Albannach, Whitehall  

Not too long ago, the image of a Scottish drinking experience in Trafalgar Square consisted of the Tartan Army, beered up in the fountains, following a raid on Wembley. That's all a far cry from the experience on offer at Albannach. The closest London (and possibly Scotland) gets to a Scottish style bar, this former Aberdeen Angus Steak House is a grand affair, with prices that'll have you reaching deep into your sporran (though it has to be said, the Deuchars was perfectly kept and almost justified its £3.80 price tag). If whisky is your thing, you have to give this place a look: the selection here is arguably the best in London (and if you have twelve grand to blow the 1937 Glenfiddich might catch your eye). Or you could opt for the upstairs dining space - where else will you find a menu which offers Scottish canapés? True, Albannach isn't a pub, but a merry time was had when we passed by (though the downstairs cocktail bar seemed busier than the main ground floor bar). We did wonder though that with all the swish furnishings, the owners couldn't invest in one of those new fangled ayepods...

reviewed:
12/05/2006

pub features:(click on an icon to see an explanation)

separate dining area

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