The Star Inn, Bath

Without doubt, the Star was my favourite pub of the nine we visited on a recent crawl. This 16th Century building has been licenced as a pub since 1759 and is probably the most unspoilt pub in town meriting inclusion on the CAMRA Inventory of unspoilt pub interiors. The rambling interior is divided into 4 dark and atmospheric sections which I sadly didn’t really get time to soak in suffice to say the place oozed plenty of character. The central bar contains a long pew seat popular where the long standing regulars tend to gather and is macabrely known as Death Row. The pub is the Brewery Tap for the local Abbey Brewery and whilst not the strongest selection we came across during the day, there was still more than sufficient to keep me satisfied for an evening. Apart from 2 Abbey ales (Bellringer and Salvation) there were a couple of guests (Stonehenge Danish Dynamite and Black Country BFG) as well as Abbey’s Hells Bells cider. Bass is also available on stillage. Pleasantly free of music, fruit machines and TVs, the pub has an old world charm where the crackle of the fire and the musings of the customers are to the fore. I would loved to have stayed for more than the single pint and would without doubt make a point of returning for a lengthier spell in the future.

Situated on a raised pavement on a road slightly to the north of the City Centre is The Star Inn. Outside, a wall board telling us that the pub is “One of Bath’s Oldest Inns, steeped in tradition and renowned throughout the country” encourages us to ignore the rather uninspiring exterior and venture inside. Inside, we find a splendidly unspoilt multi roomed wood panelled interior which earns the pub a listing in CAMRA’s National Inventory of Heritage Pubs. There’s 4 separate rooms, of which the room on the left is a more recent addition, but entirely in keeping with the character of the older rooms. An unusual narrow snug – known as Death Row – on the right has a long single fixed bench. Until recently, tins of snuff on a shelf were available for customers use but, due to recent thefts, these now have to be specifically requested from behind the bar. From this snug, a door leads into the Glass Room which has high glazed screens and, at the side of this, the main bar with the bar servery. Here again, wooden benches and wood panelled walls dominate. Notably, as at The Old Green Tree, the rooms are individually numbered. The pub is owned by Abbey Ales and, on my recent visit, two of their beers – Heritage and Bellringer – were available. Also on was Stonehenge Ales Old Smokey – a rather potent moreish brew. Bass is also available, served via a jug straight from the barrel. The pub is a CAMRA Good Beer Guide Regular. This is another pub not to be missed under any circumstances, but do note that it closes for the afternoon most days of the week.

Unmissable pub when in Bath. A basic and somewhat weathered exterior opens up into a fine Victorian gem. There are 4 rooms all panelled with benches around the outside. The smallest only contains a single bench known as Death Row locally. There are some great photos and paintings on the walls a fine fireplace in one of the rooms and a very friendly atmosphere in the whole place. There were only 4 people in when we arrived and every one of them said hello when we entered. 4 handpumps selling Abbey Bellringer and Steeplejack plus 2 guests. It also sells Bass from the barrel which was the most popular drink with the locals when we were there. Dog friendly as well as there were two in the pub. Love it to bits.

Visited many times over the years and I have to be honest and say while the pub is a gem I have never ever found it to all add up for me. On the recent visit I found the barman to be inefficient and bordering on uncouth towards females who as usual didn't know what they wanted. In addition the Lancaster ale I had was only moderate,though not sendback quality. The open fires were also very overpowering on a not exactly freezing day. It just didn't cut the mustard for me (again) but still ok to visit.

It's well worth the trek up the hill to visit this interesting multi-roomed pub which will take you back in time to when pubs were for drinking. There are 4-5 different rooms with loads of wood panelling and a real fire in at least one of the rooms. The whole place is well decorated with old photos and there's an amusing portrait of the Queen holding a pint of Bellringer. It was almost deserted when we called in on a weekday afternoon but I'm sure it has it band of loyal followers. It's certainly a must visit place if in search of interesting pubs in Bath.