Portobello Star Review

Have you ever been to Portobello Road for a reason other than to go to the market? The Portobello Star pub is now doing cocktail masterclasses that just may be the incentive you need!

Portobello Star is a two-storey historical pub operating in the Notting Hill area since 1740. The main bar is on the ground floor with an intimate space on the first floor overlooking Portobello Road. This space, known as The Apartment, is available for bookings.

Portobello Star uses their own in-house infusions, handmade liquor, bitters and syrups that are made in a London laboratory. The twelve signature cocktails, each £8.50, feature these homemade infusions. The twelve classic cocktails (each £9) are prepared with Portobello Star’s unique style with some featuring the house infused spirits and liqueurs.

Six of us eagerly awaited the coming four cocktails and were excited to make three of them ourselves. Mai Tai was the first cocktail we made. This is Bacardi carta Blanca, goslings black seal, plantation OFTD, Dissaronno, triple sec, lime juice and egg white that we had to shake well, before adding ice and a garnish of mint, orange and cherry. Next, was a margarita of ocho blanco, triple sec and lime juice shaken with a lime twist garnish. A Negroni of antica formula, Campari and beefeater with ice and an orange twist garnish rounded off the evening. I know my arms were (slightly) aching from the two ones we had to shake, but the reward was worth the pain.

By far the most delicious drink of the evening was the Fappening. Made from Toffee Apple Bourbon, lime juice, apple juice and egg white, it had a blow-torched sugar crème brulee type garnish. Likened to butter toffee popcorn and a whisky sour, it was sweet.  This is definitely a drink I’d have again in a heartbeat (and again and again). Portobello Star have tried to create a gender-neutral cocktail with this concoction. Why not pop down for a drink to test whether they have succeeded in their quest? disappears.

Cocktail masterclasses are great for team building activities, hens nights, and other celebrations. The classes are held in The Apartment and can hold 4-30 people. You will receive a cocktail on arrival and then make your own three cocktails. Prices start at £30 per person. The menu and formula of the evening can be tailed to meet your party’s needs.

Besides cocktail masterclasses, The Apartment can be booked for groups, celebrations and corporate gatherings for up to 50 people standing. As there is a private bar, you can stock it with your choice of spirits, beers and wines. A private bar tender will cater to all your beverage needs. If you would like a larger group of up to 150 people, then the entire two floors can be booked.

Although there is no kitchen, food is available from external sources. This includes a full range of burgers from Patty + Bun as well as tapas dishes from Pix.

Overall, a lovely, enjoyable experience in the centre of London.

For drinks offers, events and bookings please contact the Portobello Star.

Website: www.portobellostarbar.co.uk

Address: 171 Portobello Road

London

W11 2DY

Facebook: www.facebook.com/portobellostar

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/portobello_star

Instagram: www.instagram.com/portobellostar

Written by Caitlin Neal.