Part of our Best Pubs in London microsite. Is your local listed?
The most famous pub in Victoria — surely — the Albert stands out like the opposite of a sore thumb, entirely surrounded by glassy office blocks. It was the only building on this stretch of Victoria Street to survive the war, and London is all the better for its tenacity.
This isn't a pub to visit if you're a republican. The walls are caked with royal paraphernalia, with the moustachioed prince and his Empire-presiding missus peering down from every corner. The beautiful, dark-wooden bar and partitions feel Victorian, and look out for the bespoke timepiece, which crowns the bar. The beautiful gold-trim ceiling is certainly an original feature.
The Albert is famous, or rather infamous, for its etched glass windows. Back in the naughty noughties, we first commented on the seriously graphic nature of the patterns. We've since heard tour guides point them out to their groups.
This is a Greene King pub, with the usual solid menu and well-kept but unadventurous beer choice. Head upstairs to the Division Bar for a dedicated dining space, with even more royal paraphernalia.
