The Albion, Barnsbury

Every time I pass this pub on my way home from work, I smile. It's utterly gorgeous both inside and out. It's like a little cotswold hideaway in a street that bears no relation to London. Unfortunately, on the occasions when I actually go in, I rarely leave smiling. The rudeness of the bar staff - and I refer especially to the managers - is quite breathtaking. After spending 10 years behind a bar myself I always make an effort to be pleasant and uncomplaining with bar/restaurant staff - I'm never difficult and I always ask for things with a nice smile. If only they could extend the same courtesy to me! You know when someone is so rude to you that you are smarting for the rest of the day? You replay the conversation in your head and can't believe the injustice of it? That has been my experience, every single time I've been there. I just don't understand it. It's such a lovely pub - do the owners know how bad their staff are I wonder?

8 Apr 2009 16:04