please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Most of the comments below relate to the great period when the people who now run the Southampton arms on highgate road were the landlords at this pub. Since they left the food is ordinary where it was exciting and the beer awful where it was amazing. The staff are generally clueless and have no idea what they are trying to shove into a pint glass unless it is fizzy lager. What a loss. And the jukebox has gone.
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Doesn't open until 1700 Mon - Fri
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Gastropubs are ten-a-penny in these parts but this one, located a bit off the beaten track in the borders of Highgate and Dartmouth Park, struck me as a relatively nice, down-to-earth one. Popped in for a quick drink with the wife on a Saturday afternoon and found it very quiet and relaxing. The bar area is a spacious and well-lit, and there's a really nice garden of the "hidden garden" type out the back, where we sat. Five handpumps dispensed three real ales and two ciders (described on the board out the front as "real ale ciders"!) between them. Good emphasis on local ales, with Sambrook's Wandle and Brodie's Wit among the three real ales (TT Landlord the third). I didn't sample, but would definitely return here to see how the ale is served.
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Didn't try the food, just the beer. A great pint of TT Landlord (pipes had just been cleaned) Nethergate Umbel was just going on. I was the only customer and had chat with a nice fella who was either the landlord or head barman.
They were busy preparing for a group of 70 coming in for a quiz night.
The Star is more geared up for food but the ale is theret . Now I won't knock all gastropubs as they do have their place but the Star seems a great spot to try a couple of beers and gather round one of the many large wooden tables on the stripped wood floor in the old wooden chairs. Yes its got that usual look yet it is not too polished or doesn't feel pretentious.
Good background music, soul , The Specials, Devandra Banhart ...niicce.
I'll certainly go back to the Star again
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I agree with AliceM's summary. The Star has the potential to be a great pub, but the staff let it down. The overly-gastro menu wasn't totally to my taste, however it would have been nice had the staff informed us when we ordered and took our money that they weren't actually serving food from the main menu, only the Sunday BBQ. We found this out via chance, overhearing another conversation 15 mins later. We were then told the BBQ had run out, only to see 30 mins later more food come out. If the owners/managers can sort out the shambolic service we might return.
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Unpretentious but stylish enough for a good Friday night. Decor the best in the area - not all sanitised like the Lord Palmerston and still has an edge. Sweet and small outside area, good selection of wines and decent locals. Cheese plate more like a cheese slice. Three slices of cheese (only two types), a bit of chutney and more crackers than you'll know what to do with. Order two if you were expecting a decent trio of wedges although that would then cost you �12.
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After leaving the pit that is the New Brunswick and walking through a couple of estates the last place I thought I would come across is a decent gastrofied ale proffering public house.
The pub is a single high ceilinged room with large windows and ubiquitous gastro colour scheme and furniture arrangement (maybe lose the stuffed animal heads). There is a pebbled beer yard out the back with some uncovered seating, but unfortunately I still felt a long way from the beach.
Brodies Red, Ringwood and Otley�s Boss were the ale choices and Old Rosie and Addlestones were also available alongside a selection of premium lagers. It was nice to see three ales available that I had not heard of before and I really enjoyed the Boss, but I found the Ringwood to be a little bland. The man who seemed to be in charge was pleasant and very knowledgeable and gave me a quick run through the beers, no little taster was offered though!
When nature called I left my pint on the bar whilst I used the gents and when I settled back at the bar it had gone, but thankfully one of the staff admitted to throwing it away and I was given a replacement with no questions asked. I was a little confused by the frosty goodbye that I received from the only barmaid that I had no dealings with during my visit; maybe I was lucky to have avoided her.
I�m not a big gastro pub fan and I don�t like meeting unprofessional staff when I�m letting my hair down, but I still liked this pub and would go back again if in the area (which is unlikely).
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We tried to eat here on Friday but it was too busy, returned today and enjoyed a superb roast. No complaints about the service, although it was fairly quiet. Lovely pub, nice fire, will be returning soon for more of the same.
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As a local, I used to visit The Star weekly last year - the food was good, the staff smiley and helpful. However, during the summer the food started to go downhill, with huge waits for service and then sloppy food ( roast beed literally floating in watery gravy..), coupled with some slightly surly service at the bar.We gave up after one particulary inedible meal, and didn't return for 6 months.
This weekend we decided to test the waters there, and went for Sunday Lunch. The food itself was fine this time - not great, but fine. But the staff really let The Star down. I make the error of asking for some bread when I ordered our meal and was told it would be another 5 minutes as it was being baked. Fair enough I thought, but 20 minutes later, and will a loaf of bread clearly visible on the chopping board, I approached the bar again and asked, very politely, if we could get some bread now. One member of staff said they'd get it, but another followed me back to out table and snippily told me " I told you it was not ready!" and then stropped off to get it, delivering it grimfaced.
He ignored us for the rest of our meal, which was probably a good thing. It simply confirmed to us that The Star has completely lost the charm it once had. It could be such a great pub, and used to be one of my favourites - sadly the staff and food let it down.
I'd recommend The Junction instead, at least the food is good and you get service with a smile.
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Bit of a supply and demand issue on last Sundays visit, too little of the former and too much of the latter. A victim of it�s own success I�m afraid. Shame as the food is very good. Don�t get me wrong I would definitely recommend a visit, I am a big fan of the place in general, but would recommend doing so earlier in the week to avoid waiting for food, tripping over pushchairs, and having to raise your voice to be heard.
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The few times I have been in this pub since December 2006 have all been great (staff, beer, food and atmosphere). I have not felt the need to leave a review on each visit but must come to the Star's defence today.
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A curious review Darren! Have eaten and drank loads of times at this pub, service might not always be the best in the world but the staff are always very polite and the food is only rarely short of excellent, certainly never poor. I know a good deal of local folk who all love the star and use it regularly.
I notice you have left exactly the same review on other websites, they must have really brushed you up the wrong way!
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Have been to this pub around ten times now, four of which I have eaten at with friends. As a pub it is very good, however for food it is not. Appalling service from arrogant staff who clearly wish they weren't working in a pub have spoiled each of the meals I have had there. I believe in giving a place a chance, which is why I have been back for food more than twice... I would say drink yes, food no! After a unhelpful reaction to poor service on my last visit (October 2008) (the main courses for four people arrived fifteen minutes apart) I plan not to go back either for drinks or food.
Have friends in the area who have had similar experiences and also vowed not to go back!
Sorry 'Star', you held so much promise...
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Have been to this pub around ten times now, four of which I have eaten at with friends. As a pub it is very good, however for food it is not. Appalling service from arrogant staff who clearly wish they weren't working in a pub have spoiled each of the meals I have had there. I believe in giving a place a chance, which is why I have been back for food more than twice... I would say drink yes, food no! After a unhelpful reaction to poor service on my last visit (October 2008) (the main courses for four people arrived fifteen minutes apart) I plan not to go back either for drinks or food.
Have friends in the area who have had similar experiences and also vowed not to go back!
Sorry 'Star', you held so much promise...
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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 1� 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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