The Star, Dorking

The Star is a Greene King pub on a constantly busy corner, though that doesn't stop the regulars nabbing the tables outside on a sunny afternoon. The brewery has relaxed the tie, so the 2 clipped pumps offer Dorking DB One and Pilgrim Original Pale; the third being out of action on my visit. There's no surprises on the kegs. Despite the constant traffic, I can see the attraction of outside, as its all a bit basic inside - well-worn wooden floor boards, with an equally scuffed wooden bar. There's a few dark corners in here too. The Pilgrim was fine, so I'd consider a return some time.

A single room pub, fairly traditional with wooden floor and mixed comfortable seating, the walls for the main part were wallpapered with old dorking newspapers which I'm sure would make for interesting reading should you have time. There was easy listening background music at an unobtrusive level, the service was friendly.I wasn't as lucky as previous reviewers with the beer choice , GK IPA and a GK derived collaboration between Orkney brewery and Belhaven,the resultant beer, Kittiwake was predictably ordinary, a third handle had Rosie's Pig Cider on offer. Beer aside I found this to be a nice relaxing pub and would happily try it again, but Cobbetts being just over the road makes it less likely.

This certainly is a rather quirky place, on arrival the door was closed, another punter was waiting outside. Presently the door opened slightly and a bloke dressed and made up like a pantomime dame advised that the doors would be open again in two minutes, some sort of filming was going on. Once normality resumed and access was gained, there is a small L-shaped interior with a boarded floor, raised at the far end with what looks to double up as a stage judging by the speakers and lighting rig. Etched windows have the pub name inscribed, décor includes Bakelite radios and a 30s looking TV set, there is a shelf containing well thumbed books and a few board games and a piano sits on the side wall. The possibility of bringing in your own takeaway food is reinforced by a holder on a cill containing various takeaway menus. Regular seating with a couple of pew style benches. Signed externally as a GK pub, there were however better options. Three handpumps offered GK Olde Trip, Thornbridge Wild Swan and Robinson's Trooper. The Wild Swan was first rate. The toilets were up a steep and winding stair with a confusing tread pattern, care is needed, strangely the toilet door was wedged open leaving any urinal activity on full view to the clearly domestic parts of the pub adjoining. The panto dame and cohorts were in the room at the end editing their production. The pub seems to be gay friendly but it doesn't seem to be an exclusively gay pub, the clientele were from all walks of life; despite the unusual aspects of my visit I enjoyed my brief stop here and would visit again.

I remember the interior being fairly unique, but more in the way of a Cafe on a visit a few years ago. I also believe they used to hold music nights.

The Star now styles itself as a 'public house and creative venue', and it is certainly the only pub that I've ever walked into to find the landlord practicing the violin behind the bar during a quiet late afternoon period! There is also a range of open mic events, 'vinyl nights', cocktail evenings and even a forthcoming pub pantomine. The interior decor is tastefully done, and a little discreet signage makes it clear that this is a gay-friendly establishment. Beer-wise, two of the handpumps were in operation, offering the regular Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen (£3.50 and in good form). Overall, it seems a very well run place and certainly offers something a bit different to the good people of Dorking.