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Disappointment of the week with Tris39
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
North Star, NW3
NW3
NW3 5JJ
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 5 of 10) see review guidelines
Quinno _ left this review about North Star
Commanding and attractive building opposite the horror of the A41. A 90s interior refurb that's in need a refresh - battered and smelly. Two cask, Tim Taylor Landlord and a passable St Austell Proper Job (NBSS 2.5). Amusement value came from the sign at the bar offering a chef’s special – salmon fillet which was marked as being vegetarian. A decent operator would make this place worthwhile as there’s the offices of an NHS Trust a few yards away as well as a few other employers who have staff on the lookout for something half-decent. It isn’t like there’s much else in the vicinity bar the ever-peculiar Swiss Cottage.
On 5th July 2023
- rating: 5
[User has posted 5072 recommendations about 5055 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about North Star
This commanding pub occupies an idyllic position next to a BP petrol station, opposite a branch of Iceland and overlooking the virtual dual carriageway that is the A41, better known as Finchley Road, catering mainly for locals, a few studenty types and the lost.
A return visit for us after a period of over four years and nothing has changed, except that the pool table has been moved upstairs for private members and as a result, drinking space to the rear has increased. Otherwise it is its same old self. A large space with some mini partitions and etched glass (probably modern) some nice cornicing, an attractive granite fireplace and a raised central area with raised rear (up some steps) to where a couple of women were playing darts - the raised areas are explained by the pub's topography, it being situated on a steep slope. Furniture is solid and traditional in dark lacquered wood and the floor is bare boarded though modern and worn. The wooden bar has a field panelled front and a very attractive wood and part mirrored back. There's dark lacquered field panelled wooden panelling at waist height to the interior's perimeter; lighting comes courtesy of hanging fake Victorian gas lamps. There's food but its from the burger/fish and chips school of gastronomy rather than that which you'd usually associate with NW3.
So far so good. However, the music in here (some inane American popstrel no doubt) was very loud and there were three TVs showing football - a menacing ceiling projector implied that greater tedium could be inflicted should the pub wish to roll up its sleeves and flex its Sky Sports muscle.
The governor was a little glum and decided to chat to regular customers rather than serve us which isn't a way to win friends. The lavs are mildly alarming with grafitti, some bare plaster stained with mildew and a severely cracked vanity mirror over the basins; Renton would feel right at home.
Ales: Fuller's London Pride (clip reversed), Sharp's Doom Bar (clip reversed) and Atlantic, St. Austell's Tribute and Wimbledon's Tower at just £4.05 and very decent too.
A surprisingly broad range of ales, decent in quality and very cheap for the area, coupled with the London Improv Theatre upstairs are plus points, but the detractions - especially the lavatories - are reason enough for me not recommending this pub. There's always Ye Old Swiss Cottage down the road. Out of the frying pan...
On 1st October 2017
- rating: 3
[User has posted 1983 recommendations about 1949 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about North Star
Impressive building, with a large split-level 'L'-shaped bar. Traditional furniture and decor. Cheap food offers. Members-only pool room upstairs. Modest split-level patio beer garden to the rear. Four of five handpumps in operation, offering Pride, Ringwood Best, Bombardier (£3.50) and Old Rosie cider.
On 29th September 2013
- rating: 6
[User has posted 8086 recommendations about 8086 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
ROB Camra left this review about North Star
A very good looking early Victorian pub on the outside, but the inside has been ripped apart and now it's just one big room, although still with a few nooks and crannies. It's big on football now and just about every TV match is shown here. If it's Arsenal, Man Utd, Chelsea etc the place is absolutely rammed, at other times it's a reasonably pleasant pub. I often call in here for one on by way back to the Marriott at Swiss Cottage. There's a dartboard in one corner, but I've never seen anyone playing on it. The barmaids are friendly and efficient although the beer range is pedestrian. They always have London Pride (don't they all) and usually a guest ale or two, but they're not very inventive. The beer quality is usually pretty good as well.
On 17th July 2009
- rating: 6
[User has posted 3223 recommendations about 3134 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve C left this review about North Star
This is not the best pub. It gets packed for any football matches, but 2 minutes after the game it is empty again.
There is a pretty good smoking area with tables and benches out the back of the pub.
On 4th October 2007
- rating: 5
[User has posted 5231 recommendations about 5199 pubs]