Album promises a music infused experience but fails to impress. Still, it’s decent enough for a pint just off the Kings Road for when you can’t afford dinner at Bibendum.

The Venue
The main feature of the decor at Album should be the framed albums hanging from the wall; however, they go almost unnoticed with no other reference to music to emphasise its inspiration. In fact, you’ll hardly notice them: the many windows, basic modern furniture, and the dark red paint covering most of the dining area are more outstanding. This is definitely not an old-time pub.

The bar is long and central: on one side is the pub area, on the other a better decorated eating zone where most customers gather. A solitary long couch completes the picture.

The Atmosphere
Despite its upmarket location, Album is a welcoming venue with very friendly staff. The main clientele reflect the wealth of the area but punters are of all ages and looks. The few suits seen here past 6pm may be a bit daunting together with the perfectly manicured and stylishly coiffed girls on sight, but there’s no reason not to step in.

The Food
The menu is the area where the true nature of Album rears its head: small plates (£5-£6.25), salads (£8) and even burgers (£7.50-£9.50) are a triumph of delectably chosen ingredients. Take your pick between lavender and thyme baked goat cheese with roasted courgettes, wild boar burger with smoked applewood, shredded duck with roasted fennel and orange dressing, venison burger with plum and raspberry jam, and various other delicacies.

The mains (£9-£14) are more standard whilst uncompromising on quality: the fishcakes are made with oak smoked Manx kipper served with beetroot tartar and caper salsa, whilst the oven baked rainbow trout comes with roasted tomato, fennel and new potato salad.

The Drink
The choice of beer at Album is decent and includes San Miguel, Amstel, and Edelweiss on draught, or bottled Baltica, Moretti and Sol. Prices are a bit steep: nothing goes for less than £3.20 and prices escalate up to £4.30.

The wine list is well described and, together with a good selection of Champagne (six in the £30-£60 range) and sparklers (£15-£18), there are eight whites and as many reds fighting for attention. The prices are surprisingly good: most bottles are sold whole at £12.50-£23 with some large (£4.30-£5.35) and small glasses (£3.10-£3.80) also available. Within the reds, the Nieto Reserve Malbec Menoba and the Sierra Grande Merlot Curico are particularly recommended whilst the white La Revolution Colombard Vin De Pays Des Cotes De Gascogne is very appreciated.

The Last Word
Album is an upmarket pub trying to remain down to earth. It’s good for a pit-stop during a long shopping session, and you’ll surely save some money over any restaurant in the area.

venue information venue map view london review user reviews (1) venue hire