The Bridge Room at The Prince Albert review
Right at the edge of Albert Bridge and sitting at the gates of Battersea Park, this gem of a pub in Battersea is in a superb location. With its interior design well and truly up to date and with mega cool and friendly staff, it’s a laid back place for celebrations of all kinds. The Prince Albert is, as the owners proclaim themselves, where kitsch meets country house and we couldn’t put it better ourselves. Passing through the bar to the staircase and you can’t fail to notice quirky and cute decorative touches, from wellies at the window to black chandeliers to rustic country fabrics. Above all, in the traditional rustic manner wood is everywhere. Looking handcrafted, au natural and well loved it is the very chairs and tables that give the place personality.
It bodes well for things to come and indeed, on heading up to the private dining room on the first floor the furnishing is akin to downstairs but with its own idiosyncratic flourishes. In the Bridge Room, the wallpaper demands attention the moment you step through the doors. Bold black outlines of dogs, dogs and more dogs are splashed across the wall and look simultaneously magnificent and comical. Certainly at the Prince Albert, the designer’s tastes are tongue in cheek, brave and all the more fabulous for it. Chandeliers hang from the ceiling and comfortable armchairs line up along next to animal print cubes and velveteen sofas. Baskets jump out from shelves, earthenware adorns the fireplace and modern floral cushions rest on seats. Gorgeous plasterwork decorates the ceiling and cornice in fresh white whilst the plasterwork of the lower wall is deep shocking purple. It is a cacophony of style carried out with great panache and yet it merges to become a countryside-esque and relaxing space. Quite an achievement and a design space to enjoy.
The private dining room is spacious and with great arched windows that overlook the pretty Battersea park mere metres away. 80 guests can be sat and up to 120 standing. Tables will be brought in or removed according to your preference for small groups or one large banquet style table. A mismatch of wooden and fabric covered chairs sit proudly in the room and a plasma screen and I-Pod dock are available for use. You even have your own private proper bar, a real true pub item which is stocked with an impressive array of drinks. And finally? Your own private smoking terrace, why of course. Complete with 2 plastic cows (don’t ask) and spacious enough for a good dozen guests at a time, it’s a lovely way to bring the outside breeze in during these long summer evenings.
You only need to step foot in the Prince Albert to appreciate the chilled atmosphere and pleasurable venue. With superb quality pub fare, an ideal location and innovative décor to be had, you’ll lap up this private dining room in Battersea and all it and its team have to offer.