The Porters Lodge, Monument

Don't normally feel compelled to comment on pubs for other people's benefit as i much prefer to make my own mind up - but having the read the latest "review" (a word to be used lightly in that context) decided that I would say a little piece too - and answer some of the points raised.

At this point, just to make clear, I have no connectiion at all with the management, in case "arry Arrows" decides to tar me with the same brush as the blonde he referred to.

I have used this pub for a number of years off and on, generally to play darts - long before the present management took over the running. The decor and the facilities have been a constant, so to lay this blame squarely at the feet of the present incumbent is a tad unfair, if anything it should be down to the company who own the pub to actually do something regarding the obvious improvements that should be made, after all it is THEIR pub, not the tenants!

However, our correspondent does make some points which I feel need to be answered. The boards are of an average standard? That will be news to the very reputable company who provide them, as part of the deal they have for organizing the hugely successful singles darts league that runs out of the pub - a league that has a waiting list that rivals those normally associated with an NHS hospital. The boards were not brilliantly lit, but these have improved significantly - if they were not have then one of the main winter darts leagues in the City would not have changed venues and moved to the Porter's Lodge (they are VERY particular about this sort of thing and if it was in any way unacceptable would not have considered using it)..... and having been in attendance at the league's recent presentation evening, a committee member was quite happy to quote the Lodge as being "the City's darts pub"

In closing, when reading reviews on here about various watering holes, be they good or bad, they are always one thing - OBJECTIVE. May I politely suggest if "arry arrows" is actually what he accuses the blonde lady of being - i.e. being in the employ of a rival pub, and one that is jealous of another establishment that has found a niche market and is making good use of it? Having an array of teams that compete in three different leagues, something that wasnt the case a year ago, suggests that the landlord and land landlady must be doing SOMETHING right, otherwise the pub would not receive a rating above 6/10.......

And by the way - if you're looking for a really decent pint, food and decor to match, may I suggest the Fox and Anchor near Smithfield Market. An absolute gem of a pub!

17 Jun 2010 00:49