Star Inn, Romney Marsh

A rare trip to a non London pub found me in this traditional country pub on Romney Marsh. It hasn't changed in essence since the previous reviewer's visit, retaining its country pub atmosphere. It's very recently changed management, and when we visited Sunday lunchtime only rolls were available, but I'm sure they will get the hot food up and running as soon as possible as Sunday lunchtime is usually the most lucrative session for these kind of pubs. As you enter the bar counter's on the left, with one or two tables and chairs filling the small space in front of it, with a handful of tall stools at the bar. This seemed to be the area of choice for locals to loiter and chat, and frankly who can blame them? To the right of the servery is an area with the enormous brick built fireplace complete with wood-fired stove, and a few more tables and chairs. Further back from here is a room with more tables and chairs laid out in a more formal arrangement, and is, I would guess, the area that will be used for diners. Out at the back is a garden. The bar billiards table is no more, but there is a dartboard at the front by the window. The ales on were Young's Bitter and Winter Warmer, Ringwood Forty-Niner and Master Brew, plus Old Rosie Cider was also available on handpump. Although the food operation had not yet got going, there were nibles (biscuits, cheese, etc) on the counter. This is still a very nice pub, and certainly worth a visit - but it is a bit remote of course.

What a find! This traditional village pub has a history which is traceable back to the 15th Centruy and has been called The Star since at least 1711. It has all the superficial trimmings of a country pub - flagstone floors, large open fireplace, dried hops over the bar, horse brasses hanging from the wall and so on, but as a rural pub you can live with it. There is also a bar billiard table which, I was told, replaced a pool table which took up too much room. Food is normally served, but I missed the timings and only sandwiches were available - my fault, not the pub's. There is B&B and self-catering accommodation, the occasional beer festival in the Summer, and a folk club, and the pub is the traditional centre of village life and has a great local spirit. The landlord is very knowledgeable, as is the barmaid - both very professional and welcoming. There were 4 ales on; the landlord insisted I try them all. Youngs Premium Bitter, Woodford's Wherry, Thorton's Jaipur and Franklin's were all superbly kept and extremely enjoyable. This pub is a must for anyone passing through the area, well worth seeking out for a beer, an enjoyable evening or just a quiet lunch.