The Porter House Photos
THE PORTER HOUSE ATMOSPHERE
Recommended Reviews - The Porter House
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
My sister and I were visiting London from Los Angeles and stumbled by this place. Good atmosphere. But the food and drinks were beyond terrible. And to top it, the bartender was extremely unfriendly, blatantly rude. My sister asked for a cocktail without the simple syrup and the bartender had a problem with that. He's soooo rude. I would pass on this place. So many other options. GO ELSEWHERE
Did the fish and chips after a long flight and just trying to get lost in London. While walking through Covent Garden came across this place and was not disappointed. Staff was great and live music on a Friday night!!!
My friend brought me to the Porterhouse Brewing Co. to give me a real pub dining experience while in London.Honestly I think moreso than anything else we just stumbled upon it. Most people were stood 'round the bar having their brews but we grabbed a table as we were also grabbing a bite. The usual thing with similar establishments in England is you order your food & drinks up at the bar and then they will usually bring your food to your table for you. I tried their Porterhouse Red Ale and loved it! Served at room temp from the tap, as most beers in England. Had a twinge of fruit with malt plus it was a pretty bright red - I'm a girl after all and it doesn't hurt for my beer to look pretty. Although, my friend informed me that everyone would think I was a lesbian because ladies in the UK just do not drink beer. I assure you I like the fellas but I also do enjoy the pints. The interior is very cool with hidden seating spots, awesome woodwork abound, just a really nice looking place and super chill. It was a mix of families and drinkers on a Friday afternoon. I'd definitely return to The Porterhouse!
Well..saw this on tv... I was expecting a huge tourist trap.. Lots of people..crowded..we had dinner and as few pints.. The oyster porter is the best of the lot..but not earth shaking..kinda disappointing..for a huge British pub to have ok..but not great beer... Food was ok.. Had a roast beef..and roast lamb dinner.. but nothing to write home..good enough..it had lots of parsnips in the veggie mix..so points added.. It was overall ok..but with all the hype..should be better
Very cool place. Dim lit, cozy, a decent amount of beers on tap and liquor. The fish and chips is amazing (I am from the USA). The tables and chairs are very low to the ground so if you're extra tall it may be a bother. It was weird because the waitstaff wanted to ring our drinks up separately from our food- more work for him.
It's a very large place, with 3 levels and 3 or 4 bars. Even though it's huge, though, the tables are stuffed in little cozy corners with lower ceilings and not in view of every other part of the establishment. In short, it's not like a warehouse, but more like a maze. After visiting, I felt like the design and decor was the star, and not the food. My dish was just OK. I had a pastry pie with meat in it which was decent enough. It was more like a traditional pot pie from the states, and not something distinctly UK. My wife had a so-so steak. She reported that it was nothing to write home about. Our sever was very good though. We made her split our check in a detailed way. It was obviously a pain for her, but she was extremely nice about it. Another thing we didn't like was that it's obviously a pickup joint. It was a busy weekend night, so I get it, but still it gave our dinner an unwelcome vibe. I would suggest going on a weekday, or perhaps just choosing another place if it bothers you to have people hitting on each other, or doing the match.com thing.
I'd say overall the staff is nice and the drinks are standard with a good selection of beers however the food leaves a lot to be desired. The schnitzel is maybe a 2/5 with overpowering raw onion and wanting for flavor. The fish and chips is 3.5/5, average and ok, a safe order but nothing to stop in for. The vegan pizza and the gluten free base was 0/5 at best. The base was undercooked and chewy and the pizza overall has a strange combination of ingredients that leads to an unappealing smell almost like soured cream along with a vile taste and bad texture to eat. 2 marines and myself wouldn't even finish it after my girlfriend called it "vile" and went to leon after one bite.
Good beers, nice onion rings, hard to get a place to sit even on 5pm. Service is ok. In the photo - the only guy who really knows how to work here.
The Porterhouse is a huge pub located in between the strand and Covent Garden. It feels like a maze more than pub since it is divided into many rooms and many levels. The Porterhouse specializes in beers. The beer menu is extensive and includes beers from everywhere: Belgium, Australia, Germany, Czech Republic, Irish... you name it, it's there. They also sell a selection of beers on tap that are exclusive to the Porterhouse. These include 3 stouts, 2 ales, and 2 lagers. It also serves some good pub grub and occasionally invites some live bands to perform. The Porterhouse boasts a big screen downstairs to show the football. It is clear that because of this and the beer lists, this pub is inevitably populated by the male sex. Perfect to bring your mates and growl in your bearish ways. Grrrr...
They should rename this place Labyrinth as, as soon as you enter, you are faced with a myriad of choices. do you go straight ahead to the bar or down one of two stairwells to two other bars. Then, when you've actually managed to get a drink, where the hell do you seat? Honestly, unless you enter as a complete group you must meet outside or somewhere else beforehand. The bar itself is great though! It's large and attracts an attractive afterworks crowd. The range of beers and ales are quite unique to the bar. The downstairs bar sometimes has bands playing and so can be hit or miss but there are plenty of alcoves to hide away with mates and have a good old chinwag. Great prices for the central location as well and well worth a visit.
Massive, fairly new-ish pub, at least if compared to some of the traditional Victorian era boozers in the ares ... The beer garden out front is definitely a major selling point, especially as there is hardly and traffic on Maiden Lane. Perfect meeting place to start a Friday pub crawl ... Also the first place I have ever tasted rose made from Malbec - my favourite red ... Frequented by office workers, inoffence but not particularly exciting either.
Amazed by how huge Porterhouse really is!!! Literally the place to be in Covent Garden. Even if you walk up and it looks too crowded, don't be afraid to go in anyways. This Irish pub has to hold at least thousand people in its 4 levels. Porterhouse is a great place to find a corner seat, have a few pints and people watch. Excellent Oyster Stout!! Loved this place!!
3 months ago
After a long day, walking around London, I was exhausted, hot, and hangry! Covent Garden was overwhelming. So many people. Then I found the Porter House! We scored an outdoor table and it was the perfect place to relax after a busy day. The staff was friendly. I'd always wanted to try an Irish spice bag, but I eat plant-based! They had a vegan version! It was amazing! Incredibly unhealthy, but incredibly delicious! Plus, they had cider on tap - Red Fin Cherry Berry was fantastic! That meal soothed my soul! We went back the next day, but sadly, the cider was gone. I will definitely return next time. I'm in London. read more
2 years ago
Overall great spot for drink with awesome ambiance, beer, and a social place but the food left something to be desired. Pros: Ambiance, beers, packed and social nature of the place Cons: Lack of seating, food was just ok Food/ Drink: Beers- as you as you're going to get, a lot of imported and German beers which is great Spice bag 3.5/5: Good chicken but light on the portion and have better bags elsewhere Fish n chips 3/5: Nice piece of haddock but not as flavorful or memorable read more
8 months ago
My sister and I were visiting London from Los Angeles and stumbled by this place. Good atmosphere. But the food and drinks were beyond terrible. And to top it, the bartender was extremely unfriendly, blatantly rude. My sister asked for a cocktail without the simple syrup and the bartender had a problem with that. He's soooo rude. I would pass on this place. So many other options. GO ELSEWHERE read more
2 years ago
Did the fish and chips after a long flight and just trying to get lost in London. While walking through Covent Garden came across this place and was not disappointed. Staff was great and live music on a Friday night!!! read more
4 years ago
My friend brought me to the Porterhouse Brewing Co. to give me a real pub dining experience while in London.Honestly I think moreso than anything else we just stumbled upon it. Most people were stood 'round the bar having their brews but we grabbed a table as we were also grabbing a bite. The usual thing with similar establishments in England is you order your food & drinks up at the bar and then they will usually bring your food to your table for you. I tried their Porterhouse Red Ale and loved it! Served at room temp from the tap, as most beers in England. Had a twinge of fruit with malt plus it was a pretty bright red - I'm a girl after all and it doesn't hurt for my beer to look pretty. Although, my friend informed me that everyone would think I was a lesbian because ladies in the UK just do not drink beer. I assure you I like the fellas but I also do enjoy the pints. The interior is very cool with hidden seating spots, awesome woodwork abound, just a really nice looking place and super chill. It was a mix of families and drinkers on a Friday afternoon. I'd definitely return to The Porterhouse! read more
Well..saw this on tv... I was expecting a huge tourist trap.. Lots of people..crowded..we had dinner and as few pints.. The oyster porter is the best of the lot..but not earth shaking..kinda disappointing..for a huge British pub to have ok..but not great beer... Food was ok.. Had a roast beef..and roast lamb dinner.. but nothing to write home..good enough..it had lots of parsnips in the veggie mix..so points added.. It was overall ok..but with all the hype..should be better read more
3 years ago
Very cool place. Dim lit, cozy, a decent amount of beers on tap and liquor. The fish and chips is amazing (I am from the USA). The tables and chairs are very low to the ground so if you're extra tall it may be a bother. It was weird because the waitstaff wanted to ring our drinks up separately from our food- more work for him. read more
It's a very large place, with 3 levels and 3 or 4 bars. Even though it's huge, though, the tables are stuffed in little cozy corners with lower ceilings and not in view of every other part of the establishment. In short, it's not like a warehouse, but more like a maze. After visiting, I felt like the design and decor was the star, and not the food. My dish was just OK. I had a pastry pie with meat in it which was decent enough. It was more like a traditional pot pie from the states, and not something distinctly UK. My wife had a so-so steak. She reported that it was nothing to write home about. Our sever was very good though. We made her split our check in a detailed way. It was obviously a pain for her, but she was extremely nice about it. Another thing we didn't like was that it's obviously a pickup joint. It was a busy weekend night, so I get it, but still it gave our dinner an unwelcome vibe. I would suggest going on a weekday, or perhaps just choosing another place if it bothers you to have people hitting on each other, or doing the match.com thing. read more
7 years ago
I'd say overall the staff is nice and the drinks are standard with a good selection of beers however the food leaves a lot to be desired. The schnitzel is maybe a 2/5 with overpowering raw onion and wanting for flavor. The fish and chips is 3.5/5, average and ok, a safe order but nothing to stop in for. The vegan pizza and the gluten free base was 0/5 at best. The base was undercooked and chewy and the pizza overall has a strange combination of ingredients that leads to an unappealing smell almost like soured cream along with a vile taste and bad texture to eat. 2 marines and myself wouldn't even finish it after my girlfriend called it "vile" and went to leon after one bite. read more
9 years ago
Good beers, nice onion rings, hard to get a place to sit even on 5pm. Service is ok. In the photo - the only guy who really knows how to work here. read more
18 years ago
The Porterhouse is a huge pub located in between the strand and Covent Garden. It feels like a maze more than pub since it is divided into many rooms and many levels. The Porterhouse specializes in beers. The beer menu is extensive and includes beers from everywhere: Belgium, Australia, Germany, Czech Republic, Irish... you name it, it's there. They also sell a selection of beers on tap that are exclusive to the Porterhouse. These include 3 stouts, 2 ales, and 2 lagers. It also serves some good pub grub and occasionally invites some live bands to perform. The Porterhouse boasts a big screen downstairs to show the football. It is clear that because of this and the beer lists, this pub is inevitably populated by the male sex. Perfect to bring your mates and growl in your bearish ways. Grrrr... read more
18 years ago
They should rename this place Labyrinth as, as soon as you enter, you are faced with a myriad of choices. do you go straight ahead to the bar or down one of two stairwells to two other bars. Then, when you've actually managed to get a drink, where the hell do you seat? Honestly, unless you enter as a complete group you must meet outside or somewhere else beforehand. The bar itself is great though! It's large and attracts an attractive afterworks crowd. The range of beers and ales are quite unique to the bar. The downstairs bar sometimes has bands playing and so can be hit or miss but there are plenty of alcoves to hide away with mates and have a good old chinwag. Great prices for the central location as well and well worth a visit. read more
Massive, fairly new-ish pub, at least if compared to some of the traditional Victorian era boozers in the ares ... The beer garden out front is definitely a major selling point, especially as there is hardly and traffic on Maiden Lane. Perfect meeting place to start a Friday pub crawl ... Also the first place I have ever tasted rose made from Malbec - my favourite red ... Frequented by office workers, inoffence but not particularly exciting either. read more
Amazed by how huge Porterhouse really is!!! Literally the place to be in Covent Garden. Even if you walk up and it looks too crowded, don't be afraid to go in anyways. This Irish pub has to hold at least thousand people in its 4 levels. Porterhouse is a great place to find a corner seat, have a few pints and people watch. Excellent Oyster Stout!! Loved this place!! read more
14 years ago
I can see why the Porterhouse is soo popular with tourists. It's pretty awesome. It's got the wow-factor. Pink neon lights and bottle after bottle decoratively donning the walls. There's a great selection on draft on all bars. It just makes a nice change not to have the choice of C arlsberg or Carling. I had a little dram of them all, as is the custom and settled on a nice Chiller. Yum Yum Yum. On my visit I had a little explore, up and down the stairs I go. The toilets are hilarious. Small doors, and that's coming from a shortie like me. Despite its vast size, its reliably busy most of the time. Even if it doesn't feel crammed due to the spaciousness, good luck getting a table or somewhere to sit. Standing around can be a problem too, not many places to perch you drink on and far too many staff doors appearing from nowhere. As there was no where to sit or comfortably stand, the Mrs and I had a swift pint and left. I think it would be a fun place to go with a small group when some sort of match is on. Of course the Irish heritage is what makes the PorterHouse, and of course even though I've never visited the Dublin pub I know that this little tribute in Covent Garden doesn't hold a candle to it. However it is a lovely lively pub and would definitely recommend having a little tipple there if you're about. read more
Porterhouse is a complete maze of floors and stairs but once you've worked out how to get from your table to the bar you're fine! A couple of friends were visiting London and staying in Covent Garden a few weekends ago and we met up for Sunday lunch. Whilst deciding where to go I found it really hard to find somewhere that did a good Sunday roast and wasn't ridiculously expensive close to Covent Garden. Until we came across Porterhouse and decided to give it a go. It was really dark inside so we sat outside on the tables in front of the building. It was just about warm enough whilst we ate. The Sunday roast was good and it was great value for money for central London. It wasn't as hot as I would have liked but didn't say anything as I imagine it would have just been blasted in the microwave! It was better than some roasts I've paid double the amount for though. There is a special offer if you order two courses. We failed to order dessert at the same time to get the offer but after a little gentle persuasion they did let us order our desserts at the cheaper price afterwards which was great. I had the sticky toffee pudding and it was fairly moist and wasn't too sweet. We then moved inside as it got colder out and had a drink in the bar. Football was on one screen and gailic football was on another so it's probably a good place to watch sports if you're into that. I'd finally go again. You get a decent meal, good portion size and very reasonably priced, especially for being in Covent Garden. read more
16 years ago
I need to be honest before I start the review. I am a bit biased here as my buddy's cousin runs the joint. HOWEVER, I LOATHE bars that brew their own beer and peddle their mediocre swill to you like some gourmet aged beef that was grain fed and massaged. Gordon Biersch, yes, I am directing this at you!! I go to the Porterhouse late one Friday before hitting Fabric for an evening of DnB. It is crowded and super hot inside (summertime), but the ladies are lovely and the crowd has a low douchebag factor so that's good. Looking for his cousin (Irish from Belfast) was like looking for a leprechaun in some 1000 year old tree's trunk. it's a labyrinth of bars, stairs, dumb waiters, back offices, and bathrooms. It literally took us 5 minutes to traverse the place and find him. The whole time we're searching, you pass cabinet after cabinet of beer bottles form around the world. It's like a museum of beers. We finally meet up and get a beer. My buddy tells me they brew their own in Ireland so I say "here we go; act like you like it" to myself. I taste it and am very happy with the flavor and aftertaste. they know how to make a great beer. Their selection is amazing! To another reviewer's point, in the heat of battle, the staff is struggling to tend to all the customers so no, they don't have time to even make eye contact but with beer like this, who cares!! Didn't taste the food so I can't judge. The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 is due to the intense heat inside. I was rather uncomfortable with the number of people there, but, for being in London where they aren't used to this heat, I need to be nice. I would rather give it 4.5 stars, but I can't. read more
19 years ago
A good place to go on a Friday or Saturday night when the pubs shut. This place is huge, cavernous even. Interesting selection of lagers on tap. I found myself drinking one called "chiller". I was tied in by the picture of the angry looking polar bear on the tap. Try "Temple Brau" or "Weiss" too if you are into wheat beers. This place gets really packed late in the evening. Particularly if there is a band playing. It's a great place to pull though. Popular with the ameican tourists and foreign language students. Everyone seems to be up for a good time. Reminds me alot of university! read more
18 years ago
Large attractive & sprawling pub venue, has many different levels meaning it can pack in the crowds & makes it very hard to find people within! Very loud & noisy on weekends & bit of a meat market then too! Serves food (a bit on the pricey side) with standard menu offering burgers (approx £8.50), pizzas, stews etc.Does have a very big selection of beers on offer including the beloved Fruli fruit beer - mmmmm - don't knock it till you've tried it! Has live music at night from thurs - sun. read more
14 years ago
I was introduced to this pub by my friend Ian, it is a large attractively decorated bar, with many different seating levels, and interesting nooks & a large beer garden area. The drinks are, fairly reasonably priced, for London, depending on what you choose to drink. The staff are friendly & the clientele boisterous & good natured, the atmosphere has a high energy buzz about it & everyone seems to be on a mission to have a great night. The outside area is spacious & clean & a wash with people chatting & having fun & from a few looks I got from a few guys, I reckon if I was with a gal pal & not a male pal, I might of pulled by the end of the night. read more
18 years ago
15 years ago
18 years ago
Page 1 of 5
More info about The Porter House
The Porter House Reviews in Other Languages
Review Highlights - The Porter House
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
10 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
1 year ago
14 years ago
8 years ago
16 years ago
12 years ago
14 years ago
11 years ago
11 years ago
9 years ago
14 years ago
