| Name | Owner | Neameology | Rating | Map |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Albion Taverna | Shepherd Neame | yes | 6 | Google Maps |
Rhys' Review
The Pub
The Albion Taverna is a pub which has a promising name - literally meaning the tavern of Britain. It is one of the further pubs from Faversham high street, but not too much of a trek.
We visited around 2:30pm, and since it’s winter the sun was already starting to set. We still decided to sit down outside in order to see the Standard Quay, even though at this time of year it looks a bit of a mess…
The atmosphere in the pub is more restaurant-like than pub-like, which isn’t to say it’s bad, however it’s not quite the experience one hopes for when going to a pub.
Drinks
I had a Kentish Pip craftsman cider - it was decent, but did cost me almost £6, a bit steep for today.
My friend had a Christmas Ale - he said it was very good, although had far too much sediment, as you can see below. His pint set him back a more standard £5.
Food
We didn’t try the food in the Taverna, since the cheapest main available was £17. This put us off ordering, although it did smell delicious! They serve mainly Mexican food and have quite good reviews from others.
Overall, the Albion Taverna is a fairly standard Shepherd Neame pub - slightly expensive drinks, not a massive amount of character, but with some brilliant drinks available, mostly brewed locally. The worst part however of the visit: when returning our glasses and thanking the barman, I was ignored!
Jack's Review
Location and Interior
The Albion Taverna, a strong name that secretes patriotic fervor. Will it do its name justice? Or like a political party, be little more than a soulless machination of ineffectual grandstanding? First, we must consider location. Situated on the banks of the River Fav, patrons are greeted with the sight of the Shepherd Neame brewery. As the air lingers with a hoppy tinge, one is left to contemplate how the company has affected Faversham, to what extent does a business go from being local to corporate; has Neame lost its roots? A question for another post perhaps. Alas the view is undoubtedly extraordinary, no other Faverpub rivals this. Although the reader must pay heed, the interior is ghastly. Lacking anything unique, the décor is substandard and unimaginative. All it would take is a short walk to the local antique shop and £200, this is not a job for Liberty or Harrods. I would recommend they expand their forward exterior seating; the majority is behind the pub giving drinkers a lovely view of the car park, useful for a town such as Sandwich or Headcorn, respectively filled with groups of tenebrous youths or ridden with criminals who wander, eyeing any catalytic converters, but luckily not for Faversham. Yet. I have mixed feelings on the exterior architecture, it reminds me of a car park in Whitstable. I don’t like that car park but for some it may feel appropriate for the Standard Quay. I would perhaps change the colour to avoid it being mistaken for corrugated iron, reminiscent of the Third World. The seats are uncomfortable and childlike. This must change.
Drinks
It has to be said the drink selection is rather impressive for a Neame pub, I was delighted by the cocktail offerings, an unusual sight in Faversham. The cocktails were well made, the staff were knowledgeable, but I dare not ask for something not on the small menu, that would be dangerous. I rather enjoyed the Christmas Ale, the weak would claim it to be seasonal but a good drink can be had whenever. I think the sort of people that say “seasonal” are pretentious. But, was this too good to be true? Indeed, it was, I was saddened to find an exceptional amount of Sediment lurking in the depths of my glass, ready to position itself within my arteries and create a blockage. My thoughts were surprisingly of unmelancholy, for I found solace in yet again proving the existence of the Sediment to my ever-denying friend. I can only hope he lives a longer life as a result, and if the cost of that is 50ml of ale, then so be it. I will not comment on the ciders as I am personally not interested in the private activities associated with it’s drinkers. Prices were Faveraverage.
Food
Being on a budget, I did not choose to consume at this pub as it was rather expensive. This sentiment was only furthered by the choice of cuisine – Mexican. I realised it as soon as I walked in, the odour of Cajun craziness assaulted my nostrils. I regretted trimming my nose hair like those who remove sandbags before a storm, and instantly felt queasy. This was deeply wrong. A pub bearing Brittania serving Mexican food? I felt like I were in a hip hop video. Mexicans have substantially lower productivity than most, I suspect sales of dishes at this “Taverna” can be correlated with the productivity of Faversham. Overall, the food was overpriced and immoral. Do not eat here.
Summary
Ah the Albion Taverna, microcosmic of our society. A pub in a good location and access to many drinks, yet lacking the defining perennial. The owners thinking they were unique in having ethnic cuisine only add arsenic to the mind. I rate this pub a solid 5.5, it is not her fault but that of the owners. It has great potential, unlike the West, this pub can be saved. All that is needed is a return to traditional Anglo food and an eclectic interior to match the stunning scenery with an overall focus on its “quay” strength, the location. Do visit and have an ale outside, stay for an hour, and observe the Fav and the Brewery. But make no mistake, this is not Albion, this is a direct mockery to history. A more apt name would be the Lonely Sombrero, harking to Mexico, but also an honest isolationism to the Mexicans in our country. This could be a 9 if the issues are resolved, but we must ask, do the owners have the will to divert from their Mexican course?