Albannach

The Hublet and I made our first visit to the UK as Mr & Mrs and I wanted to make the most of our trip by introducing The Hublet to a few restaurants that offered very traditional British food.
There were a few things on my list that i wanted to introduce him to: jellied eels, Cornish pasties, pot noodles, Welsh cakes, steak & kidney pudding, mushy peas, haggis and so on.
As we were planning on staying with friends for a few nights in London, a city that is a massive cultural hotpot, I did some research to find out what restaurants London offered that would help me tick some items off of my list.
I found a Scottish restaurant located near Trafalgar Square that had haggis on the menu, so after a morning of exploring the Tower of London, we made our way to Albannach restaurant for lunch.
The interior was absolutely gorgeous: monochrome and modern, with twists on traditional Scottish influences and symbols, and the bar was a thing of beauty with a stunning range of whiskys on offer. As you walk in the long bar is on the left, the dining area is on your right and towards the back a sweeping set of stairs that lead up to a wide balcony area (unsure if designed for dining or drinking).
The restrooms are also modern and monochrome, with mirrors and stag antlers being all part of the décor theme. There’s a very large bar and dance floor area in the basement level which I’m sure is packed full on Friday nights.
It was late enough in the afternoon that we had missed the weekday lunch rush, and our small group was seated very quickly and the seating manager carefully stored our soggy outerwear and umbrellas.
With it being an unsurprisingly cold, damp and dreary November, we were all in the mood for carbs and comfort.
Between us our party ordered the Cullen Skink soup to start and we all also ordered the Haggis, Neeps & Tatties (Haggis, Swede and Potato) as our main dish. We were after all in a Scottish restaurant, so there’s not much else you really want to order if you’re here for traditional food.
Cullen Skink Soup: made from smoked haddock, leeks & potatoes, this was a really excellent way to warm up from the inside out. Tasty and delicious, with the right balance of haddock flavour that was delicate but constant without overpowering. Even those of us with a fish aversion acknowledged that this was a glorious dish.
Haggis with Neeps and Tatties: this was a modern take on a traditional dish of sheep bits that is usually cooked and served up inside a sheep stomach like a giant bulbous sausage. Albannach instead serve the cooked meat on its own, presumably after being removed from the cooking casing, alongside a portion of mashed potatoes (tatties), covered in a scattering of diced boiled swedes (neeps) and a veal sauce. The meat was incredibly tasty, deeply savoury and perfectly seasoned, paired to perfection with the smooth mashed potatoes, rich veal sauce and the sweet, earthy swede vegetables.
The surprise find of the afternoon was in the drinks menu: a Whisky Beer created exclusively for Albannach restaurant, brewed by Traditional Scottish Ales Ltd. Our server advised that it was a beer brewed with whisky yeast, matured in white oak casks from a distillery, which impart a distinct taste, colour and aroma, all highly whisky reminiscent, to the beer.
This is not the cheapest place to go for lunch or dinner, but this is unsurprising as it is located in a prime real estate location in Central London.
I absolutely loved the tasty modern twist on Haggis, however did not feel that I could truly check it off of my list as it wasn’t quite the traditional dish that I wanted The Hublet to experience.
Albannach is worth a visit simply to experience some excellently executed dishes that showcase some of the best of Scottish cuisine and I would respectfully recommend that you make the time to try the Whisky Beer which is quite simply glorious.

I would highly recommend this place for a cocktail master class! I have been here for drinks too, but it is pricey. But on to the class itself — the bar tenders certainly show off their expertise behind the bar — shaking, stirring, mixing and concocting pure genius in a glass. Not to mention their added anecdotes and humour, adding a whole new level to cocktail making.
The bar tenders demonstrate how to make 3 different cocktails (as the audience gasp in awe at their skills and knowledge). As if tasting the delicious cocktails wasn’t enough (full size glasses might I add, none of these mini «taster» glasses I’ve seen out there), you also get to sample the delicately created canapés (and oh my, what a treat). To conclude the session — you get to play bar tender yourself as you create your own cocktail. It’s no time to be shy, as they will get you moving and shaking just like them. I’ve done both an afternoon and evening session and by far the evening is much better as you get the real «night bar» atmosphere (they dim the lights, crank up the music and allow you to create the cocktail of your dreams). Definitely worth a try!

Dropped in for lunch. Out of all the restaurants in the area We had the misfortune of seeing this place. From some of these reviews, It’s quite apparent some people have never had good food. This place is awful. How does anyone mess up a dish as simple as fish and chips? The fish was a soggy, battered, flavorless mess. The french fries where undercooked and the peas had no flavor. And they has no malt vinegar. How do you not have malt vinegar for fish and chips?
The service was mediocre at best with a server who seemed like he would rather be be doing anything at all other than waiting tables. While trying to have the appearance of being an upscale restaurant, the bathrooms in this place are more of what you would find in a dive bar– smelly, rundown and gross. Run, run away and do no look back!

A friend was in town from overseas and we’d already been out for a while on a Friday night. As we found ourselves near Trafalgar Square, my husband suggested we see if the Albannach was still open as he’d been there before for a whisky event and had enjoyed it.
Oof.
Late at night, the main bit is close and only the «club» below is open. Cheesy music, blaring bass, some of the filthiest women’s toilets I’ve ever seen, and generally just a not very nice environment. Some sweet talking by our friend (and the purchase of a vast amount of whiskies), allowed us to sit upstairs while some in our party worked their ways through whisky tasting flights. At first I thought «yay!» and then we began to enjoy the entertainment of the evening: 2 little mice running around the floor of the dining room. While cute — mice in a restaurant aren’t really my idea of a good thing!
While I appreciate that they let us have a place to sit while the boys drank their whiskies, the rodents ruined it for me.

Just four words: beware of the «pastrami»! Brings disgusting to a new level.

I chose to come to this place because it gives 50% off Gourmet Society card holders.
Located just across Trafalgar Square, its décor is modern and slick, there wasn’t a dress code or anything but my friends felt like the place was a bit fancy and felt a bit under dressed.
Everything on the menu sounded really good and we wanted to try everything, so we decided to get a bit of everything by ordering many starters to share. They didn’t seem to be a fan of that.
Food was really great!
BUT…
It did take more than 30 minutes to make it to our table. I came here on a Wednesday and it didn’t seem like it was super busy or anything, food tastes great.
There was some complimentary bread and butter, that was a nice touch.
The server and other staff were very friendly.
They have a patio area and it would definitely be really nice if you can be sat at the window, the view of the centre of London whilst you enjoy your meal would definitely make you forget how long your food took to get to you.

First up, when we entered we were scooted out of the way by the waiter. Bad sign, we should have taken the hint.
Then, we had a number of mistakes with our order, including others around our table. Their bread tasted like the Tesco supermarket frozen ciabatta from across the road. We waited quite a bit for our meal and when I got my £11.50 burger, it was very ordinary, I would have been better off going to the McDonld’s across the road. The drinks were good but on average the food and the service (and rudeness of he waiters) was definitely not worth it, especially spending £18 per meal. Steer clear and go to the McDonald’s across the road rather for par food but better value (speed and I’m sure less rudeness!).

The Albannach, tucked away just off Trafalgar Square, has all the makings of a good Friday work drinks pub. And if it had welcomed that life with open arms, I’m confident it would be doing roaring business well into the night. However, it has other ideas and dreams of grandeur as a Friday night bar/​club spot and there it falls flat.
Split into a small street level bar and a larger bar/​lounge/​dance area below ground, the Albannach boasts a considerable amount of space. Upon entry, you are sorted to one or the other depending on the size of the group, appearance, and likely level of intoxication. So our mixed group of 6 strolling in after a few hours of cocktails were immediately sent downstairs despite there being space in the bar above. Not a problem, except it was completely empty. I’m not talking there were a few people about, I mean not a soul except the two bartenders poised ready to serve and a DJ blasting tunes in the corner.
To be fair, that suited us just fine and we treated it as a private bar for the next few hours. Old fashioneds were ordered in bulk and with a bit of pressure the DJ consented to play whatever we requested (it wasn’t like anyone was going to complain). We were eventually joined by a Welsh couple and a very happy Russian girl. Combined with our mixed group of Aussies, Saffas, and myself as a pseudo-​American, we had a mini-​UN drinking the night away. Props to the bartenders for whipping up any drink asked in record speed and also some great banter although minus points for luring the Russian away with free booze.
Back to the bar, the layout is elegant and pretty cool so if you have a large group and no need of other people, this could be a good spot to set up shop in. However, if you are looking to mingle and meet new people this is definitely the wrong place. Also, I believe they close before midnight which is another strike against them although you are fairly close to Soho so it could just be a pre-​night out spot, albeit a tad pricey.

Quick glance:
+ chilled out décor
+ great location
+ 50% off food through Toptable available
— expensive otherwise
— variable quality food?
I came here for lunch with two friends from Canada, since they were visiting National Gallery that morning and the restaurant is literally opposite. I also chose this restaurant to show them a «taste of Britain» when I saw traditional dishes like haggis and beef wellington on the menu. Toptable’s 50% off offer made the meal affordable, but I don’t think the quality was that outstanding that I would pay full price for the food there.
I myself had the Cullen Skink to start, which I found to be a bit watery and lacking in heartiness or substance. My main of duck supposedly came with truffled potato cake, although it had no hint of truffle, or perhaps it was completely masked by over-​generous helping of salt from the chef.
My friends both had the beef wellington for main which looked gorgeous, and they both remarked that they had a fantastic meal so perhaps the quality of food vary in quality depending on what you order.
Overall, I was a bit disappointed with the food especially given the price tag, although the ambiance was cool and staff were friendly. We visited on a Sunday during lunch time and it was fairly quiet so there was no rush to get us out of the restaurant, which made for a nice change from the hustle and bustle outside of Trafalgar Square and made it a good place to catch up with friends.

This place was a bust. We came here with the kids and although they have a kids menu, I wouldn’t recommend you bringing them here. In fact, they were the only ones in the restaurant.
The menu was not that appealing to me. I don’t like any kind of cream sauce on my meat unless it’s horseradish, so I asked for the minty hollandaise sauce on the side with my lamb chops. Good call because it was disgusting. Btw, I initially ordered the Albannach Burger rare, but apparently, they don’t serve burgers less than medium-​well in the UK because of a little thing called Mad Cow disease. What’s puzzling is that they will serve a steak rare — even blue. Say what? Aren’t they both from a cow? I decided to go with the lamb grilled very rare.
My son ordered fish and chips off the kid’s menu, but there was some kind of mishap and the kitchen didn’t prepare it. We were told this as they brought out the rest of our meals. You would think that his meal would come out within five to ten minutes of informing us, but it took much longer. It’s deep-​fried food. How long can that take exactly? After asking them two times for the ETA, it finally came out, but he had to wait another five minutes to let it cool down. Not an ideal situation. If you’re going to mess up a meal, make sure it’s not for a child.
When service is poor, it ruins the entire experience. Let me list all the ways in which the service was poor:
1) Although they brought my husband a drink, no one asked me if I wanted one. I wanted a glass of wine, but that didn’t happen.
2) No one came by to fill our water cups once they were empty. I had to ask them after waiting ten minutes.
3) After my husband finished his drink, no one came by to ask him if he wanted another one or any thing else to drink. Isn’t the bar where they make the largest margin?
4) Although they tried to make up for the mishap with my son’s meal by sending out two free desserts, they didn’t ask if we wanted any coffee or apres dinner drinks. Btw, I would have chosen different desserts. In fact, my son ordered a different one on top of what they brought out. They did comp that, as well. They also comped his dinner.
I prefer getting better service than getting comped. It was not an enjoyable experience. The food was so so. The Angry Eater (aka my 8 year-​old son) also gave it two stars. My 9 year-​old daughter (I’ll call her The Adventurous Eater) also gave it two stars. She had the cod.

Was on a date here specifically for the whiskies. Being from Kentucky, I started naming different Kentucky bourbons. We decided to get some Four Roses as my date had never had any. The staff looked at us, physically sneered DOWN at us and said, ‘Oh, do we even have that? It’s Sooooo commercial.’
1) It was on the freaking Whisky menu. 2) They also had Jameson and Bacardi behind the bar, so don’t TELL me about commercial.
Said server made a big huff about trying to find it and continued sneering the rest of the night.
Seriously Albannach, I’ve had some good times here for events but considering this was my first time to just have a drink, I’ll NEVER be back. Not even for the amazing tasting events.

If you love your taste buds, do try the beef wellington! The dish was not only cooked to perfection, but was the size of both my fists (it’s about time I order a dish that is larger than a deck of cards).
The Albannach has very thoughtful waitstaff, fantastic cooks, and the drinks really strong. When I say strong… I mean roll me down the street strong as I sing Mary Poppins!
A wonderful place for a date or to impress clients as the general room is not loud, and should you require privacy there are private rooms, and service is swift. There is a bar in the basement as well, should you decide to do some light dancing.
I will be back again.

Contrary to popular perceptions Scottish cuisine does not just centre around a deep fat frier. Those familiar with Mellis’ cheeses or Crombie’s meats know the potential of Scottish produce.
Unfortunately, I have found Albannach to be distinctly clumsy in its execution and more concerned with creating a tartan pastiche in London than delivering dishes of any real ambition.
Food distinctly mediocre and a barman who couldn’t tell that the Deuchars was off.

We wanted to go to the bar in the Trafalgar hotel but they were doing a private event, so decided to have a drink at Albannach. Sat at the bar… which is rare I think for them to have seating, so that made me happy (reminded me of American bars I’m used to). Had a glass of Kir Royale, yum… they have whiskey list, cocktails list, and wine list to choose from. Cool interior and may go back again but unfortunately didn’t spend enough time to see anything that stands out of this bar.

Took some French friends here at the suggestion of my son, what a great place, they loved it, I loved it my Scottish wife loved it.
Super roast beef and according to the expert the Stuart Grant Haggis was top quality.
The puddings and cheese board were also not to be missed.
Good value, great location and I will be back

Que dire! Tellement à dire. La nuit de la saint Sylvestre 2010. Une soirée qui commence dans la confusion (problème d horaires de courte durée) qui nous vaux d’avoir pou attendre une bouteilles de champagne. Le menu était copieux et de trés bonne qualité. Le personnel était au top. Une super ambiance. Une soirée inoubliable.
That to say! To say so much. The night of the saint Sylvestre 2010. One evening which starts in the confusion (problem D time of short duration) which am worth us to have louse to expect bottles of champagne. The menu copious and of was trés good quality. Staff was in top form. A super environment. One evening unforgettable.

I visited Albannach for a tutored whisky tasting (they run a selection of these). At first, I was a little apprehensive as the room was very full — there seemed to have been some overbooking. However, once we’d all fitted ourselves around the table and the tasting got underway, I had a really good evening.
We tasted six whiskies — five malts and a bourbon. Our tutor (French not Scottish, but clearly passionate about the drink) was interesting and very knowledgeable. He took us through the history and making of the drink as well as how to taste it. With full measures, there was more than enough to taste! As a whisky-​lover, I found plenty to learn, while those who were new to the drink enjoyed themselves too.
The atmosphere was friendly and relaxed. Towards the end, canapes were brought out; these were very good, and provided in generous quantities. I would definitely recommend this tasting, and look forward to trying some of the others in future.

Ended up in the downstairs bar as we were too lazy to queue for cocktails at the Savoy. It’s worlds apart from the American Bar sadly, and we bitterly regretted our decision. Located opposite Nelson column I was expecting this place to be a tourist trap, it wasn’t as bad as that but I wasn’t very impressed.
Being positive, the staff were helpful, and we were served by a man with a silky voice. Unfortunately for us the cocktails weren’t as smooth as he was, they were too sickly sweet for our tastes. For the price at £10 for one drink (inc service), I expect a good strong cocktail that is far less syrupy than what we recieved.
The bar is cavernous, and on this Friday evening there wasn’t much free seating except in the already reserved booths. We grabbed a booth (vacating before the real owners arrived), I found these lacked ambiance and were a bit too echoey and dark.
My tip: Don’t go with barman’s recommendation, wait, he don’t know you like you know you.

I rather enjoyed my first visit to Albannach. My crew and I took over the downstairs bar. The place was cavernous, swishy and a taste of splendour. The darkened surroundings were laden with seating, intimate coves for group conversation and a very well stocked bar. Whiskey is what Albannach is known for, although on this night there were free gin drinks. I went for a dry martini with a twist. My martini came out barely below room temperature. This would be my one black mark on the night.
Albannach is certainly atmospheric and I would be very happy to get filthy drunk, and dance my ass off here.

«Woohoo! As good as it gets!»
Not my words. However, I will say that in this restaurant I ate one of the best steaks I’ve ever had in my life. I don’t say that lightly, either. I’ve had many steaks in my time, indeed some very good ones. Achieving the right combination of factors — like seasoning and the quality and preparation of that bovine flesh, harvested no doubt from the correct area around the animal’s bottom — is an esoteric art mastered only by a few adepts. I’m serious.
Dishes are reasonably priced — if you’re an investment banker or happen to work in the public sector, especially politics. I know that public servants put our money to good use. Incidentally, Neil Kinnock (MEP) was eating there the same time I had that steak, with an entourage of two very smart young women. As a humble professional in the private sector, I couldn’t justify putting this extravagance on expenses. In fact, I probably wouldn’t go there without a Taste London card, which confers a 50% discount on lunch at this exalted venue. Apparently the prices are commensurate with the market-​rate for cuisine of this calibre. The good whisky starts from about £150 per glass, if you’re in the market for a wee dram.
I was there for a quick lunch with an elite selection of work colleagues, among whom one (a Scot) had Cullen Skink, while another (an Estonian as it happens though I doubt it’s relevant) tucked into traditional haggis with neeps and tatties — which I tried and found… delicious doesn’t do it justice… it was «interesting».
If you’re in the mood, there’s a posh night club and bar associated with this place, Doon, which is reccomended.

Excellent Scottish influenced pub fare that has been classed up a bit to match the setting. I thoroughly enjoyed my steak sandwich.
The real story here is the whisky. There selection may not be the best in London, but it is definitely the best in the immediate vicinity. They have a number of rare malts in addition to a great selection of the standbys. They serve in the proper Glencairn glass as well — always appreciated. If I lived in central London, I would be here regularly.