You’ve probably seen the green exterior of the market porter pub london on a dozen "must-visit" lists. It’s the one right on the corner of Stoney Street, usually swarmed by tourists trying to find the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron. But honestly, if you’re only visiting for a photo of the building that doubled as the Third Hand Book Emporium in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, you’re basically missing the soul of the place.
It’s a survivor.
While the rest of London is increasingly filled with shiny, glass-fronted "concept" bars, the Market Porter remains stubbornly, gloriously Victorian. It’s got that specific smell—a mix of old wood, floor polish, and decades of spilled real ale. It doesn’t feel like a museum, though. It feels like a working pub, mostly because it still actually serves the market workers who have been its lifeblood since the 1890s.
The 6 AM Pints and the Murder with an Umbrella
If you want the real experience, you have to show up when everyone else is still asleep. Because of its location in Borough Market, the pub holds a rare "market license." This means it opens its doors at 6:00 AM on weekdays.
It’s a surreal vibe.
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You’ll find market porters finishing their "night" shifts, sitting alongside night-shift nurses or just very dedicated beer enthusiasts. They aren't there for the Instagram tags. They’re there for a pint of Harvey’s Sussex Best after eight hours of hauling crates of organic kale and artisanal cheese.
The history here isn't just cinematic; it’s a bit dark. Before it was the Market Porter, it was a pub called the Harrow. In February 1890, a porter named Alfred Howe (nicknamed "Flash Alf") got into a row with a man named Edward Lamb right outside the doors. It ended when Lamb shoved an umbrella into Howe's eye.
He didn't make it.
The pub changed its name to the Market Porter shortly after, likely to distance itself from the "umbrella murder" notoriety. It’s a classic London move—rebrand the trauma and keep pouring the beer.
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Forget the Potter Hype, Drink the Ale
Most people stand outside and point at the windows next door at number 8 Stoney Street. That’s where the Knight Bus dropped Harry off. It’s cool, sure. But once you step inside the Market Porter, the real draw is the beer.
They usually have about 12 real ales on tap.
That is a massive number for a pub this size. It’s a "ticker’s" paradise—those people who travel across the city just to tick a rare craft brew off their list. They rotate the selection constantly. You might find a heavy porter from a tiny brewery in the Midlands one week and a light, citrusy pale ale from a South London microbrewery the next.
What to Order (and What to Avoid)
- The Real Ale: Don’t just ask for a lager. Ask what’s new on the hand-pumps.
- The Sunday Roast: You have to book this. It’s served in the upstairs dining room, which has a massive window overlooking the market chaos.
- The Fish and Chips: It’s solid, but pricey. You’re paying for the view of the railway bridge.
The upstairs dining room is a different beast entirely. While the ground floor is all standing room and elbows, the upstairs is airy and elegant. It’s one of the best spots in Southwark to people-watch without getting stepped on by a tour group.
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The Local Reality
Look, the Market Porter isn't perfect. It gets incredibly crowded on Friday nights. If you show up at 6:00 PM, you’ll be lucky to find a square inch of wood to rest your glass on. The crowd spills out onto the pavement, which is great for atmosphere but terrible if you hate being bumped by strangers.
It’s owned by the Market Taverns group now, but it still maintains a "free house" feel in its selection.
There’s a tension here between the old-school market crowd and the "Harry Potter" tourists. The staff are usually efficient but don’t expect a five-minute chat about the filming locations—they’ve heard every question about Gilderoy Lockhart a thousand times. They’re there to move pints.
Quick Facts for the Curious
- Location: 9 Stoney Street, SE1 9AA.
- Nearest Tube: London Bridge (take the Borough High Street exit).
- Opening Times: Mon-Fri 6:00 AM - 8:30 AM (Market hours), then 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Sat/Sun hours vary slightly.
- Fun Fact: The barrow parked outside in some old photos actually belonged to a real market porter, and the pub took its name to honor that specific trade.
Is it worth the visit?
If you like history that hasn't been scrubbed clean, yes. If you like beer that actually tastes like something, definitely. Just don't be the person who stands in the doorway taking a selfie while a guy in a high-vis vest is trying to get to the bar.
Respect the market hours. Respect the ale. And maybe don't bring an umbrella if you're planning on starting an argument.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
Check the current tap list on their social media or website before you go, as the 12 pumps change weekly. If you want to experience the 6:00 AM opening, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning—it's the most authentic time to see the market in its rawest state before the retail tourists arrive at 10:00 AM.