Edited review: After an unimpressive first impression I revisited Albero Lounge on a Saturday afternoon in July, and the experience was very good. The drinks and service were both good and there were lots of staff running things smoothly and tending to everyone. An enjoyable couple of drinks in a nice location with a nice atmosphere.

Clearly my original experience was an unfortunate one-off and a stressful situation for the staff on hand that night.

Would I now recommend? Yes. Will I return? Yes.

Original review: Went there on a Friday evening around 8.30pm. Although there were plenty of people, it wasn't that busy. I went straight to the bar with my friends where they had 2 staff members serving drinks and one serving tables. The female bartender blanked us completely. After about 5mins of this, it became apparent she was working her way through table service orders. The other bar tender finished serving a customer and moved to the next one. We waited a bit longer to see if it was looking likely we'd get served soon, all the while getting unintentionally in the way of the table server. After around 10 - 12mins of this we left for another pub.

First impressions: Giving the benefit of doubt, I'll just say they were understaffed on a Friday night. That said there were people standing at the bar and a bar tender standing right in front of them, blanking them. Not a word to explain she was working the tables and someone would be with us asap... Or just a 'hello' and 'sorry we're a bit rushed at the mo'...

I get she was busy but sadly a snip of customer service or just a bit of personality would have left us happy to wait. Sadly both were bereft in the place. I'd given it more than enough time and left.

Will I be returning? Probably not. Do I recommend the place? No.

It's a real shame I didn't get to review them for the drinks, atmosphere and location. But that's just how it goes.