Star Inn, Old Town, Eastbourne

From the outside, the Star Inn looks like it could be a really decent pub. It's a Grade II listed building on a pleasant side street in the Old Town of Eastbourne. However, the interior is very basic with 2 fairly characterless rooms. With nobody sat in the room to the left, I chose to sit with 3 or 4 locals in the right-hand room where the pool table is the centre of attention. Music was playing a bit too loud for my liking. Seemingly the pool table and the music attract a few of the local inebriates. Real ale is not really a strongpoint either. The former Star Brewery which occupied the premises is no more. Instead, 2 handpulls were clipped with Young's Special on one and a handwritten Wychwood Hobglobin Gold on the other I asked for the Young's only to be told that the Hobgoblin was the only one actually available. Although the gaffer did seem to be pulling through the Young's whilst I was there. I wouldn't rush back to this one.

Superficially interesting, but this old pub has unfortunately lost much of its character. There are still two bars, with the main entrance leading to the smaller but busier one (with a pool table). The second room has a low stage in the corner for the regular live music, and both are plainly furnished and decorated. Three handpumps on each counter, but the only real available was Young's Special (£3.70).