July 11, 2025

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London’s Market Porter Serves Earliest Pint at 6am, Cheers to Night Shift Heroes and Early Risers

In the heart of London’s bustling Borough Market, a unique tradition keeps the city’s night owls and early birds alike well refreshed. The Market Porter, a historic pub renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, opens its doors at an astonishing 6am—making it home to one of London’s earliest pints. This early opening time is not a recent marketing gimmick but the result of a special license originally granted to market traders.

Open Monday to Friday, the Market Porter’s early hours cater to a diverse set of customers who begin or end their day far outside typical pub times. The pub is a favored spot for night shift workers including nurses, police officers, and Transport for London (TfL) staff. This clientele values the pub’s availability as a welcoming place to unwind after a long, demanding shift or to grab a quick pint before heading home.

The landlord of the Market Porter highlights the eclectic mix of patrons that pass through its doors in the early morning. “We get a real mix of people, to be honest,” he shares. “We’re also near Guy’s Hospital, so sometimes people visiting at odd hours pop in. We’re here for the good news and the bad news.” This alludes to the pub’s role as a comforting refuge during both celebrations and challenges, especially for hospital staff and visitors who need a moment of respite.

In addition to health workers and night shifters, early City professionals also find the pub appealing—seizing the opportunity to enjoy a pint before a demanding day begins. The Market Porter’s location near major transport hubs and business districts means that those starting their workday early can conveniently stop in for a brief social pause.

Tourists make up another significant portion of the clientele during these unconventional hours. “This area is popular with tourists, so we have people who come in after a flight while they’re waiting for their hotel room,” the landlord notes. The early opening hours provide a rare chance for jetlagged travelers looking for a pint to settle in or catch their breath after long journeys.

The Market Porter’s persistence in maintaining its 6am opening is a testament to Borough Market’s historic roots and vibrant community spirit. Unlike many traditional pubs that stick to midday openings, its early schedule reflects the legacy of market traders’ early starts and a commitment to serving the diverse rhythms of city life.

With its longstanding reputation, the Market Porter has become more than just a pub; it’s a focal point where London’s varied early risers gather—from hardworking night staff to adventurous travelers—to share stories over a freshly poured beer. As one regular quips, “It’s 5pm somewhere, am I right?”, capturing, in a nutshell, the timeless appeal of a morning pint.