The Albany Reviews Summary

Staff and Service

Pros:

• "Staff were lovely and accommodating especially Inka who took care of us for the night and made sure we had everything we needed."
• "When a small plate was forgotten to bring to the table the waitress apologised immediately and gave us a small treat."
• "Absolutely brilliant atmosphere but what made it very special was Ellie from the staff there who looked after us and made sure we had excellent service and a great meal with some fantastic recommendations."
• "The wait staff were attentive knowledgeable and friendly."
• "All the staff are really nice, young and provide a great service."
• "The staff were amazing super friendly and good craic."
• "Service was prompt, polite, good humoured and just top all round."

Cons:

• "When i found out it was stolen the waitresses seemed quite uninterested and like it wasn't their problem."
• "Not many waiters in the room and was difficult to gain attention."
• "Service was fast and efficient but quality was poor."
• "Very poor experience. After another fifteen minutes, the sandwich hadn't arrived, so I asked for a refund and left."
• "The staff acted like they were just filling in for the evening and their manager hadn't turned up. They seemed as bored as the punters."
• "However there was another person on that night who we bumped into coming out of the disabled toilet... They didn't say a word, didn't smile and gave me a dirty look."
• "After being physically pushed around then verbally abused twice I was shocked to discover it was a member of staff."

Food and Drinks

Pros:

• "I would recommend the sausage and mash, the pie, and the fish and chips."
• "The food was also fantastic - We ordered a buffet and everything was delicious."
• "The place was really nice with amazing food being served."
• "The food was great."
• "The food was on the expensive side but very worth it, the elderflower cocktail was one of the best I've ever had."
• "Food arrived promptly and was very good – a nicely prepared and presented burger with tasty fries."
• "The food was superb. Good value for London."

Cons:

• "They have a vegan burger deal which is £17, but wasn't impressed with that tbh."
• "Felt let down a bit by the food though. It wasn't advertised that there was fennel in the roasts and it was so overpowering."
• "Food arrived burnt and generally tasteless."
• "Gravy was tasteless, processed Yorkshire pudding, burnt parsnips and carrots, unsalted roast potatoes, average roast beef and far too many peas."
• "Fun atmosphere but disappointing food. Have eaten here a few times and whilst the food is tasty, the portions are tiny especially for the price you pay."
• "Very poor experience. At lunchtime, we ordered two club sandwiches. The food took a long time to arrive and they only brought one of the sandwiches."
• "A bit disappointed as my mate and I popped in to specifically enjoy a real ale but on going to the bar there was only one ale on, London Pride, which wasn't very exciting to us so we had to settle for craft beer instead."

Ambiance and Venue

Pros:

• "Excellent venue, especially for the downstairs gigs."
• "Woowww this is an amazing place!!! I totally recommend you to visit this pub."
• "This also had a pretty rowdy atmosphere and vibe which was great for a Friday night."
• "It was really cosy in the pub and there was a lively atmosphere."
• "A buzzing place with a full-on atmosphere... if that's what you're looking for then get there right away for their great food, excellent drinks and sports TV."
• "The pub has hidden corners - in the form of 'The Other Place' - that is located downstairs. This is used as an intimate venue for gigs and events."
• "The Albany is located at the top end of Great Portland Street where Fitzrovia meets Marylebone."

Cons:

• "A bit better sound dampening would be welcome (echoes)."
• "Sunday roast was nice but it didn't have any friendly vibe."
• "The place lacked atmosphere in a way hard to describe. All the charm of an out of the way rail station waiting room."
• "However, having been made to feel unwelcome and that a small dog was an inconvenience, we will not be returning."
• "The low(ish) rating is because of the diabolical state (and smell) of the lavatories which would put a cesspit to shame."
• "But don't call me a 'c-nt' under your breath as I walk away."
• "Only one criticism during my visit... an over full toilet."

Location and Accessibility

Pros:

• "It's very close to the Great Portland Street Underground Station."
• "Its proximity to Euston was also ideal, as we could savour our last beer before heading to catch the train."
• "Great pub just off Regent’s Park if you’re heading central way."
• "Lovely pub very close to Great Portland Street station."
• "Great location just by the underground exit."
• "Conveniently located opposite the tube station this is a popular pub."
• "Popular pub and rightly so, very welcoming. Few meters from great Portland street station so very convenient."

Cons:

• "The manager refused to serve our Canadian colleagues because she wouldn't accept their Canadian driving licenses as proof of age."
• "After an unreasonable decision to ask our colleagues to leave, she asked her staff to not serve us anymore. Not hospitable at all :("
• "We entered the place and asked for a table. We remained seated for over 20 minutes and nobody came to take our order."
• "I use a wheelchair so it was good to see an easily accessible doorway and also an accessible toilet."