After a refurbishment in 2008, The Albion boasts one of the more beautiful interiors in an area crowded with cold bars and spit and sawdust pubs. A great drink menu, including a large number of cocktails, rounds it off nicely.

The Venue
The Albion is an upmarket pub is in the heart of the city, made good by a stunning refurbishment in mid-2008. It has a sophisticated interior design and opulent décor, which is a refreshing change from the many spit and sawdust pubs found in and around this area. Magnificent chandeliers hang from the ceiling and a unique take on wallpaper adorns the walls – a tromp l’eoi of London’s streets, which is really quirky. Comfy banquettes and chairs are available, some with wacky animal prints dotted around for a bit of fun. This theme is followed upstairs into the dining room.

The Atmosphere
The staff at The Albion are really friendly, which is a huge draw for this venue – standing out amongst a sea of pubs and bars in the area – and this, coupled with easygoing pop music playing in background, makes for a very convivial atmosphere. Local office workers are the main punters during the week with tourists and theatre goers as the main visitors at weekends. There are special events each month to keep things interesting, which are a real hit so be sure to get there early.

The Food
There’s a nice, varied food menu offering up non-pretentious, traditional pub grub. Sandwiches start at £4.50 for Somerset brie and chutney. Sharers are from £3.50 for a rustic bread board – an oak smoked salmon platter will set you back £11.50. Salads are £6.50, with a highlight being the hot crispy duck and bacon salad. Starters are from £4.25 for soup of the day; mains include classics like fish and chips with a twist - try Young’s beer battered cod and chips for £7.50. A 10oz rump steak is a very reasonable £13.95. All puddings are £3.95, and include such delights as homemade profiteroles or apple and blackberry crumble.

The Drink
There is a choice of twelve beers and lagers on draft, including Guinness, Fosters and Kronenbourg. A further five are available in bottles, including Light Ale, Budwieser and Corona.

Interestingly for a pub, cocktails are on offer and a wide range of spirits, including premiums – 49 in total! Summer drinks are advertised at £5.95 for a mojito (Bacardi) or a Summer Sapphire as a couple of examples. Wine is from £3.45 a glass, £13.45 for a bottle of Grenache Blanc, rising to £25 for a bottle of French Chablis. Roses are well represented, costing £3.85 a glass or £14.75 for a bottle of Chilean Shiraz. If red wine is more your thing then expect to pay £14.75 for a Zinfandel Shiraz, rising to £25.50 for a bottle of Ad Astra Sangioves. There is also a good selection of Champagnes that are priced from £21.25 for a bottle of Italian Prosecco, rising to £50.50 for a Taittinger Rose Brut NV, which is absolutely delicious.

The Last Word
The owners have pulled out all the stops to make the Albion the pub that it is today. A high-spec decor coupled with the vast drink menu and good pub grub makes this a jewel in the crown of pubs found in this location.

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