FOOD&DRINK

So much more than just a city centre pub, the Porter has something for everyone: it’s one of Bath’s best vegetarian eateries; it houses an award-winning weekend comedy club and it doubles as a fantastic (and free) live music venue.

This much-loved institution is a fantastic place to relax, with a welcoming, cosy atmosphere upstairs, a games room (quiz machines, pool and table football as well as several large screens for major sporting fixtures) downstairs and the famous cellar with something going on every night of the week: Mondays sees Groundswell, the Porter’s regular open mic night; Tuesday is The Cutting Edge (live music, exhibitions, poetry, film or DJs); Wednesdays are currently given over to Oxjam fundraisers; Pepper Your Leopard (Thur) features live music from around the globe; Friday and Saturday have some of the locale’s best DJ talent take over the decks and on Sunday it’s the turn of the famous Comedy Cavern, running since 1998.

The ground-floor bar dishes up great food – including their splendid veggie breakfast – there’s real ale in the shape of Bellringer and Gem, Stowford Press and Weston’s ciders and a vegetarian wine list. Managers Lynne and Doug, assistant manager Harry and the rest of the super-friendly staff certainly know how to make their customers feel welcome, with great offers (weekday lunchtimes enjoy a main meal and a drink for a fiver, free beer with any pizza) and a whopping 20% discount on food for card-carrying students, all served up in an atmosphere Lynne describes as “easy-going and quite homely”.

If you haven’t discovered the delights of The Porter yet, get down there and find out what you’re missing. “It takes on a different atmosphere during the day,” Lynne adds, “with workers and the occasional passing tourist, but at night it’s very different and livelier. I love being here [she should, she’s worked here for 16 years now], meeting all the new people that come in. It’s always got a really good vibe.” (Words Darryl W Bullock Pics Mark Simmons Photography)

The information

Beer Abbey Ales’ Bellringer, Bath Ales’ Gem plus one guest (currently Doom Bar). From £2.90.

Lager Fosters, Grolsch, Kronenbourg 1664, San Miguel. From £3.30.

Cider Stowford Press (£3.20) plus Weston’s Organic (bottles only).

Guinness £3.40.

Wines Small selection, all vegetarian or vegan. From £12.96 btl/£3.50 gls.

Food All vegetarian and/or vegan, served 11am-9pm daily. Mains from £5.95; filled rolls and toasties £4.25; jacket potatoes £4.75. Check out blackboards for daily specials.

Offers Bottle of house wine £9.90 (Mon-Fri, 5.30-9pm only); house doubles £3.50. NUS discount 20% (food only). Happy Hour Mon-Fri 8.30-9.30pm Bellringer/Fosters £2 pint.

THE PORTER 2 MILES' BUILDINGS, GEORGE ST, BATH. TEL: 01225 424104. OPEN MON-THUR 11AM-12MIDNIGHT; FRI-SAT 11AM-2AM; SUN 11AM-11.30PM.

Copyright Darryl Bullock, Mark Simmons Photography 2010