Opening early for cheap breakfasts, the Albert is anything but blind to tourist business; note, especially, the customised tankards for £15.95. Still, any Londoner should feel at home amid the frosted glass and beautifully carved wood of this ornate Victorian landmark.
Set between Parliament and New Scotland Yard, it plays up to its history: portraits of past PMs line the staircase up to the carvery, and photos of sundry leaders and royals dot the back area around the fireplace.
The spacious main bar specialises in familiar but well-kept British ales, among them London Pride and Greene King’s IPA. Standard wines are also provided: bunches of grapes form the motif on the original light fitting. The solid main dishes won’t win any awards; puddings come straight from Mrs Beeton’s Book of Household Management.