Walking along Upper Street you’re presented with many drinking establishments; however, none will top the sophistication and easy going attitude of Albert and Pearl.

The Venue
Sitting on the old site of the Medicine Bar, you can see that Albert and Pearl has kept the shape and interesting light fixtures of its predecessor. However, now everything is toned down and the bar has become a lot more soothing. The wooden panelling gives the venue that lived in feeling whilst exhibited in the windows opposite the bar is a collection of china animal ornaments in bell jars - there’s even a stuffed bird proudly displayed. These eclectic features give character to Albert and Pearl and make it stand out from the rest of the drinking dens and eateries along this popular stretch of road.

The bar is the first feature you’re presented with as you enter, and it draws you in with its large collection of high market alcohol and the attentive bar staff. To the left is where all the Tuscan food is prepared and the servers work together to bring some sort of cohesion to service. Although there aren’t many seats and the bar itself is quite small, it does make for a cosy, intimate affair. Small wooden tables suited for two, stools at the bar and larger communal areas mean that every group who visits is accommodated for.

The Atmosphere
During the week, Albert and Pearl is more of a low key affair as punters meet here for food and wine after work; however, come the weekend the DJ booth springs to life and, being Upper Street, the bar fills with party revellers washing away the week with some fantastic cocktails. The low lighting and small candles scattered around the bar add to the unbelievably relaxed vibe Albert and Pearl is trying to portray.

The best feature about this bar, however, are the exceptional staff. They are warm, friendly and try their best to help you out in any way possible to make your experience enjoyable. They chat with you because they want to and are eager to help out with the food and drink selection - they even let you try before you buy just in case it’s not the sort of thing you’re after. Their unpretentious ways make you want to come back time and again.

The Food
The food at Albert and Pearl is authentic Tuscan cuisine. All food delivered from the menu either comes from top London markets or is imported direct from Italy, so you know you’re getting only the best quality. As to be expected, there are a lot of meats, olives and wonderfully flavoursome bread.

From the olive section (yes, there’s a whole section just for olives!) you can choose from black olives with orange and chilli or the green Spaccata Etnea, which are from the slopes of Mount Etna and marninated at Food Lab, both cost a mere £2. There are also different types of Tuscan boards you can choose from. The Albert and Pearl dip board has candle-warmed cepe mushroom dip, fresh guacamole and avocado pieces with olives and sun dried tomato humus and toasted Tuscan bread. Alternatively, try the mixed board with Italian cheeses and the finest Tuscan cured meats with Montepulciano di Cerasulowibe jelly, garlic flower pickles and Tuscan bread for just £8.50. Other dishes include spicy sausage and tomato (£3), Tuscan pate (£3.80), monkfish, prawns and artichoke (£3.80), and crab and avocado with truffle bread (£3.80).

The Drink
The main emphasis at Albert and Pearl isn’t on how many beers they have or the cheap drinks, it’s all about quality and premium brand alcohol. The drink menu mainly consists of cocktails but there is a small wine list that they have carefully selected primarily for accompanying the food.

A nice touch to the menu are their cocktails for two, which makes drinking more of an experience when you’re with a partner or friend. Highly recommended is the Pearl’s Punch (fresh strawberries and raspberries mixed with passion fruit and mango vodka, apple juice, and Champagne) for £18. Delicate and refreshing, the mix of berries and tropical fruits is a delightful combination and the Champagne adds an interesting dimension of texture. Alternatively, try one of the solo cocktails, starting at £7. Especially good is the Tropical Nonsense, which is a devilish blend of Jamaican, Cuban, Bermudan and Guyana rums with fresh mango, pineapple and passion fruit. As soon as it hits your lips the creamy texture and surprisingly subtle flavour of the rum mix together to leave you craving more.

Wine start at £13.95 at bottle (£3.75 a glass) for a Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, rising to £26.95 for a Rully, Vincent Girardin, Burgundy or a Chateau Lamatre St Emilion Grand Cru. There are only a few beers on tap and include Guinness, San Miguel and Bulmers, priced at the £3.50 mark.

The Last Word
Albert and Pearl is a welcome change to the hoards of party bars on Upper Street. It’s a very chilled out place to spend an evening and to indulge yourself with mouth-watering dishes and unique cocktails. A real find.

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