Porter Brewing opens all-cask bar ‘The Cellar’ in downtown Bend
Nearly 3-year-old Porter Brewing out of Redmond, OR has opened an English Pub in downtown Bend called The Cellar, which exclusively pours cask beers. The Cellar officially opened April 13th of this year leading a new wave of Bend brewery taprooms including Bend Brewing’s the Waypoint and Worthy Brewing’s Beers & Burgers.
The Cellar pub is around 850 square feet and feels nice and cozy with a fireplace and seating in one corner. The seating capacity is somewhat limited due to the Pubs size, containing 8 tables and other seating areas as well as some bar seating (eventually when pubs are allowed to operate at full capacity again). As of this writing, Deschutes County is at Low Risk level and max capacities are set at 50%. No outdoor seating is available at The Cellar.
The Cellar is located on NW Oregon Ave in the historic Erickson building. They are below Silverado Jewelry. The building is more than 100 years old and the only entrance into The Cellar is down a short staircase. Inside The Cellar are exposed lava rock walls and wooden beams that lends well to the English Pub feel. A piece of history hangs framed on the wall as you enter The Cellar. The paper artifact was found by the owners as they were remodeling the space. Their 8 beer engines all came from Pubs in the UK.
The Cellar is full of family history as well. Small touches remind you that you are definitely in an English Pub. It’s clear that English blood runs strong within Brewer/Owner Devin Roberts. I had the opportunity to briefly speak with Devin’s wife and The Cellar owner Avara Roberts. She spoke about family with so much love and well-deserved pride. Avara pointed out the stained-glass window that was a gift from her Mother in-law.
The pub serves a variety of food and snacks that include hand made savory pies with flavors like Mac and Cheese and Chicken Curry, to more traditional pies like Scottish Meat and Chicken Pot. The pies are all handmade by Devin’s own mother. They also server warm pretzels and sausage bites. While I was enjoying my beer at the pub I overheard Avara speaking to a patron. She said “Mushy peas… It’s an English thing” using air quotes. This made me chuckle.
The Cellar carries a variety of beers, and even some exclusive to The Cellar, meaning you won’t find them at the Redmond location. An example is “Distance Learning”. An English IPA in collaboration with Bend Brewing Company. I had a pint. It was creamy and ever so slightly bitter, bright and tasty. In my opinion the best part of a good cask beer is their creamy head and mouthfeel.
The Cellar, by Porter Brewing Co.
206 NW Oregon Ave. #2 Bend
Tues through Sat 12:00 - 8:00pm
seating capacity is limited due to covid. First come, first served.
541.382.1645
thecellar@porterbrewingco.com
