The Alma

Went here for the 4th time recently and once again the staff never stop amazing! They are rude, off hand and really need to go back to catering school! The food was good but I here a little rumour that the head chef has recently left under a large grey cloud. The food had taken a little nose dive since, always a worry!

Having said this its not a bad local, but it needs to remember what it is and not let its staff think they are in a Ramsay or Pied at Terre!!
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Dave Stone
Overall rating
Food 5 | Service 3 | Atmosphere 3 | Value for money 4
Wednesday, September 17, 2008

I have to agree with the last reviewer - I live locally, have only ever had excellent food and good, reasonably-priced wine in this pub, so I would would visit it more far more often if the staff situation were not so patchy. It really puts you off. Admittedly, on our last visit we had a delightful Australian waitress, but previous experience (mainly of English, male) staff has marred otherwise pleasant visits and left us unwilling to brave this place unless feeling particularly hungry and robust. Staff behaviour has ranged from grumpiness and off-handness to the plain rude - my personal favourite was being ticked for only picking up on a significant overcharge on the bill after they had put the card payment through! Oh - and the music is far too loud in the dining area. So, we usually end up in one of the Turkish restaurants on Green Lanes instead -they let you take your own wine and don't seem to think that they are doing you a favour.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 4 | Atmosphere 5 | Value for money 8
Friday, June 20, 2008

Great atmosphere, great food but very arrogant staff. Really really annoyed me. If they got over themselves this would be a fantastic place to eat.
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Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 2 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 7
Thursday, June 05, 2008

had a very pleasant dinner last wednesday, the soup in particular (chilled watercress and yogurt) was outstanding, congrats.

I have never had problems with the service here, but on this occasion, although the food took a bit longer than usual to arrive we had attention from the waiters, so that was fine.

I love coming here all the time.
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rodrigues mendes
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Saturday, May 17, 2008

I just celebrated my birthday at The Alma.

I'd like to extend a massive thankyou to all the staff. It was excellent.

None of you ever faltered. Always looking after me and all my guests.

The food was delicious.

This place is a real credit to all of you and the hard work that you all do.

Thank you very much.
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Alex
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Over the past few years every other Pub has turned into a gastro pub, believing it can deliver. ~Too many times I am dissappointed with the bland interpretation, the copy cat style and the all too predictable presentation beit food/service or decor.

What a wonderful treat The Alma offers. Quirky, old style, individual, innovative, refreshing, and delicious are some of the words that I would use to sum up this little gem.
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Sam
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Friday, March 28, 2008

If you’re ever passing through Newington Green then be sure to pay a visit to The Alma. The menu is reasonably priced for gastro food; most dishes involve a modern twist on simple classics. I can recommend the sweet potato falafel – delicious! They’ve got a great wine selection and comfy sofas so it’s the perfect place to go with friends. The staff are helpful and friendly and always ensure that the pub is never silent – a fantastic play list pumping through speakers is a signature of The Alma.
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Grace Vaughn
Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 9 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

The Alma is my local and is a great pub. The food is extremely good -their vegetarian options are always very creative - my last meal was sweet potato falafel , delicious -and their desserts are divine ( especially the baked cheesecake). The atmosphere is great, very cosy with their candles and sofas, the staff is very friendly and attentive and they have a lovely heated garden to go and have a cigarette. Great place.
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Louise
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 9
Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Blahzay staff on occasions as other reviewers have pointed out but I love this pub. Great food, good wine list and decent beers on tap and bottle. Best roast I've had outside of The Ivy, Moro and my kitchen x x x
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- View all reviews by this user
Overall rating
Food 8 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 7 | Value for money 7
Sunday, December 16, 2007

I posted a review on the 9th of August, but it seems to have disappeared so I will post it again. Apologies if the original turns up and the scores are different - I have forgotten what I put.

I am the person who wrote the unfavourable review on July 12th, but happily I was persuaded to give it another chance. I went with two friends on the 8th August and had a very pleasant time. On a warm summer evening there was a laid back atmosphere created by the open front and unobtrusive music. Also the draught beer is very well kept.

The food was good quality and well presented. We were particularly impressed by the starters and deserts. Make sure that you leave enough room for a desert – they all seemed to be home-made, even the custard. This makes a nice change from the stuff that you get all too frequently which seems to be from a freezer cabinet. The bread looked home-made too!

The service was very friendly if a little flaky.
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Angela
Overall rating
Food 9 | Service 7 | Atmosphere 9 | Value for money 8
Friday, August 17, 2007