The Star Inn, Salford

Noted by Camra's WhatPub to be the first community owned pub in the UK, but I think I've seen that claimed for other pubs too. Never mind, it is certainly listed on the inventory of historic pub interiors, though as this one depends on having been unchanged since the 1960s it's not as spectacular as some. In fact it's pretty unremarkable except for the fact of having been unchanged for so long. It was built in early Victorian times, presumably for the servants and stable hands of the nearby large houses. Hidden in the back streets and difficult to photograph, it's certainly no prettier on the outside than in, both being very plain. The bar counter is in a small room to the right on entering, with seating in a larger room to the left and a games room further on. There's a small beer garden in the yard. Both the beers were from Brightside brewery in Radcliffe, I had the Dialled In Pale 4.6%, which was OK but unmemorable. Date of visit: 7th October 2022

Official site of The Star Inn - www.staronthecliff.co.uk

Official site of The Star Inn - www.staronthecliff.co.uk

The Star Inn is a small cooperative pub tucked away down a back street off a side street so it is easily missed and very much a locals pub. Out the front is a courtyard with picnic tables and the pub is accessed through a split door to the right. The tiny bar area is to the right of the entrance where there is also minimal seating. If the bar counter wasn’t there I’d have called it a snug. Standard and premium keg was available and the two handpumps were drawing Brightside Brewing’s B-Side and Odin. To the left of the entrance is a larger rectangular area with banquettes and tables on a worn green carpet. The jukebox was off in favour of Absolute Radio playing on the TV and tucked around the back of the door is a dartboard. At the very rear is a pool room with one table. The doors open at 16:00 Monday to Thursday, 14:00 Friday and midday at the weekend. This is a very friendly place, but it is also basic and out of the way so I don’t envisage a return visit.