The Albert, SW1

This was the Blue Coat Boy, rebuilt in 1864 and named – unsurprisingly – after Victoria’s recently dead husband. This is rather a splendid pub, with fantastic etched glass windows, majestic plasterwork ceiling, a very fine bar with red lino inlay and pot shelf, surmounted by a clock. The floor is bare boarded and a there’s a snug of sorts to the rear, with ordinary furniture. There’s a slightly raised area to the front with normal furniture, otherwise it’s a mix of tall furniture to the centre, with normal furniture and black studded banquettes to the left-hand side. This was a substantial step up from the usual GK offerings, as for once, they were outnumbered by ales people might look forward to drinking: Abbot, GK IPA, Landlord and either Wimbledon’s Copper Leaf or Naked Ladies at £2.75 a half and nice. This is definitely above average GK pub, showing just what the company can do when it puts its mind to it, certainly worth visiting if in the area, but inevitably the transient commuter and tourist customers don’t make for a great atmosphere.

A very fine looking building surrounded by the new,the etched glass windows are impressive.Once inside the ground floor is now open plan with banquettes at either end ,although there is a raised area to one side below a flatscreen for BT and Sky Sports although thankfully mute on my lunchtime visit.It's worth exploring because to the right side there is a sunken snug with green leather bound high benches, away from the main throng.The L shaped bar has two ranks of 6 handpumps all serving the same ale range.Being a GK tied house ,the deal here seems to be as many guests as there are GK brews which meant a choice of GK IPA,Old Speckled Hen and a house Albert Tavern Ale with guests Doom Bar,Wadworth's 6X and St Austell Tribute (NBSS 3).Hardly a selection to get the pulse racing. It really is worth investigating the Victoria Bar upstairs.On the rise there are pictures of Prime Minister up until John Major,while the first floor room has a terrific gold embellished plasterwork ceiling ,a lot of wood panelling and classy drapes,it's own small bar with a single GK IPA handpump,and chandeliers.The deal here is that you can just drink at the high tables,while the lower level dining tables are reserved just for diners.However the menu is the corporate GK with pictures of the food,with a London weighting on the prices,the Fish & Chips are £13.79 in here . Better than I was expecting given the GK signage,the ale selection is however boring which may inhibit a long stay.