The Prince Albert stands proudly at the top of Rodborough Hill, just above Stroud on the way to the glorious Rodborough and Minchinhampton National Trust Commons.
CAMRA Stroud District Pub of the Year 2023.
Delighted to be included again in the Good Beer Guide this year 2025, and for the last ten or so years.. We take pride in our unique place between dog-friendly neighbourhood pub, community space and lively entertainment venue and always offer a friendly, safe and comfortable safespace to enjoy with friends, family or alone.
The Prince Albert isn’t somewhere that will simply show you pictures of Stroud, it will share with you the product of Stroud- its creative and commercial output. It will bring the best to Stroud - ales, art, music and people. We like to feel we do this in a way that will make you welcomed into the heart of our community.
Food & Drinks.
We are a real ale pub with five ales on tap, including a range of popular and changing local ales. We’ve been listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide for over 10 years. Of course, we also have a great selection of other drinks - cider, wine, spirit, soft drinks, tea and coffee, with local selections where possible. We have a grand ranger of low and no alcohol drinks.
We spent lockdown one perfecting our recipes and pizzaiolo (yup that’s a word) skills and we now offer a comprehensive food menu of homemade burgers, pizzas and side dishes at The Prince Albert.
Entertainment.
Recognised as a great entertainment venue and home to some of the best nightlife in Stroud, we have everything from baroque to kid’s comedy, film nights, tuvan throat singers and Stroud punks!
We holdtwo Prince Albert Beer and Music Festivals every year, usually one the May Bank Holiday and the other August Bank Holiday which is generally when Prince Albert’s birthday was.
Community.
The Prince Albert serves the local community in a plethora of ways. It is a bulletin board for local events, businesses and services. It is a central meeting point for many groups from music to knitting, for people on their way into town, for parents taking their children to music lessons or the youth group.
It opens early during the snow to offer hot chocolate and a safe space for the chilly people and families coming down from Rodborough Common. It provides entertainment for a wealth of tastes from world music to burgeoning local bands.
We have housed refugees from Syria and nursed hedgehogs to good health. We all have to look out for one another - the pub just happens to be the perfect place to organise our community endeavours.
Meet The Albert Crew
Lotte - da Boss
What’s your favourite drink that you have tried?
I love Hildon water - sad but true. It's what a good night is for me these days. Sometimes a glass or two of When in Rome Sauvignon Blanc but I am not a big drinker..
We have recently teamed up with Majestic Wines and they keep our wine list fresh and varied.
Favourite pizza?
The Sweet and Tangy. And the Gone Trufflin’.
Little known fact about Stroud?
That there are dinosaur bones in the Museum in the Park that were found under Cainscross roundabout. FACT
Tell us a bit about yourself
Born in Ealing, west London but been in Stroud since mid Eighties. I was at the Pelican Inn in town for eight years before moving up the hill when the children were born.
I once got 11 questions on University Challenge.
Love music, cooking and laughing at myself.
Miles
Do you try the beers/drinks and what have you enjoyed?
All of them. But actually probably the Bristol Beer Factory Independence. And their Fly Casual.
How long have you known the Albert and whats the best thing?
A long time, and the best thing is the landlady of course. <3
What you are going to wear at New Years Eve?
I promise it won’t be a Mankini. This year at least.
Tell us a bit about yourself
Born in Cheltenham.
I am very good at reversing big buses
Fiona
How long have you been at The Albert? About three years. I’ve worked in hospitality on and off since I was 18 and arrived in this special place via journalism, academia, working in prisons and writing/research…believe it or not it all feeds into being a barmaid!
Favourite drink? Cava with a dash of Chambord; otherwise a glass of Albarino. Both on ice - I know, sacrilege!
Favourite gig you’ve been to at The Albert? So many…probably The Pictish Trail. Plus anything curated by Milligan Beaumont. I’m clearly drawn to the brilliantly bonkers.
Best thing about working at The Albert? The people: I love how you get to know people - the lovely locals. And also seeing visitors to the area discover and enjoy the uniqueness of the place.
Biggest bugbear as a barmaid? Pleeeaase always order your Guinness first! IYKYN…
Something about you that would surprise us? I’ve been inside most prisons in the UK - in a work capacity, honest! And, I was the first person to interview Banksy (yep, I met him).
What song do you always put on when you get behind the bar? ‘Creep’ by Radiohead. I’m cheerful like that…and often walk round singing it at the top of my voice before the doors open. Miles sometimes joins in.
Visit Fiona’s website www.intheirwords.uk
Debbs
How long have you been at The Albert and how did you get here? Going on for three years. I think I was encouraged to join the team by our very own Fiona - thanks Fi!
What’s your favourite tipple?
I have been known to like a good rum - there's a huge selection at the pub, and so I like to try different ones.
What’s the best thing about working here?
That's easy - working as part of a terrific team, which very often feels like a mad extended family.
Favourite gig seen here?
Beans on Toast. Particularly the time when he finished the gig and then decided to continue it in the courtyard by standing on top of the piano!
Tell us something about you that might surprise us?
In my previous life as a child protection social worker , I once went to tea at No. 10 Downing Street. Just to be clear, Labour was in power at the time.
What do you love doing when not at the pub?
I have an adventurous spirit and love travelling, whether it is in my van, or hiking up the Himalayas. I'm happiest when I am outside walking or sat around a campfire.
Your funniest/most memorable moment at work?
It was pretty funny the night that Margo’s ten puppies decided to make a break for it, and we had to dash around rounding them up!
*Margot is one of the pub dogs
Elliot
Fancy a drink? What can I get you?
Bottle of Thatchers Katy’s and it’s game on!
How did you arrive at The Albert?
A Facebook message, that ended in having to give my own reference when Lotte called my place of work to get the gossip on me!
Tell us a bit about yourself.
Born in Torbaydos in mid 90’s to two DJs that loved all things music and festivals! Worked in bars in Devon since I was legally allowed and moved to Gloucester over two years ago to pursue a career at Hawkstone, which has now recently changed to Uley Brewery in Sales.
Have been a musician and songwriter for almost 15 years now with a nice list of festivals and venues that I’ve been lucky enough to play in that time! Will be back performing again next year, so hope to bring it to work here too!
What song would you put on loud at the end of a night?
The Cat Empire - How To Explain (Anniversary Edition) https://open.spotify.com/track/1GvHMXjHJnXr4LABFeRXOy?si=ughF7S53QmaUqqb785vW7g
Best thing about working at The Albert
Superb team - I really love how the pub supports their people - superb environment, superb food and drink, superb locals, superb music. Doesn’t get much better than this.
What do you wish people understood about the hospitality industry?
Going, “Excuse me mate, when you are ready” doesn’t get you next in the queue of 40 people, it actually puts you at the back of that queue…
Why visit Stroud and why walk up the massive hill to The Albert?
Stroud has a truly unique community that are super passionate about all things music and art forms, which is something people must experience. I walk that hill for most shifts and although it does truly suck quite a lot, THE FEELING OF A DELIGHTFUL PINT AT THE TOP MAKES IT SO WORTH IT!
Tell us something surprising about yourself.
Bob Geldof once refused me of a picture together!
Sam
How long have you been at At The Albert? Just under 2 years I’d say.
What’s your favourite part of the job? Two things - the music and the people. Music has always been a main priority here and it really shows. I struggle to believe some of the incredible talent that we manage to squeeze onto our little stage and I’m even more amazed that I’m then paid to hangout and watch them perform.
People - I’m naturally a pretty introverted guy, but that feeling generally subsides after a short while of being here, and that’s down to the warm community of welcoming and interesting folk that take refuge within our walls.
Tell us about your playlists…! I’m a big music fan and I like making playlists, some of which (NOT ALL) have a tendency to be on the sadder side. As a result of this Miles has been known to say, “Come on Sam, is this really Saturday night music…” and change it to ABBA. No complaints though as I also have a lot of time for ABBA
When you’re not behind the bar what would we find you doing? I’m a self-employed composer. I write music that gets used on TV, Radio, Online etc. I also work for a company called Submarine Pickups building specialist guitar parts.
What song would you put on loud at the end of a shift? At that point we’re all generally craving a little bit of calm and quiet so normally the music goes right down. But if I’m in the mood for something loud it would currently either be some 60s guitar music (Santana, Hendrix etc) or some Techno maybe. This changes on a weekly basis though!
Best gig you’ve seen at The Albert? I saw a West African artist called Amadou Diagne a few years ago that blew my mind. Other than that Sheelanagig are always amazing!
Most memorable work moment! God there’s too many to choose from! I’ll never forget this old guy coming in on his own a few days before Christmas and ordering our most expensive Champagne in a pint glass with four bags of Scampi Fries…what a way to celebrate, huh?!
Do the pub dogs like you? I’m proud to say they do and it’s been hard earned over the time I’ve been working here.
Tabby
How long have you been at The Albert? I’ve been here since February 2024. I got in touch with Lotte, through my mum and my brother - who worked here previously, and is friends with Lotte’s son. That’s Stroud for you!
What’s your role at the pub? I clean up the place before it opens on Wednesdays and weekends and make it look lovely.
I’d love to work behind the bar when I’m old enough - I’m sixteen. I turn seventeen on New Year’s Day!
What’s the best thing about working here? I like the flexibility of my hours and the kindness of Miles and Lotte.
How would you describe the pub? Unique! It’s a place with real personality and a good community feeling.
Tell us a bit about yourself. I love to dance - at festivals and music events with my friends. We all groove to a bit of tek, jungle, reggae, and everything in between, from a big bass-y sound system!
What tunes do you listen to while you’re working? I like to sing along to a bit of Lily Allen, or have a bounce to some dub music.
Saskia
What brought you to The Albert? I moved back to the motherland (Stroud) at the start of summer, and needed some work - I always thought it would be a fun pub to work in so I sent Lotte an email with my CV. Then had a baptism of fire working over the beer festival weekend!
Best gig you’ve seen here? Recently I really loved Alostmen - a Ghanaian band showcasing the kologo instrument which is a type of lute. It’s brilliant that Lotte and Miles bring acts like this from all over the world to play in their little pub in Rodborough.
Favourite drink? I’m a Guinness gal through and through. Honourable mentions go to spicy margaritas and white wine spritz.
Are you a Stroudie? If so, what makes a Stroudie? I am a Stroudie to the core. I’d say it’s a creative edge and lefty views. Plus maybe a decent pair of thighs from all the hills.
Three words to describe the pub Friendly, inspiring, chaotic (in the best way).
Best thing about working here? All the amazing gigs I get to watch on shift! Plus a brilliant group of people to work with and for.
What do you do when not you’re not pulling pints? I’m studying for a Masters in Popular Music Practice, so usually working towards that, which involves playing bass among some more academic things. I also DJ occasionally. When not doing something music-based you’ll probably find me enjoying the lovely nature of the five valleys, eating good food and exploring new places!
How do you put-together your pub playlists? I love to whack a whole bunch of stuff into one. My longest is called bangers and mash, and a song earns its place on there if I’ve been listening to it repeatedly for months and still think it’s a banger. That’s the only criteria so it’s quite the mix.
Most memorable pub moment so far Probably Milligan’s Halloween extravaganza headlined by Mitsune (Japanese folk-fusion band based in Berlin - https://www.mitsune.de/) Just that whole night was absolutely wild and I loved it. Brilliant music, committed decor and people really made an effort with their ‘intergalactic space horror’ themed outfits.
Soli
How old are you? I am fifteen and I started working at the Prince Albert at the 2023 May Beer Festival..
What’s your role at the pub? I’m a ‘runner’ - I take the food orders from the kitchen to the customers’ tables. I also collect glasses, move furniture, clean tables and do all the washing up!
What’s the best thing about working here? The lovely supportive staff.
What’s the worst?! When customers leave their plates covered in sauces…
Three words to describe The Prince Albert? Friendly, welcoming, interesting!
What do you wish people knew about the hospitality industry? How much behind the senes work goes on to get the pub ready before it opens.
What would we find you doing when not at the pub? Hanging out with friends or on a bike. I’m into a sub-section of mountain biking called ‘dirt jumping’.
How are you going to celebrate your 18th birthday? Going on a lads holiday to New Zealand.
What’s your favourite thing off the menu? Pizza - Simply Salami, but cheesey chips are better and I’d trade both of those for Fi’s chilli!
Special wizard-magic virtual pub tour
Take a look around.
From the bright colours of the bar to the calm carvings of the upper garden and the covered courtyard in between. This is the pub with a fresh lick of paint just after the first lockdown in 2020.
We’ve run this friendly pub at the top of a fairly steep hill in Stroud for over 20 years. The covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on everything we do but particularly what we’re most famous for, our live music. We were part of a national crowdfunding initiative launched by the Music Venue Trust that helped to prevent the closure of 100s of independent music venues. As things are still getting back to normal, we hope to have a full and thriving line up of live music, local ales and happy faces!
