Star & Garter, Montpelier, Bristol

One of Bristol’s most iconic pubs and regrettably one that I had not managed to visit previously, despite trying on several occasions. Under the stewardship of legendary landlord “Dutty” Ken, it invariably didn’t open until 9:00 or 10:00pm, and didn’t really get going until after midnight. Following his death in early 2017 it was taken on by his daughter but sadly closed a year or so later. It’s now re-opened under new ownership though, and whilst the striking graffiti covered exterior has been given a makeover, the interior is, I suspect, largely unchanged. It’s divided in to three areas internally, although all flow in to one another and have a broadly similar décor. Flooring is narrow wood strip that looks as though it may have been painted red at one time but has now largely worn off. The lower part of the walls was clad in wood panelling that had been painted brown whilst an extensive collection of black and white portrait photographs was on the upper part of the walls, many from the Jamaican community but I also noticed the legendary “DJ Derek” amongst them who used to play regularly at the pub. There were also a few watercolours that looked to be Jamaican street scenes. As a reminder of the pub’s music credentials, a large number of big bass speakers were inset in to the bar counter to make something of a feature, and there was also an old DJ console on the wall as well as a larger rig set up for use and an old jukebox. A small snug at one end looked to be a cosy spot with an old Chesterfield sofa. Beers on tap were Dawkin’s Bristol Gold and Easton IPA, along with Bath Ales Lansdown IPA. Ciders meanwhile were Thatcher’s Gold and Stowford Press. All in all a fantastic pub, and well worth making the effort to track it down.

Official site of Star & Garter - www.starandgarterbristol.co.uk

Official site of Star & Garter - www.starandgarterbristol.co.uk

The Star & Garter looked to be in a right old mess when i tried to do it,the whole of the pub is covered with murals and now grafity. Ime not sure if this is how it is meant to look but i thought it would not open anytime soon. Attempted visit 25/6/2016