please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Excellent pub for a good argument
I was about to give up on the highgate area in general until I stumbled upon this little gem. I've moved here recently and found the locals beyond compare in the good samariton stakes you see. Within 30 seconds of stepping through the ample entrance of this establishment I found myself disagreeing with an old couple over the ownership rights of a sumptuous chesterfield. After relieving myself in the gents I entered into a fanasticly pedantic spat with the barchap over the correct serving temperature for deutchers IPA. I then spent the evening in the rather enjoyable fashion of being regailed by my, now, former girlfriend on my many failings, including but not limited to my inept choice of footwear.
All in all a memorable evening, my thanks to the public house management and locals for their part in it.
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Lovely interior, good juke box, good choice of wines and beers, food very tasty but portions sometimes a bit small
Have been put off more recently by making the walk to this pub only to find the whole place closed for a party or an event - would help if they put up a notice the week before. A bit put off by the large number of children in the pub late on a Saturday night.
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Looking forward to visting this pub - my boss was rating it.
Do anyone else have the gut feeling that Nooneinparticular is the landord of the New Brunswick? Why do people keep doing that - its obvious
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There’s a big problem with this pub, its too far from my house. Actually 2 problems, well 1 and a half, it can seem a bit restauranty some nights, i guess that’s the price you pay for drinking somewhere that does such nice food. Other than that i really can’t fault this pub, friendly crowd, great juke box and always a new ale to try. Also, i know, who cares about the furniture but seriously, rarely have i seen such lovely furniture in a public house.
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Excellent food
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wow! what a find. ive been living in the tufnell park area for years and only just discovered this place. It's by far the best pub in the area, nice selection of real ales, really good food that puts a lot of the usual suspects to shame (not mentioning any names), and it’s got a really friendly feel to it, kind of old school, not too corporate. Restaurant food but it’s not trying to be a restaurant which makes it a bit more relaxed.
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Timely visit late last night. Good first pint of Nethergate; perfect half of T/T Landlord. Brief chat with management re their enterprising real ale choices. Seen Grand Union badges up alongside Nethergate and Sharps. Mentioned Dark Star which is not yet on their S.I.B.A. list but hoping soon will be!!
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My family spent a very pleasant Sunday afternoon here, open fire, good food and drink, polite and friendly staff, good ambience and tastefully fitted out.
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exactly like a modern pub should be. good beer. excellent decor, friendly staff, great food.
my new favourite pub.
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Didnt like it in here at all, you have to fight your way through the tables to get to the bar. Much rather drink in The New Brunswick.
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I've been raving about this place since I went in the other week! I'm always wary when pubs get the gastro treatment, as normally it means if you're not young, wealthy and ordering food, the staff are going to intimidate you until you take your pikey self out the door and back to Wetherspoons where you belong. The Star couldn't be more different! The barstaff were genuinely pleased to see us as new customers- even though the pub was full to bursting point and they must have been rushed off their feet. The beers (ale and lager) were in absolutely top condition, and although a bit on the expensive side, were well worth paying for. The food also seemed reasonably priced, as they seem to serve decent portions and use quality ingredients.
I just can't see a bad side to this place- live music, real ale, independently run- and it replaces an unloved, unpleasant pub in a bit of town that badly needed a boozer. I'm just looking forward to spending a proper afternoon session in there some time...
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this is one to keep between you and your best friends. Lovely food, lovely beer, lovely (if slightly bemused) staff and well worth the trip out of your way if you fancy somewhere off the beaten track.
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Exactly what you want from a pub: good choice of beer, wine and spirits; damn good food and a jukebox that deserves it's own slot on 6 music. Staff are the friendliest I've met and it's also worth noting the top notch refurb - in short quality throughout.
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A rarity and a peach, in an a recently opened fully independent gastro-pub that keeps things simple, in a tried-and-tested formula - namely doing it for the love of it rather than for the profit. The nearby Lord Palmerston used to be like this until it was bought out by a chain and subsequently had it's heart and soul ripped out by way of dodgy decor and owners looking at the balance sheet.
So why go to the Star? Remember how the original 'gastros' were back in the mid 90s, and do you miss them? Well they're trying to keep that spirit alive here - no fussing with the beer or wine and the food affordable and hearty (unlike other gastros that are slowly morphing into restaurants with tables reserved for those eating, and hiked prices to match).
A great place to go for a drink, or for lunch or dinner, and a muso's dream jukebox to round things off.
Hopefully here to stay.
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Ladnewton is correct in his original review. Proper pub which happens to sell gastro-pub quality food. No 'reserved' signs to warn away drinkers and friendly staff. Good ales and a great real open fire.
Miles better than the Lord Palmerston down the road - lets hope it doesnt suffer the same pretentious fate.
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Popped in late last night for quick pint of Timothy Taylor's Landlord which remains on exquisite, benchmark quality. Ended up having a pint and a half of the stuff.
Lager/non-ale drinkers are also well catered for with Amstel, Leffe, Hoegaarden and Staropramen available permanently on tap.
Contact the pub direct for any special deals on bottled beers, etc, in the fridge.
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Most welcome addition to the area. wonderful decor, hearty, good value food, friendy staff, nice tunes. Suits both a cosy meal with the missus and a raucous night with palls.
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Just returned from first visit since the pub’s reopening.
AMBIENCE
Following an extensive refurbishment, this is now a spacious gastro pub with individual tables seating two to four. Dark avocado woodpanelling on lower walls and ceiling, white upper walls and some exposed brickwork retain a traditional feel, whilst subdued tungsten and candlelight combine to add cosiness. Add to this the warmth of up to two separate real wood open fires.
STAFF AND CLIENTELE
A friendly bunch. On entering the pub was buzzing with conversation at a pitch that sat well with the jukebox. The music was a varied and pleasant with the volume set at a comfortable level. The staff seem friendly, warm and easy-going which is refreshing as some gastros make the error of being a little snooty. I feel the Star is striving to be a little different, with an individual and independent approach.
BEER
Three handpumps at the bar which is now on the left hand side of the pub as you enter. Fuller London Pride and Timothy Taylor Landlord are currently available at the price of £2.80 per pint. The third pump is currently inactive but the pub is in the process of registering with SIBA and will subsequently have a changing guest beer in the future. I had 1½ pints of Landlord which was on fine form.
WINE
An extensive wine list is displayed on blackboards at the back of the pub and, although no wine connoisseur, it reads well. There are also a couple of good champagnes.
FOOD
A constantly changing and imaginative food menu is advertised. The price structure is fairly standard at approximately £4.50 for starters and desserts alike, and £8.50-£12 for main courses. I illustrate this with sample items selected from a randomly-picked menu: Cornish fish soup (starter), Sea trout on creamed sorrel and new potatoes (main) and Plum, apple & almond crumble with vanilla custard (sweet). Staff describe the general food programme as “comfort” food aimed principally at those wishing to eat quality food after work but without the energy to cook, but will actually be enjoyed by everyone.
Drinkers-only are welcome, and the staff have said that first and foremost this is a pub. Tables are not booked and are available on first come-first served basis.
This is the first time I have been able to enjoy a pint at this pub despite living in the neighbourhood for over thirty years. It deserves a chance. Do visits and see the improvements for yourselves.
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This pub has been renamed the Star, reopening four weeks ago after a refurbishment. I have not yet visited (will do so and post a more in-depth review), but received a flyer through the door last night stating that real ale is now kept (currently Timothy Taylor Landlord and London Pride), and food is now served.
Telephoned on their new number and have been given confirmation that food is served normally 1800-2200 Mon-Fri, 1030-2130 Sat and 1200-2100 Sun.
This is very exciting news for the area which is lacking in such a hostelry!
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an estate pub, not to be confused with a normal pub into which anyone can walk and buy and drink and not be stared at and feel slightly afraid.
anonymous - 11 Jul 2006 11:05 |
This pub serves the local St Albans Road & Chester Road (Highgate Newtown) estates. Very much a local, and not the most welcoming pub on the entire planet.
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Local's pub.
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