The Market Porter, SE1

Randomness Guide to London - Market Porter entry

Randomness Guide to London - Market Porter entry

Actually it was pretty good - i.e. not too busy - at midday on a Wednesday in February. Nice atmposphere about the place. Boarded floor, leaded lights above the bar and a nice mix of regulars, workers and tourists. Good choice of beers. Being short-sighted I have to get up close to the pump labels to have a good look when there is such a range of beers that I don't recognise. Not the sort of thing you can do when the place is crowded. But worth showing my ignorance of the beers on offer to get something a bit different. Today they had Harvey's Bitter, Holt's Humdinger, Saltaire Brewery's Cascade Pale Ale, Hopback's Back Row plus numerous lagers on. Highly recommended and definitely worth another visit.

One of London's essential pubs, the Market Porter always has a fantastic line up of ales on offer. Situated in the popular Borough Market, the pub can get packed and the only real drawback is that it can become very hard to see the pump-clips and figure out what you want. There are decent sized seating and standing areas either side of the bar and a truly amazing collection of pump-clips throughout. An essential stop over point when travelling through London Bridge and worth going out of your way for as well, so long as you don't mind the crowds.

An old favourite, an old friend even. Twelve handpumps dispense superbly kept ale from mainly small regional breweries from around the UK. Harvey's Sussex Best is generally on as the house beer. My recent visit found in addition, Tring Brock Bitter, Hopdaemon Skrimshander IPA, Mauldon's Silver Adder, Cupid Otter, seasonal I assume from Otter Brewery, Black Hole Cosmic, two from White Horse, Giant (with uncensored pump clip)and Wayland Smithy, HB Clark Aquarius, You've Urned It. Additionally there was Weston's Traditional Scrumpy. Naturally the range of guests changes all the time but in my experience always throws in a few good 'uns. There isn't a lot to add to the mainly contented numerous other reviewers except to say it is an easy place to lose an afternoon or evening. The only gripe which is unfair is that it is a victim of its own success so I've never found the pub any other than busy. Even then service is efficient.

This is a very popular real ale pub and rightly so due to the many hand pumps dispensing good quality ales. It is usually very busy, but a quiet spot can usually be found at the rear away from the bar. Thankfully there is usually a mixed crowd so the place isn’t full up with bearded CAMRA members clinging onto their London Drinker whilst making notes on the beers. I found the staff to be friendly and efficient and I would make a detour to return here again.

Another Bristol pub up for sale. £325,000 Freehold, according to one of the agents websites?

Totally agree with John's review, a real boon for real ale drinkers. There is a great selection of real ales in good condition, however the pub is a victim of its own success as it very popular and therefore very busy, otherwise perfect,