Albert (The), London

The Albert is a two-story pub/restaurant located on a busy London street (Victoria) right in the heart of what's happening. We found it by accident while sightseeing and walking to Victoria from Buckingham Palace. The pub itself is downstairs and when we went, (Fri. night), very crowded, with all kinds of interesting people watching. There were older men in business suits as well as the Bohemian types. Seating downstairs include a neat bay window area that overlooks the street and a fireplace located in the back by the impressive bar. We'd really come to eat, and were the first persons to be seated in the restaurant upstairs. For a very reasonable price, we chose a two course dinner, which in American parlance means main course with sides and dessert. We chose the turkey carving- it's kind of an upscale cafeteria kind of thing- served with our choices of side dishes. Very good... basic food. For dessert, the apple pie with ice cream was big enough for two, although I ate it all myself, and libations flowed freely- (thanks to Norman, who adopted us American tourists) Atmosphere was very friendly, and waitstaff would stop to chat if they had time.