Join us as we dive into the first in a series of independent business profiles here on We Are Cardiff. First up is one of the most unique venues we have here in Cardiff (possibly Wales, and the world?). Porter’s has always supported grassroots talent, and provides a platform for artists to hone their talent. If that wasn’t enough, they’re also on a mission to keep the venue FREE for all who want to enjoy it. But they need your help! Chloe Jackson-Nott speaks to founder Dan Porter.
- Where did the idea of Porter’s begin? Tell us your origin story
Dan. For 12 years I was a struggling actor and towards the end of my pathetic ‘Career’ I had a very well paid series of jobs. At that point I decided to quit while I was marginally ahead, and , whilst thinking about what else I loved, I came to the wild conclusion that the answer was ‘bars’, so thought opening a bar was a sensible idea. I’d never run a business or a bar so I just attempted to open the kind of place I would want to go to, one that was driven by events and the arts, and which supported artists (in the way that I had been supported).
- Porter’s has free entry on most of the band nights. Why have you decided not to include an entry fee?
Dan. Simple. I wanted it to be a fun place for everyone and wanted to remove any financial barriers to entry. We estimate that we have happily spent over a million pounds on ‘free’ live music over the years and never charged a penny for people to enjoy it. It is frankly a terrible business model, but it is a philosophy we stand by and are proud of.
- Porter’s needs the help of its veterans and local community more than ever right now. How can we help?
Dan. O. M. G. We really do. We are in dire financial difficulty. We never make a profit (see above) and everything we take on the bar goes into running Porter’s and making it what it is. We had to overstretch financially to complete the recent enforced relocation, and we REALLY need to claw back that overspend JUST to get us back on an even keel AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We have set up a Crowdfunder for this so that we can continue to do the things we’ve always done.
I’ve always said that I want Porter’s to be a place that people come through on their way to bigger and better things and I hope people recognise the value we think places that Porter’s have. Without places like us (and the other amazing independent Cardiff venues) I think the future is bleak for the arts and future generations of artists. Where else are they going to come through?
Help us and use us (and all the venues) before it’s too late.
- If you had the opportunity to open a second Porter’s anywhere in the world, where would you choose?
Dan. New York City or on a Greek Island.
- Porter’s has a great range of craft beers. Do you have a favourite?
Dan. Thank you, I think we do. I think I’ve tried them all and as a consequence can’t remember any of them.
- The first Thursday of every month is Jane’s Calamity night which is a musical theatre singalong. What is your favourite musical?
Dan. I can give you my top five: Fiddler on the Roof, Company, A Chorus Line, Hair, Hedwig and the Angry Inch. I could probably give you my top 10 but won’t.
HOW CAN YOU HELP PORTER’S? Here’s a message from Dan:
So, here’s how you can help:
Donate to the Porter’s Fundraiser
Follow Porter’s on all the usual social channels and share their messages asking for donations. If everyone that follows We Are Cardiff can donate just £5, that smashes their goal. Please consider helping this fine Cardiff institution stay open!
Also, are you out for drinks in Cardiff? Or going out for a gig? GO VISIT PORTER’S and enjoy yourself a night there! Porter’s has moved into its second home relatively recently, and so some of you might not know where it is. It’s on BARRACK LANE, which is the little alley that runs between the old Debenhams through to Cineworld.
We Are Cardiff 