Star Castle Hotel, St. Marys

An up-market hotel in an unusual building, a 16th Century fort. The bar, open to non-residents, is underground in a cellar beneath the redoubt. It’s an L-shaped bar with a wine cellar at one end, the counter at he other and a selection of tables for drinkers and diners. No electronic distractions, and the walls are adorned with historic prints, a few paintings and some antique firearms and weaponry. There is a bar menu for lunchtimes, mainly soup and sandwiches, while the full restaurant menu is available in the evenings; the main restaurant is on the floor above. It’s not cheap, and the evening menu is mainly haute cuisine. There is a selection of wines and bottled ales, while Peroni is the megakeg offering complemented by Tribute on draught. The beer was in good condition at first, but it had gone off within a couple of days. It’s quite a pleasant place to stay and a good bar for a lunchtime pint as it’s dog-friendly, the clientele are relatively civilised, the staff very helpful, but don’t be surprised that – like the halberd in the cellar - there’s a huge bill at the end of it.