London – Historic Pubs & Real Ales (Part 2) by bobsmyuncle

A few weeks ago we posted part one of bobsmyuncle’s report on the Historic Pubs & Real Ales in the London beer scene….so I’m happy to bring you part # 2 today…

Historic Pubs, Real Ales

by bobsmyuncle

On my most recent trek to London, I decided to explore some of the more historic pubs and continue my search for the best ale England has to offer. I am happy to report that I had great success, and a great time.

Part Two

The Market Porter

9 Stoney Street

Southwark, London SE1 9AA

Brewsters’ Pale Ale

The Pub.

Situated in Borough Market, quite near the beermonger I reported on a few years ago, sits the Market Porter. This historic London pub is a true real ale pub, with beers changing over 9 times on the average day, and having been host to over 500 real ales. The walls are adorned with the tap placards from some of these ales. Speaking of taps, there are 12 handpumps, and 20 beers at the ready at all times for changeovers. Originally built in the 1670s, and renovated in the 1970s, the Market Porter is the home of the Market’s sellers, as well as the “foodies” who frequent it, curious tourists, and Southwark Borough real ale fans.

Interesting fact: The façade of the Market Porter building at #8 – #9 was redecorated to be the “Third Hand Book Shop” for a scene in the 3^rd Harry Potter film, The Prisoner of Azkaban, thought the actual pub frontage is not featured in the film.

Even more interesting fact: My spellchecker recognized the word “Azkaban.”

The Pint.

After a long, windy, rainy day at the market, I was looking forward to a pint, or three. Scanning the placards, Brewster’s Pale Ale caught my eye, as earlier that day I had read about Brewster’s Brewery in the UK Beer Guide. “Brewster” is the term for a female brewer, this particular Brewster being Sara Barton, who founded Brewster’s Brewery in 1998 after earning a Master’s Degree in brewing from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. Her pale ale is light and crisp, yet complex with a hoppy back. At 5% it is on the high side of the ABV scale for an English brew. It won the bronze metal in the Premium Bitters category of the 2010 SIBA Beer competition.

Unfortunately, I didn’t think to snap a photo of the pint at the time, and when I went back a few days later, it was already off.