Albion (Restaurant)

Top 10 things we learnt about Albion Bankside restaurant when we visited:

1) This deli, café and restaurant has recently opened at the foot of the towering Bankside complex off Southwark Road, just behind the Tate Modern gallery and a short stroll from the multifarious delights of the South Bank.

2) Hot on the heels of its sister venue in Shoreditch, Albion manages to conjure up considerable personality and charm in what could have been a rather soulless new retail space.

3) The café appears to have quickly become a popular muster point for local residents and workers – probably best suited for a quick stop at lunch, but also open for breakfast, dinner and afternoon tea.

4) The Romantic, Olde England connotations of the venue’s name are reflected in the front section of the venue, which is devoted to an assortment of idyllic British ingredients, pastries and ready-to-eat meals at reasonable prices – probably not exactly what William Blake et al had in mind, but pleasing nonetheless.

5) Meanwhile, the restaurant section towards the rear is couched in all-glass walls, with an open-front kitchen and bakery complete with that unmistakable fresh-bread smell – there’s even an outdoor terrace for the more adventurous among you.

6) It becomes clear upon ordering that all ingredients have been carefully selected, using a host of suppliers from Borough Market and beyond, and, while personally, we’re not entirely sold on the prospect of the British wine selection, we're told it’s in high demand.

7) The food is generally tasty and accomplished, from simple salads to heart-warming pies and stews, bookended by almighty fry-ups at breakfast and a selection of decadent desserts.

8) To wash it all down, there’s a veritable smorgasbord of healthy beverages from organic teas to smoothies. Don’t panic though, there is also plenty of wine.

9) Takeaways and hampers are also available, for those hectic souls who are too rushed to sit down, and are just passing through on their way to a business picnic.

10) The lovely, attentive staff alone make Albion a worthy detour from the beaten path of the South Bank, and the food and décor don’t let the side down either....read more