Tucked away down the back streets just inside the walls, the Rovers Return, sorry, Albion, is a typical Northern Victorian pub. Or is it? Take the clientele - a curious crowd of middle class cravat-wearers who seem quite incongruous in such modest surroundings. And yet they are fiercely loyal to their local. What could it be that draws them so inexorably to this place? We sent our investigators to find out.
First impressions are not good - Victorian wallpaper in deep colours and garish patterns is hung with signs. Furniture consists of bentwood chairs and cast iron tables - the decor is either an amusing period pastiche or just plain grotty depending on your viewpoint. Approach the bar and wait for the cheery greeting from your host, and wait on, until anyone who has any claim to be a regular has been served ahead of you. But on the plus side, there are no fruit machines here, and no music. This is a place for chatterboxes to hold sway.v The beer is well kept and the food could be excellent, but we didn't hang around long enough to try it.

What's on offer: Greenall's bitter, Cain's bitter,

Prices: Inexpensive

Toilets: Coal tar soap.

Map ref: C3

Phone: 01244 340345

Review date: 28/09/1997