When my companion took drove me past the Royal Albert and said ‘we’re going in there’, I’ll confess my heart did not jump for joy.

From a busy road at dusk, it looked dim, dingy and unremarkable.I was so wrong.

Even as we parked up and walked closer I could see my first impression was unfair.It is true it isn’t a real looker from the outside but it is tidy enough and through the windows you can glimpse the wonderland that awaits.

The interior is beautiful and it’s mainly in the lighting. Pretty vintage lampshades hang all around, with added fairy lights.

It all looks very Victorian even down to the wall art, the billiards table and even the beautiful skylight at the back.

Looking around, I saw a mixture of students and trendy folk. As I’ve said before, I generally approve of trendy folk in pubs because it’s like if a farmer sees red sky at night he knows everything’s going to be alright.

If I see hipsters in a pub then I know there’s going to be a great range of drinks.

True to form, there was. I lost count of the number of brews on tap and in the fridges.

The man behind sported an impressively large beard and a flat cap. He was thoroughly nice.

I opted for a refreshing pint of Camden Hells, which cost a slightly uncomfortable £4.20.

Bet that student loan isn’t going far, boys.

The true greatness of the Royal Albert for me was its food. The open kitchen is only small but they create miracles in that place.

Both our gourmet burger and fish pie looked fully instagramable and filled a hole a treat. The menu is surprisingly good value, too. The bangers and mash, for example, cost just £7.50.

Royal Albert, New Cross Road, New Cross

How it rated:

Atmosphere *** Fresh

Decor ***** Vintage wonderland

Drinks ***** Brilliant selection

Food***** Faultless

Price *** Good for food