Bars & Pubs

Portobello Star
Traditional boozer cum cocktail bar in Ladbroke Grove
© Rob Lawson
By Ben McFarland
A dozen doors down from rum shack Trailer Happiness on Portobello Road, this ‘cocktail tavern’ deftly blends discerning bar and traditional boozer. The bountifully stocked bar is manned by friendly staff educated in the art of adult refreshment. ‘Drink less but better’ is the mantra of illustrious imbibing expert and leading mixologist Jake Burger, whose impeccable, approachable directory of discerning drinks is the last word on sophisticated intoxication. There’s also a collection of antique bitters (the spirit not the beer) dating back to the nineteenth century. Food options include sandwiches, chocolate brownies and home-made comfort food. There's DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, and occasional special events are laid on to entertain drinkers made up of marketgoers, the odd Guinness-gulping old boy, tourists and bartenders.
Time Out London Issue 1997

See also
Time Out Eating & Drinking Awards 2009

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Posted by Bonnie and Alex on 15 Oct 2009 16:08
My sister and I booked the upstairs room at the Portobello Star for a birthday gathering. We had a great time. The staff were very helpfull and relaxed. The room has great wall paper and plenty of small tables and chairs . Enough room for about 20-30 people. Once the tables had been dotted with candles and a few birthday streames went up the atmosphere was warm and cosy. Friends arrived and the cocktails slipped down a treat. Thank you Star staff.

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Posted by sam feltham on 03 Sep 2009 15:39
i love this bar as the drinks are great, bar staff really friendly and helpful, great music, and wonderful chocolate brownies! the back bar & drinks selection fantastic, love the menus!

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Posted by Sharon on 01 Sep 2009 19:15
This is my favourite London bar - great friendly staff and fantastic music. I've also used it for events and the support of the staff makes it so much easier as they can't do enough to help. x

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Posted by Tom on 16 Apr 2009 20:42
One of the best bars in central london. An undiscovered gem, as yet and well worth a visit. Drinks are served with perfection by great staff. The Star has a wide variety of cocktails that are almost always made with fresh ingredients. Order the right drinks and tip well and you will see some fireworks over your drinks. The strawberry daiquiri is a guilty pleasure but feels like part of your '5 a day.' Highly recommended

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