The Albion, Barnsbury

I spent a fair few quid here on Monday night on food and wine for 2. While the quality of the food looked excellent, I was disappointed with the veggie options. One starter (please � no more goat�s cheese!) and one main course. The main course of Spring Veg Pie was largely just a pea pie with a few green beans and spuds thrown in. While it was tasty, at �10 it was well over-priced and not worth it. And I think The Albion needs to worry about the Trade�s Description Act, since when does a scattering of leaves (and I mean a small handful) constitute a mixed side salad!? The meat dishes looked much better VFM, the side dishes generous enough and the 3 times cooked chips were sublime!
The biggest disappointment however was that the bar staff didn�t know anything about the wine on their lavishly priced wine list. At almost 30 quid for a bottle of white wine, he was unable to tell me anything about it � dry, sweet, oaked, Chardonnay � he knew nothing and when you are forking out that much money it�s not on. I quite like the d�cor though all that green is over-kill. As my boyfriend said, �it�s like sitting in the Wizard of Oz�s waiting room�.

3 May 2007 10:51

The Cat's Back, Wandsworth

My favourite pub in London. I have been going here for years and I only hope that the new build flats - sorry, apartments - don't change the clientele too much. Part of the charm of the Cat's Back is the mix of customers, from old geezers in cravats at the bar, folks with dogs, trendies, the whole gambit. The bar staff are wonderful and very friendly. I don't drink bitter but have heard complaints about the quality in the past. However, they know how to pour a decent pint of Guinness and the food's great too. A very fine pub indeed.

3 May 2007 10:37