The Star (JD Wetherspoon), Gosport

A very indifferent and slightly shabby exterior to this average 'Spoon's located in the pedestrianised High Street. Inside is pleasant enough, although the fairly low ceiling and limited daylight gives a slightly cavernous feel. it opens out a little more to the rear and there is a patio area behind. The beer range is pretty average, with one local guest and one more far-flung alongside the usual stuff.

The Star is an archetypal High Street Spoons consisting of a dull, long narrow shop conversion with the bar on the left. It had a typical mix of daytime brigade and shoppers. There were flyers on the bar advertising the Manager's Special of a lamb shank at £7.99. This is on the menu at £9.99 but including a drink. As the standard guest ale price here is £2.25 how is that "Special"? The bar has two sets of five hand pumps and I asked for a Sneck Lifter which wasn't turned and didn't say Available Soon. The barmaid told me that it wasn't on, so the reality was that the JDW Trio Of Doom was doubled up, one was unused, one was available soon leaving Otter Ale or a beer from the festival that ended over two weeks ago. I had an Abbot Ale which was in good enough condition. I though this was a rubbish Spoons.