In the lead-up to my birthday, a friend treated me to Sunday lunch at The Albion Pub in Islington, London N1. This area of North London boasts an abundance of excellent pubs serving roasts, but The Albion truly stands out as exceptional. This beautifully restored Georgian pub is a beloved local institution, featuring cosy wood-panelled interiors and one of the most stunning beer gardens in the area. If you’re searching for the best Sunday lunches in Islington, a pub with a garden in North London, or a dog-friendly establishment, The Albion is the place to be.
“With its history, charm, and excellent food, The Albion is a must-visit for a Sunday roast in Islington,” Homegirl London.
Sunday Lunch Menu at The Albion
We started simply with Toklas sourdough and whipped butter. Other snacks include turkey croquettes with swede ketchup, a black pudding Scotch egg, olives, Cobble Lane charcuterie and taramasalata with radishes. Starters range from red lentil and harissa soup to Brussels sprout and miso salad, homemade ricotta with saffron honey, pheasant rillettes, ham hock and chicken terrine and Secret Smokehouse salmon with caramelised cream cheese. Prices range from £4-17.
Sunday roasts at The Albion are taken seriously. Each plate has crispy roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and a golden Yorkshire pudding. My friend chose the slow-roasted Colne Valley leg of lamb, which was tender and overflowing with rich, slow-roasted flavour.
My partner and I selected the beetroot and chickpea Wellington, the only vegetarian option on the menu. Since I am not fond of beetroot, the kitchen was happy to customise my dish, replacing it with a side of indulgent Montgomery’s cheddar cauliflower cheese instead.
Other Sunday lunch options include a 45-day dry-aged sirloin of beef or half a Suffolk chicken. If you want to share, try the hearty steak, Albion Ale pie, 500g dry-aged Hereford Cross rump, or an 800g forerib. Seafood choices include kombu-cured roast hake with Cullen skink, seaweed, and smoked leeks or a whole 1kg wild seabass served with shellfish bisque, roast potatoes, and cabbage. Mains are £19-62.
Even though the roasts were filling, we couldn’t resist dessert. My partner and I shared the salted dark chocolate ganache topped with dulce de leche, caramelised white chocolate and apple-pecan crumble, served with salted caramel ice cream and custard. Both were delicious.
Our friend chose the sticky toffee pudding with vanilla ice cream, which was comforting, sweet and perfectly balanced. Desserts cost £8-16.
You’ll enjoy selecting your wine from the extensive list or one of their cocktails to accompany your meal.
Helpful Information About The Albion Pub, Islington
Inside, you have cosy pub interiors, but if it’s sunny, you can dine outside in the relaxing garden. You’ll also find seating in the front, a great place for socialising with the locals walking past.
The Albion is at 10 Thornhill Road, Islington, London, N1 1HW. The nearest tube stations are Angel or Highbury and Islington. The pub is open from 12 pm to 11 pm Monday to Saturday, and from 12 pm to 10.30 pm on Sundays. The kitchen serves food from 12 pm to 3 pm and 6 pm to 9.30 pm on weekdays, from 12 pm to 9.30 pm on Saturdays, and from 11.30 am to 9.30 pm on Sundays. I highly recommend making a booking, as it gets jam-packed. For complete information and menus, visit The Albion website.
If you want to explore the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Ten Things To Do On Upper Street London N1
Ten Reasons To Visit Islington Square London
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. I only write about eateries where I had a good experience. I recommend you do further research as standards fluctuate, as do opinions. Please check if the establishment is still in business and the opening times before you go. If you discover this restaurant has closed, contact me to remove it from my blog.
