On face value, this small Irish pub offers very little compared to Manchester's finest boozers - no real ale, no decent bottled beers, and only the dreadful Guinness and smoothflow on offer aside from cooking lager. However, in terms of character and atmosphere, the Albert has it in spades. From the friendly, feisty barmaid ("Ale? We're just a simple Irish pub... we've got bleedin' Magners"), the cosy and cramped interior complete with dimpled tables, to the loyal locals who keep this pub going, this is a real throwback boozer.
The Alexandra Park, Moss Side, as seen in the Albert, Wilmslow Road, Withington. (c) Pubs of Manchester.
The old fashioned price list on the wall lists, amongst other delights, Watney's Red Barrell, and a few old Manchester photos are haphazardly pinned on the wall, such as the Alexandra Park pub in Moss Side. The old Wilsons green and brown livery has been retained and if I recall correctly, the toilet was outside as well, which seals its place as a Manchester classic. The Albert is the unlikely survivor of Withington; long may it remain.
