please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Final stop in Twickenham last night was the Prince Albert. Our main reason for a visit was to try the Thai food, which was very tasty. Fuller's ales were London Pride, ESB & Oliver's Island. I opted for the guest ale, which was Big Smoke Cosmic Dawn. A few were in watching the Manchester City Champion's League game. Our meal was spicy, but nice. The only disappointment was that we never received any change from the bill. The Thai kitchen and waiting staff seemed more intent on closing up the kitchen and finishing for the night. I'd probably give it another try though.
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Fullers pub with a very convenient bus stop directly outside. On entering, there was a very tempting smell of oriental food. I initially thought it was Chinese. But it was in fact Thai. Ales are all from Fullers - Olivers Island, Pride, ESB & Ninety. Bar staff were friendly. European Championship football was on the TV. Not bad for a Fullers pub. But I did move on to the superior Sussex Arms after not too long.
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Always good and pleasant service here, with plenty of bar staff. You never have to wait long and the "Pride" is tip top.
The Thai food is lovely and the portions generous. I'd rather eat here than in any Thai restaurant.
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Lovely, friendly pub with reasonable prices. Sunday lunchtimes refreshingly free of the hordes of screaming brats you find in "dining" pubs. Having said that, the Thai food is great
A proper pub - my favourite in Twickenham
Well done Fullers
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Amaaaaaazing Thai food, other than that it's a fairly cozy but standard local Fullers pub
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How a pub should be with the added bonus of great Thai food.
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Pretty standard Fullers pub. Sells and looks like what you would expect but the bar staff are friendly and the atmosphere is quite nice. There was a band but it was next to impossible to hear them. Something to do with an annoying neighbour. Well worth checking out though if you cannot get a seat at the nearby Sussex Arms. It does have a Thai restaurant on the premises but have yet to try it but it does smell great.
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Nice friendly local with very good service from attractive barmaids of different nationalities. Excellent pint of "Pride", although not cheap at �3.55.
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It's not the Sussex Arms just round the corner (but what is?) but have to say this is a thoroughly decent place in its own right. Only had beer but the Thai food looks superb. Keeps a more than decent pint of Fullers and have Sky. Good.
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service 8/10
value for money 6/10
housekeeping 9/10
ambience 6/10
seems to have lost a lot of regulars to a local indepedant
live music worst ive ever heard
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Only been a few times but this is a good pub and the Thai food is one of the best I've ever had. Was heaving on the last Friday we went. Every time I went to the bar the person next to me struck up a conversation which is a good sign of a friendly place. 8/10
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ivor beer back in the area
service 8/10 has lowered since last visit
house keeping 6/10
value for money 8/10
hospitality 4/10
pubs gone down hill since last visit
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This has to be on of the best pubs me and my partner have ever visited. We had such a great night last Friday I had to post a review. We drove past by chance and popped in to catch the second half of the England match. We live near Strawberry Hill and I have drove past a few times but never popped in.
From outside the pub does not look like much but when you get inside you are greeted by friendly staff and a warm atmosphere with candles and plants and very friendly customer faces. The restaurant was packed with bookings so next time we come we will book.
We watched the match on the patio which was packed, it was covered and had heaters but inside they had 2 large plasma TVs also. Everyone was in the good spirit and the staff did everything to make sure we were served quickly and our table was always clean.
We stayed until 12am! We had great time and this might have to become my new local!!!!
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Last three times we have been here the Thai restaurant has put 'reserved' notices on all the tables in the back part of the pub (adjoining the restaurant but not part of it) despite the fact that nobody actually turned up to these 'bookings' all night on any of these occasions. Will now be drinking elsewhere, as don't want to pay nearly 15 quid a round to stand up!
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Popped into here after playing cricket on nearby Twickenham Green. Nice pub. Good Pride although not quite to the top of the glass. Friendly staff but the whole experience was soured by the awful smell in the garden and in the pub from the Thai restuarant. Pity really as it is a good traditional pub. Walked to The Prince Blucher on the other side of the Green which is also a good Fullers pub with good pride.
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Completely inoffensive, welcoming local with a pleasant, helpful service. Decent Chiswick (which i wish more Fuller's pubs would serve) and perfectly acceptable (though perhaps not inspirational) thai food.
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I had high hopes for The Albert but found both the Pride and then the Chiswick disapointing and the staff, though numerous, were indifferent. After both pints had failed to please and with Twickenham Festival approaching I checked with staff, aparently the manager "has been busy" and nothing is planned. I'll call in again a couple of weeks when the festival is on but am preparing myself for a walk up the road.
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It's gratifying to see people interested in the quality of the Pride: this is the single most important criterion on which I judge a Fuller's pub. I can report that the landlord not only runs a tight ship but looks after the Pride, and they certainly turn over enough of the stuff ! Pleasing too are regular guest ales: not only have they had London Porter and the new Hock mild on tap in past months but I've even had 1845 (not encountered on draught since I toured the Fullers brewery some years back). Last but certainly not least: the FABULOUS Thai food (and they do traditional English food too, and can be pretty busy on Rugby days at Twickers, during which you are advised to book a table). My favourite Fuller's pub.
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Friendly, unpretentious Fullers pub situated on the main Hampton Road just past Twickenham Green.
An attractive looking green tiled exterior - note particularly the tiled saloon bar entrance at the side - leads into a pub that has evidently been opened out in the past, but still retains a reasonably traditional and pubby feel.
There's distinct areas - a small bare-boarded public bar type area at the front and a larger more comfortable carpeted area behind which leads through to a highly regarded and well established Thai restaurant.
The walls are decorated with some rugby pictures / photos, including a signed photo of the England Rugby World Cup Team 2003. There's also a fine framed painting of the pub towards the rear. Note also the glazed glass within the bar back - "J Wiffen, Spirit Merchant" - reflecting a former owner of the pub.
At the back, accessed through the Thai restaurant, is an outside grassy seating area. There's also some seats at the side of the pub under canvas with their own TV screen.
On my recent early Wednesday evening visit, the pub was surprisingly busy with a high proportion of people occupying stools round the bar, helping give the pub a more pubby local feel than is usual in most Fullers pubs.
On the beer front, the Chiswick - � 2.85p - was in good form. I noticed that the Fullers 1845 was available on draught. The pub is listed in the current CAMRA Good Beer Guide 2010.
This is a good honest pub, worth dropping in on if passing by.
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Used to drink here a lot in the early '80's as the Blucher was keg, Heaving on a Friday and Saturday( no, not that type of heaving). Havn't been for a while as I've moved to Hampton but the R70 stops right outside maybe I'll start again
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Hi everyone - haven't been in for a while, but miss it terribly. Has the landlord changed? How's the Pride; is it okay now?
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Hi everyone - haven't been in for a while, but miss it terribly. Has the landlord changed? How's the Pride; is it okay now.
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Solid, friendly Fullers pub that seems to draw a good local trade. Live music on at least some weekends, regulars may be able to advise if this is a weekly fixture. Bus stop immediately outside to inspire bold requests for a cheeky 'last pint of the night' for those like myself living on the other side of town!....Recommended
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Who's this gpdrinker *******head?
On 9th December 2008 I meant to say "****ING" FIRE! To protect sensitive souls, of course.
When's the next beer festival?
L&k
XXX
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drunkintheevening - its fairly simple to meet people in this place, simply tell them you like to smoke the weed, snort the coke, and you are well in
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Don't know any of the locals here, but there is always a great atmosphere in this pub. Beer is also good and the take outs are far too dangerous.
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Having posting several dreadful reviews about the Prince Albert. I can sincerely say that since the new manager took over a couple of months ago this pub has gone from strength to strength! Great beer and fantastic Thai food and excellent service. Well done Fullers! The Christmas decorations this year are outstanding, well worth a visit. I would definitely recommend this pub and it is now definitely my favourite local.
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Went in this pub last night ( Friday) for the first time in about 25 years! I was very impressed with the bar staff, as I was served immediately by a friendly chap who really knew how to do his job, even though the pub and bar was heaving. Ken runs a good show as far as that is concerned. HOWEVER - as a proper real ale lover, and I mean proper, I really was disappointed with the London Pride. There was something about it that was not right. If I was scoring the pub for the Pride alone it would get 5/10. If I was a lager drinker scoring the pub as a whole and ignoring the Pride then it would get about 8/10. So my overall score will be about 6.5/10.
It is in this years Good Beer Guide but I'm not sure why. On last nights evidence it doesn't deserve to be. I have been to plenty of other pubs who are never in the guide where the ale is much better. Ken really needs to get this aspect of his pub sorted out. Try talking to the landlord of another Fullers pub, the Brewery Tap in Brentford.
I would recommend the Albert as a pub, but not if to real ale drinkers.
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You can say all you like about Ken - how 'approachable' he is, his 'prestigious' award, et al, but I'm afraid that's all irrelevant. It's the beer that counts and it's simply not up to scratch nowadays. If it's your husband who drinks Pride then perhaps he should post a comment, not you. As it happens, I have complained and returned quite a few pints but the replacements were no better so reluctantly I have given up with the pub until things improve. The simple fact is that the previous manager(s) served beer in better condition and that's that.
BillJ - 28 Sep 2008 22:24 |
Also to charliebear - who posted the last review on the 19th Sep 2008 you also posted a review about this pub on 26th Dec 2007 complaining that the staff were completely inattentive, & staff didn't know what a light and bitter was and the toilets are still disgusting. This was when the old couple was still running the pub? ANd now you want the old couple back?
You also said you would be drinking elsewhere in the future?.............. so the old couple who ran the pub had inattentive, untrained staff and kept disgusting toilets but the beer was great! Is anyone thinking what I am thinking? nit-picker
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Well actually you have both got it wrong.... If you are a TRUE regular in the pub like me partner you will read the monthly newsletter in the Pub. The new landlord called Ken, well not so new, he has been here 7 months I think. Ken was awarded Master Cellar man. This is the first time a manager achieved this at the Prince Albert. This is clearly because of all the hard work Ken has put into the pub. You would have also read in the newsletter that the Prince Albert also gained entry in the prestigious Master Cellar Man of the year competition. It was one of 33 pubs out of 360 pubs to have gained entry into the competition, (Quoting from newsletter)
Ken is a great manager and great guy and anyone who knows him knows what pride he takes in his job, he is also very approachable� all the regulars agree how approachable Ken is. So my suggestion would be if you have a problem with your pint just talk to Ken and I am sure he would sort it out and look into it for you. It has got to be easier than posting a useless reviews.
But to all you reading this, just listen to all the other reviews online and ignore the bee�s in people bonnets, it is true, the Prince Albert has become a lovely pub since Ken took over you will have a excellent pint, and if you don�t just have a word with Ken, but in 7 months my husband has never sent a pint back, he is drinking more Pride than ever, lol!
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Yes, you're not the only one that noticed! The previous young couple who ran the Albert kept excellent ale, I think they were even in the good beer guide two years in a row, come on Fullers, what are you playing at??
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I've been drinking in the Prince Albert on and off for over 25 years, and have always had good beer, until lately that is! I don't know why, but for the last few months the Pride has not been in perfect condition. It seems to have deteriorated since the change of landlord - coincidence or not? Has anybody else noticed?
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I never knew who ran this pub before but I know the pub was so filthy before the new land lord came in, absolutely dirty; maybe the cleaner has been changed or maybe the new landlord has higher standards.
The toilets were always atrocious, never any toilet paper or soap and always smelling of urine. The staff was always gossiping with each other at the end of the bar and now the service is fantastic.
It is definitely a different pub now and not because of candles or plants but because of cleanliness and attitude of staff and ambience and beer garden, I love going there for lunch with the family and sitting in the sun.
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It's not so much turned the place around, because H and Nadia really had this place working well but it wasn't their kind of pub. Notwithstanding this, Ken has really made big efforts, particularly with the additions of plants, candles etc. We continue to drink here because we like it, not because it is local, because for many years we didn't drink here because it wasn't great and we travelled away for our 'local'.
The food continues to be great, but the special starter dish could be changed perhaps, less packaging and more filling? The mains are excellent, as always, and such good value.
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I agree, the new landlord has really turned this place around. The atmosphere in the Thai restaurant is now delightful, the beer garden is now clean and full of beautiful plants and flowers. I had such a pleasant night with my partner and the toilets were for once clean in the whole 5 years I have been going there! Will definitely be making another visit!
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The new landlord is Ken Maguire, formerly of Latymers, Hammersmith. The beer is good, the food should be too if it is up to Ken's previous place's standard, and there is music: Kindred Spirit and Catherine Paver on this night, providing good atmosphere.
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This place has a new landlord who has started recently. He has an excellent track record within this Fullers area and will bring a welcome improvement to the service of an already lovely pub. Strong recommendation!
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What a lovely place.Me and family visited here to eat in their Thai restaurant (which was delightful).Afterwards we sat in the huge beer garden and relaxed with the fantastic beer, The London Pride was top notch. The atmosphere was fantastic and overall it was just such a pleasant night in a pleasant pub, Clean,spacious,great staff, what more could you ask for. Will definately be making another visit!
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This pub is one of the very few where there is excellent customer service. Staff are on the ball expecially a particular member of staff was very helpful. i will definately be visiting again telling my friends.Great pub. Great beer.
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very disappointed on my last visit. The staff were completely unattentive, chatting with each other at the end of the bar. Had to shout to get attention from the staff the girl who served me didn't know what a light and bitter was and seemed to think that I was being rude although I had waited for several minutes to be served.
If this is how Fullers want to run their pubs then I will be drinking elsewhere in the future.
And the toilets are still disgusting
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Just that little bit further away from the town centre, so avoids the masses of non-local rugga fans on a match day. It's full of middle-aged grumbly local rugby fans instead.
The beer should be great, but rarely is. Only the Honeydew is consistent - i'm sure there's some "science" reason that's way beyond my comprehension as to why all real ales can't be served in this nitro-pumped manner - right temperature and always good quality.
The drains are creating a vile stemch that fills the room between tha main bar and restaurant. The customers know, the staff know, the manageers know and Fullers know, but no-one can be bothered to do anything about it, dispite people continually voicing concerns.
My advice to customers is simple, go to the Blucher til it's sorted out!
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Good to see the full range of Fullers on draft - the Chiswick is always very drinkable. Warm feel to the place - shame about the stink from the vicinity of the toilets.
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Visited on Saturday after the rugby and discovered they have a large, secluded, beautiful beer garden out the back that I've never noticed before! Lovely pub - friendly staff and the beer is good.
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Has always been a really popular pub and beer is always good. Attracts all sorts and has good staff.
awino - 18 Feb 2007 20:34 |
Was in the Albert on Saturday night, and I must admit to having a thoroughly enjoyable evening!! Although there was nowhere to sit (due to the earlier rugby) I had a decent pint of pride and took in the free live music(which wasn't mind shatteringly loud as some other pubs in the area insist on having music). Bar staff were friendly and pleasent, and although quite busy, were efficent and kept the pub looking tidy. Will definately be making a return visit!
Keep up the good work!
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Another Fullers shop whose beer is less of a shop window than they would surely wish. All beers are served cold and had plenty of condition. However the taste was not good and I tried Discovery, Pride and Chiswick.
Not being a cellarman I can only assume as the beer was in good condition that the barells had not settled - or maybe Fullers don't brew em like they used to so long since I had a stellar pint. Regardless I cannot help wonder if the excessive coldness of the beer is to cover imperfections in the beer.
Nice pub beer aside but I go for the beer as I can watch Football anywhere.
Oh and the Toilets reeked of a foul odour.
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first visit on Sat night - obviously had been recently redecorated (lovely smell of paint), but quite friendly and good ESB
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No doubt it will pick up again in the summer,must admit to having a few nice weekends in their garden,regardless of the management.
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Never wish old managers back - otherwise "bring back Bongo and his mates". Good beer served well - wot else does anyone want from a local??
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Its gone downhill since Bernard left. I was in on Saturday for the football and I couldn't wait to leave. Mind numbing with an atmosphere more like the moon
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The exterior looks good but once inside it is a big disappointment. Looks like it could do with a good clean. The Thai restaurant in the rear of the pub is ok at best. Poor location. Go to Kings Arms instead.
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Looks like it will be nice but once inside it's like a working men's club - seems to be populated entirely by knackered-looking men in their 50s standing round the bar in droves smoking like chimneys and laughing at their own jokes. Not one single female, it seems, just 50 haggard blokes. It's Ok nearer the back and staff always excellent but overall not a great pub really due to mix of people(ie there's no mix at all).
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Thai meal was dissappointing and quite tasteless. Had to send back one starter of fishcakes but they were very apologetic and replaced them with another starter. Average.
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Where are Bernie and Angela? What a difference a couple of weeks and new management can make! New managers are just too inexperienced to run what used to be a great pub. Fullers what are you doing?
anonymous - 22 Aug 2005 19:59 |
Went for a Thai meal in here the other week. It was alright. Service was good. Nothing special though.
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A big pub, a bit off the beaten track for Twickenham, hidden on the wrong side of the green.
Worth a visit.
TheGP - 20 Mar 2005 18:32 |
Excellent Chiswick, good atmosphere & staff, big but feels cosy.
DeviousDave - 6 Nov 2002 08:48 |
