The Old Star, SW1

Official site of The Old Star - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

Named after the British Army’s Star, this was acquired by Greene King in 2014. Situated in the heart of Civil Servant Land, it’s close to Westminster Barracks, with a view across to Basil Spence’s questionably Brutalist Home Office building and Charles Holden’s magnificent Art Deco 55 Broadway, former HQ of London Transport. Inside it’s much as described, with a boring stripped out interior with mainly tall furniture. Given the location, it’s no surprise that décor comprises London Transport knickknacks. Customers were probably civil servants or squaddies. Ales proffered were Yardbird, Landlord, GK IPA and Tribute at £2.65 a half and fine. Another poor GK offering in the area; the Feathers over the road is far better.

Official site of The Old Star - www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk

I didn't warm to this Greene King tied house,but there is one feature worth spotting.On a street corner,the ground floor splits into two sections with a cramped bar to the right and a lounge to the left with stairs down to the Vaults. Around the bar the floor is pine ,the furniture is functional and the low ceiling just draws attention to the flatscreen here even when on mute.Bar blocking is rife but I noticed the 5 handpumps were offering GK IPA and Yardbird Pale (NBSS 1.5 ,a foul brew not well kept) with guests Portobello Home Turf Pale,St Austell Tribute and TT Landlord.The lounge area has some low profile modern sofas all with reserved signs. It's worth descending to the Vaults where there is more cramped seating and two fine brick arched alcoves,sadly all reserved with access blocked for the casual drinker.Usual GK food menu with pictures,their Fish and Chips was £12.29 ,a full 10% cheaper than The Albert but still not value. Modernised and noisy,tables sticky and a careless attitude along with a boring ale selection means that I won't be returning.

Very average London pub with a typically boring range of real ales, Pride, Youngs Ordinary, GK IPA. All served at the usual inflated prices round this part of London. It's a tidy enough pub on two levels but it's nothing to write home about. Sanctuary House or the Adam & Eve are a better option.