Portobello Star Review

Best for: a post-Portobello Road Market sit down & sip

Great: Notting Hill booze bar, Tom Cruise impressions

Jake Burger, manager and chief mixologist at The Portobello Star, knows his cocktails. He really knows his cocktails. In fact, here is a man that lives, breathes and thinks booze. Don’t believe me? Next time you’re in Notting Hill, strolling down the Portobello Road, ambling through the Portobello Market stalls, pop in to this bijoux self-dubbed ‘cocktail tavern’ and ask him to stand on the bar and recite the Last Barman poem from that 80s Cruise-fest classic, Cocktail. He can do it. Plus he can make every concoction named in it (even ones that don’t exist – he’s created them especially for the Portobello Star).

So far does his dedication to the ‘bittered sling’ run, that he and a chef friend tracked down the original and best bitters recipe – discontinued many, many years before - and identified the ingredients to recreate a unique concoction that he serves at the bar.

And what a bar! The treasured shelves that run behind it feature some impressive bottles – including one antique spirit from the very beginning of the twentieth century that Burger currently serves up for £100 a shot. And yes, he’s had a few takers. It seems right, somehow, that the Star is being run with such fetishism for the cause, as it’s been a licensed premise since 1740, which must place it pretty high in the ranks of venerable Portobello London bars.

But it’s only been in the last couple of years. The new owners cajoled out the last of the flat-capped, ale-swigging patrons of what most definitely used to be an old-man’s drinking den, and ushered in the new wave of hip young things from the streets of West London into its understated, unpretentious temple to booze.

And that’s it really – this isn’t the place to wow slinky too-cool-for-schoolers or the skinny-jean brigade, and (thank the lord) it’s not crammed to the rafters with flash be-suited City boys. It’s a down-to-earth, unaffected bar without gimmicks that serves a damn good drink - and therein lays its charm.

Here’s a tip for the real cocktail aficionados among you; go for the Manhattan, which has been carefully and lovingly honed by Burger. It’s dry, potent and authentic, and it’s served in a delightfully quaint prohibition-style glass. Or if tequila is more your tipple, have a word with Burger who knows all there is to know about Mexican firewater after a recent pilgrimage to the land of the slammer. Now that’s dedication.

Even the menu is based on Jerry Thomas’ first ever guide to cocktails, written in the 1800s. It’s clear that commitment to the art of the cocktail runs deep here, so it was surprising that this snug drinking hole was fairly quiet. It was a Monday night after all, but surely there’s no better way to kick off the week.

So if you’re thirsty, and only a cocktail will hit the spot, The Portobello Star can confidently claim to sate your every booze-fuelled whim. If it’s a ‘Velvet Hammer, the Al-La-Bam-A Slam-a, the Iced Tea, The Kamikaze, The Orgasm, The Death Spasm, The Singapore Sling, or even the Dingaling’ that you’re after, you’ll find it here. But then again, The Star is devoted to every flavour that’s hot, but in the immortal words of that Cruisian homoerotic cinematic standard, ‘if you want to get loaded, why don't you just order a shot?’

The bar is most definitely open....read more

Portobello Star Description

The Portobello Star is a small venue furnished with dark wooden tables and black leather seats, however the huge orange and white painting on the end wall, and some nice atmospheric lighting makes sure it doesn’t feel gloomy. Towards the back of the bar there is an area perfect for larger groups, and stools at the bar, where you can check out the huge range of spirits on offer. Upstairs is another room kitted out with candles and leather seating which is available to book for private parties. Description by Emma Stokes.

Customer Reviews for Portobello Star

Average (based on 2 votes): 2 Atmosphere: Value: Quality:

The following customer reviews are not endorsed by Fluid London and are simply those of users who wish to publish their independent experiences of Portobello Star.

“Great cocktails, staff and everything.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Mr Nigel J, london (7 months 27 days ago)

“It's worth popping into this pub at the weekends when there is a DJ and a late licence.”
Atmosphere: Value: Quality:
Lulu, London (1 years 8 months 13 days ago)

Portobello Star Opening Hours

Additional Information

• Cuisine Type: Bar
• Dress Code: Smart/Casual
• Group: Leelex Group Ltd