The Market Porter, Borough

I have been drinking in the Market Porter on and off for over 10 years. Sadly I think the good days are coming to an end. The selection of Ales is still good, although quite a few pumps have now been replaced by Stella. The new extension suggests that the new managers are heading towards the smart bar market rather than the traditional market pub which has made the Porter so successful. Profit seems to be the main goal - for example last year you could hire the function room (seats 40) for the cost of food and the barmaid's wage (and a daamned good time was had by all), this year the new manager wants a guarantee to spend a minimum of �1000 on drink alone - any difference in takings and the minimum must be made up with cash! Many other pubs in the area will hire rooms for the cost of the food, or a one of fee of �150 (even expensive bars in the West End). Sadly I think the combination of slow restyling and the pursuit of ever more profit may lead the Porter to suffer a slow death - I hope I am wrong.

30 Nov 2005 16:59