The Albion (Bar)

I’ve lived round the corner from the Albion for four years now but it only came onto my radar in the last few months when the new owner took over. Casually walking past one Thursday I was overwhelmed by the buzz that was spilling out and the raucous laughter and chinking of glasses. I assumed it was a private party but instead discovered that I had been missing out on quiz nights, speed dating events and numerous nights of fun, in my local, just a few steps away from my own front door. This was just an ordinary night in the Albion.

So to impress my friend Nick, who had just moved into the area, I took him along for dinner on a Wednesday night. We arrived around 7.30pm and found it really busy with the cool after-work crowd from the likes of Virgin records, EMI and the numerous publishing houses around the Hammersmith road area.

The owner Chris is only 28 - a cross between a drummer in an indie band and an obviously very talented entrepreneur. Around the bar stood the locals, a middle aged barrister, a group of students and a group of blokes in their late 20's who lived on my road. Along with the bevy of cool music types, everyone co-existed perfectly together.

Chris has got it all just right. Even down to the tunes pumping out from the ipod – the level was good but not intrusive. Hotel California by the Eagles and a spot of Amy Winehouse and Mark Ronson kept the punters happy.

Nick chose to eat the lamb on the specials board and I chose sausage and mash from the daily menu. A glass of reasonably priced Sancerre later and the food had arrived. It was really tasty. Nick’s lamb was well seasoned with more than a hint of rosemary. The portions were a really good size with a perfect balance of solids (mash) to liquids (gravy), and the ratatouille accompanying the lamb was really more-ish. My sausages were cooked to perfection and 3 were just the right amount. Neither of us felt the need to add salt/pepper or accompany it with mint sauce or mustard. Usually I add mayo to everything to it was a credit to the chef that I went it alone!

The staff in the Albion are friendly, the music is great and the place has a really good fun vibe. I’ve signed up for the next speed dating event and I’m coming back in on Sunday to try their roasts. Next time I’m going to get there early so I can reserve my seat in front of the fire. Goodbye Mahiki, hello Albion. I wouldn't be surprised if you found Kate Moss and her gang, celebrating her 35th birthday in here....read more