blackwood’s gin, Chambord, fresh lemon juice and bitters), which is a light drink with a delightful berry flavour that comes through strongly with a subtle kick of vanilla. If you prefer your cocktails a little harder, however, then go for the fine selection of whisky cocktails, packing quite a kick but cleverly mixed to take away some of the alcoholic edge that puts off some drinkers from going neat. With prices ranging from £7.50-£11, their selection is excellently priced for the area.

It’s also worth mentioning that Albannach also offers a great selection of wine that is well described so that those unsure as to what to offer can match the bottles to their food or individual tastes.

The Last Word
Whilst some may - for good reasons - be dubious of themed bars such as this, Albannach actually manages to shine thanks to its excellent balance between creating a Scottish air and keeping the bar laid back and unpretentious. An excellent whisky selection, well put together cocktail menu and mouthwatering tapas only help to make this an excellent choice for the area, putting other bars to shame with their tacky gimmicks to pull in the punters. Highly recommended.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (17) image gallery (9) book a table guest lists