23b George St, St Albans AL3 4ES

About This Pub

Ah, Loft St Albans – what a delightful little find in the Cathedral Quarter! I've got to say, it's one of those places that really nails the balance of sophisticated dining without being too stuffy, like popping round to a friend's house for a fancy meal. The food stands out as a real winner; think creative twists on Mediterranean classics with fresh, seasonal produce that keeps things exciting and full of flavour – I can imagine tucking into those chicken wings or shrimp and feeling thoroughly chuffed. The staff are an absolute treat, always on hand with a smile and that extra touch of care that makes the evening flow smoothly, whether you're there for a quiet dinner or celebrating something special. And the atmosphere? It's warm and inviting in that historic building, with the bar buzzing in a way that invites a good laugh over cocktails. On the flip side, it does lean towards the pricier end, so it might not be your go-to for a quick pint and pie; save it for when you want to treat yourself. Plus, with its somewhat limited hours and that tucked-away spot in the courtyard, it pays to plan ahead. All in all, it's a solid choice for us lot who appreciate a bit of quality time with great grub and vibes, but just keep those potential niggles in mind for the full picture.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The food is absolutely spot on – innovative Mediterranean and Greek dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients that really hit the spot, like those delicious spinach and feta rolls or the lamb options.
  • The service is top-notch; the team is super welcoming and attentive, making you feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
  • It's got a lovely atmosphere in a historic 600-year-old building, perfect for a relaxed evening or even private events, with fairy lights and a vibrant bar scene.
  • They've got a cracking wine list with fine options by the glass, plus handcrafted cocktails that add a fun twist to the night.
  • Great for special occasions, with flexible options for private dining and accommodating requests, as shared in those glowing reviews.
Cons
  • It might feel a tad pricey for everyday outings, given it's an upscale spot with awards under its belt, so it's best for when you fancy splashing out.
  • Operating hours are a bit limited, only open six days a week and with earlier closes on some days, which could cramp plans for a spontaneous visit.
  • The location in a courtyard off George Street might be a bit tricky to find if you're not familiar with the area, potentially adding a minute or two of wandering.

Contact Information

23b George St, St Albans AL3 4ES
+447309581197
Mediterranean
Opens at 12:00

Opening Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday17:30 - 22:30
Wednesday17:30 - 22:30
Thursday17:30 - 22:30
Friday (Today)12:00 - 22:00
Saturday12:00 - 22:00
Sunday12:00 - 17:00

Location

Recent Reviews

I had the pleasure of dining at Loft restaurant and it was an absolutely delightful experience! From the moment we walked in, the warm ambiance and stylish decor set the perfect tone for our meal. The staff were incredibly welcoming and attentive, making us feel right at home. The menu offered a fantastic variety of dishes, and everything we ordered was beautifully presented and bursting with flavour. I particularly enjoyed Sea bass, which was cooked to perfection. The attention to detail in both the food and service was evident throughout our visit. Overall, Loft restaurant exceeded our expectations in every way. I can’t wait to return and explore more of their delicious offerings. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience in St Albans!
AS
Andi Shabani
Hosted a birthday here and I could not recommend it enough! We were able to have private use of the top room. It was beautifully decorated already with fairy lights, but we were also given freedom to decorate it further ourselves. The food was delicious (meat, veggie and vegan options) and the service was fantastic. Martina and her staff made sure to check on us regularly even with a large other party group and several flights of stairs to climb each time. Thank you so much!
KL
Katherine Lovejoy
This place is delicious!!! I've been there a few times and whatever I eat is delicious whether it's chicken wings, chicken rolls, shrimp, lamb etc., I don't like fries and these are just wonderfully different than all the others 🤩 And my favorites are spinach and feta cheese rolls in puff pastry and this tzatziki sauce 😋😋😋 It's just delicious there. The place is very atmospheric, calm and different than all the others. The service is top notch! Martina runs the service there at the highest level! I highly recommend it!!! The place is quite hidden and changed the owner and cuisine some time ago, but it's really worth trying because you will definitely come back there!!! I loved it 😍
KB
karolina błaszczykiewicz
Fantastic food and service in a great location with a lovely atmosphere. Have previously only been the the loft for a cocktails and a work Christmas dinner about 5 years ago, I booked a table here at short notice via the convenient and simple WhatsApp service last night. On arrival we received a genuinely nice welcome and shown quickly to somewhere that we could relax with a couple of great cocktails whilst we decided what to order from the menu. We were given as much time as we needed and without any pressure to make our choices, which was much appreciated and something that really annoys me in many other restaurants. Our lovely Italian waitresses (never know if that is the right terminology these days, so apologies if I am wrong) was happily to go through the menu with us with recommendations etc. We both went with the lamb Souvlaki and Kleftiko. Both dishes were delicious, perfectly cooked, and more than generous portions. The best compliment I can give to be honest, is that food could not have been better if we’d been a top notch Taverner in Greece. Plus, as a lovely touch they most have overheard us talking about it being my partners birthday and we got complimentary: amazing Cheesecake for dessert. Thank you so much and I look forward to coming back again soon. 😀
NH
Neil Hughes
We first went for a spontaneous dinner date night and we loved the food and the atmosphere so much we decided to have our intimate civil ceremony dinner there too with our family. Thank you so much for accommodating us and our requests. The food was delicious, my dad especially couldn’t stop talking about how perfect his T-bone steak was and my starter feta saganaki was so delicious the first time I had to have it again on our special day! Even though I baked our own little wedding cake, they served it so nicely with the sweetest strawberries which we did not bring or ask for, it was a lovey touch! Food portions were super generous too, no one went home hungry, barely had space for cake. I can only recommend if you’re looking for a place to eat in St Albans. Especially if you’re looking for great food and service for special occasions! We will definitely be back! Thank you so much again for making our day that much more special!
BB
Beryl B

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