The Market Porter, SE1

One of my very regular haunts when I'm working in London. I call in most weeks for a couple of pints. There's always a good choice of well kept beers and it's always busy and buzzy. In the Summer months it's absolutely packed both inside and out, but the service is always good. Possibly my favourite pub in London.

Dating from the mid-17th century as the Harrow and rebuilt in the 1890s, I don’t know when the current name arrived, but it’s opposite Borough Market, which has porters, which are served here from 6.00 to 8.30 am. I can’t add much to the reviews below, but agree with John in that on a Saturday night, this pub was an oasis of calm, compared to the grim Wheatsheaf next door and indeed, it would seem virtually every other Borough Market pub; perhaps they’re put off by the sight of real ale? Speaking of which, I didn’t find as many pumps on as some others have described, with three unused, Southwark Brewing’s Mayflower Session IPA, Portobello’s Market Porter, Adnam’s Mosaic, Adnam’s and Toast’s Turning Tide, Sussex Best, Hobgoblin and Siren’s Project Barista at £2.75 a half and gorgeous; Rosie Pig for appleheads. This is a must-visit for ale fans when in the area, making for a good double with the Old King’s Head; it also doubled as the Third Hand Book Emporium in a Harry Potter film.

Official site of The Market Porter - www.themarketporter.co.uk

Official site of The Market Porter - www.themarketporter.co.uk

What can I say, an oasis in a lager desert. The market Porter always has been and I hope always will be a perfect pub selling perfect beer, sometimes early in the morning too.