Dublin's first micro-brewery pub opened here in 1996 and, although others have since set up, The Porterhouse was at the cutting edge.

Ten different beers are brewed on the premises and connoisseurs can sample a special tasting tray selection of plain porter (a classic light stout), oyster stout (brewed with fresh oysters, the logical development of a perfect partnership), Wrasslers 4X (based on a West Cork recipe from the early 1900s, and said to be Michael Collins' favourite tipple), Porter House Red (an Irish Red Ale with traditional flavour), An Brain Blasta (dangerous to know) and the aptly named Temple Brau.

But you don't even have to like beer to love The Porterhouse. The whole concept is an innovative move away from the constraints of the traditional Irish pub and yet it stays in tune with its origins - it is emphatically not just another theme pub.

The attention to detail which has gone into the decor and design is a constant source of pleasure to visitors and the food, while definitely not gourmet, is a cut above the usual bar food.

And, like the pub itself, the food combines elements of tradition with innovation: Carlingford oysters, Irish stew, beef & Guinness casserole are there, along with the likes of home-made burgers and a good range of salads.

This is a real Irish pub in the modern idiom and was a respected winner of our Pub of the Year award in 1999.

See also: The Port House & Bar Pintxo

Seats 50; no children after 9pm. Open 11.30 - 12 daily (Thu-Sat to 2/2.30). Bar food served 12-9 daily (Sun 12.30-9.30). Closed 25 Dec & Good Fri. [*The original Porterhouse is located on Strand Road on the seafront in Bray, Co. Wicklow and, like its sister pub in Temple Bar, it offers bar food daily from 12.30-9.30. Tel/Fax: 01 286 1839. There is also a Porterhouse in London, at Covent Garden.] MasterCard, Visa.