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| Green Curry from Thai Kitchen at The Albert, Twickenham |
This unlikely combination of Thai food meets English pub is unusual - both are quite opposite in temperament, however, after a customer demand for more adventurous pub food at one West London pub almost 20 years ago, the partnership proved successful and has stuck - The Albert is one of a number of Fullers Pubs successfully serving authentic Thai food.
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| Outside The Prince Albert, Twickenham |
As we went to walk in the Saloon door, we were suddenly confronted with one of the 'resident patron's' being force-ably removed from the pub. Apparently he lingers all-day and night, sometimes sneaks behind the bar and even rubs up against other patrons! I guess the proprietor's patience was exercised too far that night and when your time's is up, its up! Fortunately, it was just the resident cat being put out for the night. I managed to capture a pic of him after his unceremonious eviction, he was not impressed...
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| Pad Peau Poh (Seafood Stir Fry), Thai Kitchen at Prince Albert, Tweckenham |
If you're not a regular at the boozer it is slightly disconcerting walking through a wall of patrons gazing straight at you when you walk in, (in actuality they're not looking at you but are looking up at the screens), but still, if you haven't the slightest idea where to go, (its not immediately obvious exactly where the pub ends and restaurant begins) it can be daunting but if you carry on walking to the back area, there is a small side room packed with folk enjoying this popular cuisine.
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| The cat 'resident patron' being evicted, Prince Albert. Twickenham |
It was busy the night we visited and people were spilling out on to the tables within the pub itself to eat. That is always a good sign. The place itself is very basic in style and service and with a lack of decent Thai food in in Twickenham its no surprise it has become quite a popular with locals. We started with a garlic soft shell crab and chicken wrapped in pandang leaves and deep fried. They were ok, I thought the chicken was a little dry but I enjoyed the crab. I think a popular choice is the starter platter (mostly deep fried goodies) which another couple close to us ordered - that looked crackingly good!
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| Chicken Starter - Thai Kitchen, The Prince Albert, Twickenham |
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| Looks deceiving, Soft Shell Crab, Thai Kitchen, Prince Albert, Twickenham |
They do serve Singha if you after a Thai beer, their pinot gris goes well with the spicy sweet food and they have an extensive menu with trout, duck and many more on offer. For mains we had a chicken green curry and Pad Peau Poh (stir fried seafood). I have been to Thailand and often ate off the beaten track and while I can't say it is like that in Thailand, it is still very good Thai food and better than anything remotely close around Twickenham and Richmond. Importantly, the food is fresh and the stir fried seafood is cooked with a sauce that has the most delicious deep smoky flavoured. They amp up the plate with green lipped mussels, decent sized prawns and a portion of fish. The curry is decadently creamy and equally great.
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| Front Garden Bar, The Prince Albert, Twickenham |
The service is candid, you wont be in Michelin surroundings but for all round great tasting Thai as authentic as you can get, its pretty darn good.
Recommend:
Green Curry
Pad Peau Poh
Deep Fried platter starter (if you're really hungry)