Albertine

Dusty old gems such as Albertine are an increasing rarity in these days of glossy, fancy-pants wine bars – more’s the pity. Rickety old tables, faded prints of wine trivia, & a mix of cream & brown paintwork add to the antiquated charm, as date-night couples & revellers sip tasty tipples under flickering candlelight. The short menu offers good-value comfort food: start with celery & Stilton soup or smoked duck salad, move on to lasagne & finish with sticky toffee pudding – you’ll get change from £20. The cheeseboard is also worth a go, so pick three specimens for £7.40 & order something sweet to drink alongside them.
WINE LIST: The wine list at Albertine covers a huge range of wine styles, with many under £30, & getting on for 90 wines available by the glass. Every wine has a short & helpful. BEST BUY WHITE 2009 Cape Chamonix, Sauvignon Reserve, Franschhoek, South Africa, £30.90. BEST BUY RED 2007 Château Ksara, Reserve du Couvent, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, £22.50.