Royal Albert Bridge Inn - Plymouth

It had been a while since we last visited this restaurant. We were planning to dine at RABI, but sadly discovered that it was closed. A notice on the door cited COVID as the reason for closure, but upon observation, it appeared that the restaurant had been abandoned for quite some time. The furniture was missing, some windows were boarded up, and the overall atmosphere was desolate.

It looks a tiny pub from the street but has a decent amount of space inside. It was a hot day, so the bar was empty as everybody took their drinks to the tables just across the lane. I sat close to the boats that line the boat park between the inn and the river. Though you're close to the river, the view's basically a row of outboard motors; but I managed to position myself to see through a gap between two boats and across the beautiful river to Saltash waterside. The pub's very close to the bridge viaduct that towers high above and makes this a unique location. The noise from the bridge is surprisingly muted from the pub's outdoor seating area. There are two pubs along this little stretch of riverside. The other one was five times busier, presumably as it has an unimpeded view of the river. But if you want a less busy experience, I recommend this alternative. I've been across these epic bridges so many times I wanted one day to visit the picturesque area below on foot. A drink in both pubs was as enjoyable as I'd hoped it would be--don't overlook this one of the pair.

Pros Ideal location, clean, plenty of seating, dog friendly, warm and pleasant bar person. Cons We had a roast which was adequate however the gravy was thin and tasteless; because of this we’ll never eat there again. I would’ve said something about the gravy, if we’d been asked if our food was ok.

Difficult to get a proper view of this wondeful dtructure by just driving over, so park yp and walk, do not forget to go under it also.

Popped in the Royal Albert at the end of an evening and enjoyed a game of pool a nice pint . A good old fashioned friendly pub