Portobello Star, Notting Hill, London

Appalling service. I recently visited the stablishment and noticed that the price that was being charged consistently for drinks was not the price marked on the drinks menu. I mentioned that to the waiter and indicated that legally they are bound to charge the customer only the price as marked on the menu. To that he replied that those prices were only a 'guideline' and that the increased VAT was not included in the price. I mentioned that there is no such reference to that on the menu and that they should either charge the price as marked or update the menu. I did manage to pay the price as marked once but was subsequently refused service due to my complaints about the price. Aside from the refusal of service, the charging higher prices than those advertised on menus, the service and treatment I received was appalling and as such I would not visit it again. Avoid.

The Portobello Star is an award winning cocktail bar on Portobello Road in Notting Hill that is well worth a visit. Cosy décor and a relaxed atmosphere it's the perfect place to chill out with a cocktail and one of their famous home made chocolate brownies.

With a recently updated cocktail menu, the Portobello Star offers a wide range of unique and classic drinks created by award winning mixologist, Jake Burger.

If you have a sweet tooth, like me, try The Guinness Punch - a Caribbean drink made with white rum, Guinness Stout, condensed milk, vanilla, all spice, cocoa and cinnamon, served up in a pewter tankard.

Rock the Kasbah is one of Jake's own creations - a cocktail which was created for the Eva Herzegovia designed bar at the Annual Character & Cocktails fundraising event, in aid of the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Made up with vodka, lemon juice, mint tea syrup, orange flower water and egg white - £1.00 from each sale goes to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

Every drink is made carefully to perfection making your visit feel even more special. If you fancy splashing out, Jake can whip up a Brandy Crusta which will set you back £100. A cocktail made to the original recipe by Harry Johnson in 1882 that includes one of the last surviving Bokers Bitters. "The only bar in the world where you can enjoy such a treat".

If cocktails aren't to your taste the Portobello Star has a wide range of beers and wines to suit your taste. Also if a bit peckish try their home-made comfort food. The chocolate brownies are a must!

This is the first time I’ve been to the bar since it’s refurbishment and I have to say I wasn’t disappointed! Me and my friends went on a Tuesday night and it was busy enough to have a great vibe yet we could all sit very comfortably around our own table. Our intentions of having a few quiet drinks after work very quickly went out the window as we dived into their fantastic cocktail menu- easily one of the best I’ve seen. The bar men really knew what they were talking about and even created a completely new drink for my fussy friend-taking her favourite spirits and whipping up a deadly but delicious mix. The friendly, relaxing vibe and comfortably chic decor made for an excellent night- and secured itself as my new local watering hole!

I’m really surprised I only recently visited Portobello Star for the first time. I’ve passed by it a zillion times.

It’s a really nice space with a couple of brilliant bartenders (or at least they were working some real cocktail magic the night I was there). I’d go back and wouldn’t be afraid to bring around my more finicky friends.

I liked this spot. Although I was here on a Monday night when it was pretty quiet, and although I was being wooed with free promotional rum, it felt relaxed. It was modern, sharp and simple, yet comfortable and easygoing. The bar staff seemed like nice chaps. A good choice for a casual non-pubby bar along Portobello Road.