Porter and Sorter, pool in East Croydon

Photo: The Porter and Sorter

Porter and Sorter: Pool & Snooker in East Croydon, London

Free poolWalk-in1 tableReal aleSports TV

Station Road East, Croydon, Greater London · CR0 6BT · Mo-Tu 11:00-22:00; We 11:00-23:00; Th 11:00-23:30; Fr 11:00-24:00; Sa 11:00-24:30; Su 12:00-22:00

The Porter and Sorter is a big, traditional pub a stone's throw from East Croydon station, with a pool table tucked round the corner of the older bar. It suits anyone who wants a relaxed frame over a pint rather than a slick pool hall, and it is handy if you are killing time before a train. It is a Croydon and District Pool League member pub, so the table sees proper league play as well as casual games.

The room splits into two halves: a large, comfortable extension good for groups and a more characterful original boozer where the pool table lives. There are five real ales on tap, plus lagers, wines and cocktails, a full food menu including Sunday roasts, a beer garden and sports on the TVs.

The pool setup

There is a single pool table, tucked round a corner on the older pub side rather than out in the main room, so it has a quiet local feel. The Porter and Sorter plays in the Croydon and District Pool League, which means the table is used for organised matches as well as casual games. Expect a standard pub-style table you put coins or a card into, not a hired hall. If a league night is on it may be busy, so it is worth a quick look or a call before you settle in for a long session.

Good to know

It is a walk-in pub, no booking for pool. The bar runs five real ales plus draught lager, wine, spirits and cocktails, and the kitchen does British pub classics, lighter bites, sharers and Sunday roasts. Food stops earlier than the bar: roughly 12:00 to 21:00 most days, with Sunday food ending mid afternoon. The pub stays open late at the weekend, past midnight on Friday and Saturday. There is a beer garden, sports on the TVs, free WiFi and step-free access, and it is dog friendly.

Get directions

Common questions

What is the Porter and Sorter?
A large traditional pub right by East Croydon station, with a pool table on its older bar side. It is a member of the Croydon and District Pool League.
Is the pool free at the Porter and Sorter?
There is no published charge. It is a normal pub pool table rather than a paid booking, so expect a standard coin or card play cost at most. Ask at the bar to be sure.
Do I need to book to play pool?
No. It is a walk-in pub, so you just turn up and use the table when it is free. It can get busy on league nights, so a quick check ahead helps.
How many pool tables are there?
One table, tucked round the corner of the original pub side.
What are the opening hours?
Roughly 11:00 to 22:00 Monday and Tuesday, later midweek, and past midnight on Friday and Saturday. Sunday is 12:00 to 22:00. Food service ends earlier than the bar.
What is the nearest station?
East Croydon, which is a stone's throw away on Station Road East, CR0 6BT.

Other pool & snooker bars nearby