The Star of Greenwich, Greenwich, SE10

Had previously visited this venue in July 2021 when it was still the Star & Garter and had a pint of Young’s Original on that visit. Even more limited options this time since re-opened as the Star of Greenwich. Again another one that only opens Thurs to Sun but at least this one opens end afternoon rather than 6pm. My quaff of “choice” was a pint of John Smiths so you can see why the lowly rating in spite of a noble effort to keep this place open. Was pretty quiet a bit before 7.30pm but at least the function room to the side of the main bar was closed for a private event (the mind boggles). Again many better places to quaff in Greenwich and so v unlikely to return but I wish the place well.

Renamed and reopened only about a week ago, this pub dates from the early 19th century and given the oriel windows, I can well believe that this is the original building, with an interior from either the ‘30s or ‘50s. It’s also a bit confusing due to the Electric Star Pubs chain, with the Star of Bethnal Green, Star by Hackney Downs and Star in Shoreditch, to name but a few, this not part of the chain being a community-owned pub. However, those who aren’t a fan of the brand my avoid this pub simply because they may think it’s part of the chain. The interior is very traditional, though in quite an old-fashioned way, with carpet – except to the darts area – exposed rough hewn dark wood beams, white Artex, games machine, jukebox, exposed brick fireplaces (one with a Mann, Crossman & Paulin brewery tile, see photo), décor in the form of framed nautical prints and flowers in vases. To the rear is a spacious, largely empty room, done up like a nursery school, with masses of toys and a Wendy house. Customers are a resolutely older bunch and all obviously local, no-one wanting to raise their voices above a whisper, so as not to attract attention to themselves and presiding over proceedings is a friendly old-school landlady, serving me with a half of Moretti at £2.48. This isn’t a bad place, but it really is very traditional to the point where it may be avoided by the students, not that this is necessarily a bad thing. This is the type of place which gets my blessing, but it’s not really my thing, the lack of a decent cask adding an extra disincentive. Rated 3.5.

Facebook page of The Star of Greenwich - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Star of Greenwich - www.starofgreenwich.co.uk

Facebook page of The Star of Greenwich - www.facebook.com

Official site of The Star of Greenwich - www.starofgreenwich.co.uk