The Albert

Just what London needed - another pub claiming to be a proper local's haunt while secretly harboring aspirations of gastropub greatness. The Albert sits there, all innocent-looking, pretending it hasn't noticed the waves of gentrification lapping at its centuries-old doorstep. I approached with the same enthusiasm I reserve for dental appointments, fully expecting yet another mediocre attempt at balancing traditional pub charm with modern expectations.

I was wrong. There, I said it. And I'm as shocked as anyone.

The thing about The Albert is that it somehow manages to pull off what countless London pubs have tried and failed to achieve - authenticity without trying too hard. While other establishments practically scream "WE'RE A PROPER PUB, LOOK AT OUR DELIBERATELY UNPOLISHED BRASS FIXTURES," The Albert just... exists. It's like that effortlessly cool person at a party who doesn't need to announce their presence.

The outdoor seating area in the back feels like stumbling upon a secret garden, if said garden were populated by contentedly tipsy Londoners instead of fairies. It's the kind of space that makes you forget you're in the middle of a metropolis, despite the occasional siren reminder that you are, indeed, still in London.

Let's talk about their Thursday burger night, because apparently, I'm now the type of person who gets excited about themed food evenings. The burgers are what pub food should be - substantial without being pretentious, flavorful without requiring a dictionary to decipher the menu. They're priced in that sweet spot where you don't feel like you're being robbed but also aren't suspiciously cheap enough to make you question your life choices.

The beer selection deserves special mention, if only because it managed to impress even my chronically disappointed palate. They've struck that elusive balance between craft options for the beard-stroking enthusiasts and proper traditional ales for those who just want a reliable pint. The staff actually knows their products too, which is refreshingly different from the blank stares you get at some places when you dare to ask about hop profiles.

What's particularly annoying is how genuinely friendly the staff is. I tried - really tried - to find that forced cheeriness that plagues so many London establishments, but no. They're just... nice. Authentically nice. It's infuriating how they've managed to maintain that increasingly rare quality of genuine hospitality.

The interior manages to be cozy without falling into the trap of manufactured quaintness. Yes, there are the obligatory dark wood features and worn leather seats, but they feel earned rather than installed by a corporate design team trying to create "atmosphere." The lighting is dim enough to be atmospheric but bright enough that you can actually read the menu without employing your phone's torch function - a surprisingly rare achievement in London's pub scene.

They take cards (including contactless), which shouldn't be noteworthy in 2025, but anyone who's ventured into London's pub scene knows this isn't always a given. They're also dog-friendly, which means you might have to share your space with various four-legged critics - generally better company than some of the two-legged variety you'll find in more pretentious establishments.

For groups, they actually have the space and sense to accommodate without making everyone feel like sardines in a particularly cozy tin. You can reserve tables too, which is a blessing for anyone who's tried to orchestrate a casual meet-up in London without proper planning.

Look, I didn't want to like The Albert. I arrived armed with my finest skepticism and a notebook ready to be filled with witty criticisms. Instead, I found myself reluctantly adding it to my list of places I recommend when people ask for a "proper London pub." It's maintained its soul while adapting to modern expectations - no small feat in a city where character often gets sacrificed on the altar of profitability.

If you're in London and seeking a pub that remembers what pubs are actually for - good drinks, comfortable atmosphere, and genuine hospitality without the instagram-bait trappings - The Albert is worth your time. Just don't tell too many people. Some secrets are better kept among friends, even if this one's already out of the bag.