please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
At least it was empty today but the place felt a little depressing and doesn''t even have a proper beer garden for summer.
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Next pub visited was the Star Inn. Depressing inside. I mean they don't have much of a garden for hot weather so it is more of a Winter pub.
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Fuck you deleting my food challenges
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I'm struggling to say this is an interesting pub. Shepherd Neame pubs struggle to be very interesting at all. At least it does have some history and is an old pub with some musical history as well.
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Student in Guildford in the '80's. one of the pubs bombed the "Guildford 4". Used to be a no go area on weekends due to drunk Squadies. Guildford, nice looking place, filled with seriously horrible people!
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Shepherd Neame beers. Hardly my favourite but this old pub seems to be doing better lately - more customers than usual perhaps it is the cakes they are selling? A reasonable fish and chips which was value for money.
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Dirty tired pub in a prime location; expensive as well. 6/10.
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Time to change my mind - a disappointing visit on a September midweek afternoon, pretty immature student staff were pretty annoying. The music was annoying as well!! The tables were dirty and the wallpaper is coming off all over the place. The beer was the only good point, it is a music venue still I believe so maybe it does not have to bother being smart!!
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I think this is a reasonable pub to have a drink or meal in.
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Standard Shepherd Neame beers, most which were run out by 10 (on 22nd Dec 2011). The pub is an interesting mixture of small rooms, passages and alcoves. The Back Room is where the noise comes from; a punkish band followed by a 5-piece with 2 female singers. A pleasant throwback to the pub rock days of old (apart from paying �5 at the door but money well spent, after hearing the Cardigans' My Favourite Game).
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OK Sheps pub, Whitstable Bay was reasonable. Quirky place on different levels.
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Is this the best pub in Guildford? Probably.
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Looked in on Thursday afternoon to check up, post refurb. It�s certainly clean and tidy and with the music volume much reduced from my previous visit. The furniture mix is poor however with uncomfortable high tables and ghastly sofas, armchairs and low tables.
Despite having tasting notes for all SN draught ales, only Bishop�s Finger was on. I didn�t try it as one barmaid was trying hard to cope with a queue of punters, so I decided to try elsewhere.
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still feels grimy...but the beer is good...another shepherd & neame pub...
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Much cleaner and more pleasant than it used to be, Shepherd Neame beer on offer and well kept.
Well done to the bar maid last night who would not serve some people alcohol because they were too drunk... dealt with a large group of men well.
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Awful - the manager thought I was drunk because I couldn't walk down the stairs at the pub properly. The fact that I went there as my first visit to a pub after a tri ligament replacement operation had no bearing on the fact that I couldn't walk down stair properly. He got the Police involved and then felt rather silly after all was explained - moral of the story is don't judge a book by it's cover - ruined a potentially great night !!!
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A lovely old building, sensitively restored. Rooms on different levels, this pub has much character.
However, despite being described as having 4 real ales available, there were 2 on our visit - Kent's Best and Whitstable Bay - both the same strength so not much of a choice. Quality was nothing special, the beer a little cold and the measures short. The young barmaid struggled to cope especially with thirsty real ale drinkers wanting a full pint. Shame, really, as this pub has huge potential. Shepherd Neame take note please.
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Got barred from here in about 2002. It just seems that urinating in a plant pot isn't acceptable here. Really disappointing.
Seriously though, that was a bit of a low point. The place is very nice and they probably didn't deserve to deal with idiots like us. Been back recently and it's still a nice place. Would recommend.
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Much improved after recent refurbishment, Shepherd Neame ales were all on and the menu looked appetising. All in all a much cleaner pub now.
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now open and refurbished so a little smartened up but the layout is pretty much the same. decent pint of 4-4-2
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all signs have been removed - shall see whats going on soon some major refurb.
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Echo some of the previous comments. The whole pub is in need of a big clean. For the entire 1 and a half visit the table next to me had dirty dinner plates left unattended, I was only 1 of 3 customers in the place, so the staff on duty we not exactly rushed off their feet. The lager was a little on the flat side but not a disaster.
Have passed this place many times before my first visit and have passed it many times since with no intention of returning.
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I used to really rate this pub a few years ago. Went in with friends on Saturday night. It immediately appeared filthy and run-down. Three out of four pump clips turned round leaving on Shepherd Neame Kentish Best on so we left straight away.
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A pub with more character than you can shake a sticky stick at. Don't wear your finest clothes and jewelry, just get along, stick to the carpet and drink in the atmosphere. A great pub with centuries of history - just hoping they don't change it too much when it's re-furbed in 2010. Please - no "chain" makeover.
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I used to come here in my college days and a couple of years following that. How can I put this...
The Star used to be great in a shit way.
Now, The Star is shit in a good way.
I'm not surprised to hear the gents is still looking like it was air-lifted out of Beirut. The rest of the pub used to follow suit, but it was this that gave it character. If this kind of character is unappealing to some, I can understand! I liked this pub when it had a mix of local crims, rockers and folkies; when the carpet was soaked with beer and the nicotine hung of the ceilings. The beer was ok and the whisky was cheap. It was just a varied place in the middle of Guildford that, a) wasn't full of chavs, and b) wasn't hideously overpriced. I have no idea if Guildford has that anymore, but as I remember the only comparable pub was the little place next to the little graveyard off the highstreet. That was a fantastic little pub.
Anyway, my review and rating is based on the current state of the pub!
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Decided to brave the Star this afternoon and the visit was just as I expected.
The crowd at the bar was noisy and off-putting. Does this pub attract Guilford's criminals?
However the positive note was the Sheperd Neame ales, there was 4 on and the Late Red was superb.
Pub also seemed very food orientated with menu's set at every table. Plenty of food choice for everybody so this has the makings of a great pub but as yet the crowd have had to lower my rating somewhat. 7/10.
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Pretty disgusting venue - seemingly a students bar rather than a pub. The gentlemens room has not been seen to in years and the cubicle is broken, this is not good enough. Given the state of this tip I won't be eating here until it is more hygenic. Sheperd Neame beer is at least ok, but the noise in the background ruins any atmosphere.
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Still an attractive old building inside and out, the Star was, in contrast to the nearby King's Head, virtually empty on a Thursday lunchtime. The interior of the pub is a maze of small alcoves, side rooms and levels.
Bishop's Finger, Kentish Best and Late Red on pump, but not Spitfire, despite the bar being absolutely covered in Spitfire advitising material!
The Late Red, served by a friendly young barman was "ok" but not a patch on some I've tried. Despite there being three old geezers in there (and me!) as their entire cutomer base, loud dance music was being belted out, i.e. not customer consideration. Still it's a double winner for the staff: they get to hear the music that they like and they don't have to do much work, as all their customers are driven off up the hill to the King's Head!
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rubbish and miserable syff top if off
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Average... Ok jukebox and shepheard neame ales. bit dull and drab tho.
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Does a pub quiz on the Tuesday but that is not exactly worth attending. Come here for the music or for the excellent Shepheard Neame beers.
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Yes - Shepherd Neame have now taken over and the range of drinks is the only noticeable change. Obviously some different ales to try and also noticeably Orangeboom and I believe Hullinium on tap so different lagers but this pub is perhaps a little drab and could do with a bit of an extra sparkle. 5/10.
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This pub has been acquired by Shepherd Neame, although remains (at the moment at least) very similar to how it was previously. Standard range of SN ales when I popped in, and I enjoyed the Whitstable Bay ale. I imagine in time SN will want to smarten the place up as it does look a bit unloved at the moment.
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Good for your rock or metal lover.
Fine jukebox adds to the atmosphere.
Pretty fine range of ever changing ales.
Just needs a bit of maintanence.
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Reasonable pub. Can be a loud at weekends but this is near the middle of town and some people like to let it all hang out. Good for beer and music. A bit run-down but that makes it an appealing pub in a way.
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This pub is beyond disgusting. Visited the other night and I have to admit I wish I had not bothered! Toilets are full of piss all over the floors, so nevermind your new shoes for a start! The staff are the most ridiculous I have ever seen - ignoring many of the regulars just for the sake of it... The music is the most annoying crap I have heard in a long time. Not to mention the rubbish live music situation - terrible pub.
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The interior of this pub is well in keeping with the finest traditions of the English pub: a multi-roomed, multi-levelled interior with lots of passageways, staircases, nooks and crannies, and an outdoor drinking area on the lowest level of the pub. I used to come here years ago, and back in those days the pub struggled to live up to its premises. On returning recently I thought things might have improved a bit - there were two real ales in evidence (neither run of the mill). I had a softie, though, and am mindful of the comments below about beer quality, so whether this means anything I don't know.
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Yeah, like Doyenne says this is a proper pub for the real drinker. Not one of these pay �3.60 for your pint of Kronenburg nonsense. The likes of the Kings Head and the Star are the top pubs around town. You've got Greene King IPA, Youngs, 6X and that Hobgoblin on tap.
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I've never had a bad night in here. A Proper Pub. :-)
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SurreyPubMan i think it helps if your an Emu or is that emo.
Happy days !!!
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Very, very strange pub. Drinks can be charged at very strange prices.. �3.24 for a Corona etc.. Whats that all about? Too weird for me
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Trying to sum this pub is not an easy task. Located on the edge of Quarry Street so basically just off the town centre.
On going in it seems pleasant enough, but then comes the statge where I have to order a pint or two, 1st pint was a Youngs Bitter, terrible tasting, not a good ale at all.
2nd time round I go and order a Hobgoblin, why do they bloody sell this shit! Terrible Ale in every way. Also the crowd was loud and screwed up the bar area big time. The staff were slow and not doing their job well... Ok i admit its hard when its busy but you know come on!
And finally, heard the live music coming from the other room, way too loud and noisy and not good... Man i know it sounds bad, but maybe I just had an off night, 2/10 for now.. :-)
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was awesome in its day but now looking to a bit of a trendy pub (ie: not dank enough for my liking) , foods not bad for a quick meal but nothing out standing
anonymous - 9 Mar 2008 10:45 |
Its one of those pubs which is ok sometimes, but does not exactly stand out. Pretty average in fact. Better value than somewhere like The Slug and Lettuce though.
5/10
anonymous - 8 Mar 2008 14:22 |
Had another mini-refurb. Hasn't improved much though. Still the only pub with an outside pool table though!
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Close for a refurb guys not a "sparkle" and try again.
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Its been closed for long term maintanence
anonymous - 29 Jul 2007 15:41 |
Not sure what has happened to the live music at the Live and Loud bar here, but it appears to be off at the moment. Heard it may be off for a couple of weeks?!
anonymous - 29 Jul 2007 00:06 |
Not sure what has happened to the live music at the Live and Loud bar here, but it appears to be off at the moment. Heard it may be off for a couple of weeks?!
anonymous - 29 Jul 2007 00:06 |
excuse my ignorance beergibbon but what's the 'emo crowd'
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Load of wierdo`s in here the night i called and its quite dirty not cleaned that often it looks like.
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Great wonkiness inside due to the multiple levels and general age of the place. Now a bit of a hangout for the emo crowd but at least they are easy-going.
We turned up last week dressed as a Russian person, Frenchman, matador, Morris dancer and Scotsman and no-one even batted an eyelid!
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The pub has improved to quite an extent.
The Gents have now been fixed and there is also a beam which helps to protect your head when making your way downstairs, very handy.
About three real ales on. Was Wadworth, IPA and Youngs on visit. Good quality
Also music is generally on time and reliable
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The food side of things does appear to have improved now - not too long to wait and good quality
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new manager, new chef, new staff. food is great now, bar staff are good and, even better, good looking. can get busy on weekends (and sometimes understaffed at these times) but generally really good. hardly ever get any pikeys in there now (great) but lots of tight acm students (booh). good pub tho
anonymous - 1 Feb 2007 22:14 |
Afraid if you are eating here the wait can be a long time. Better for drinking and the music nights 7/10
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One of the oldest pubs in Guildford and don`t it look it,went past in day light yesterday it looks a right dump.Put me off now.
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Just a minor fault. The Lad's toilet door needs fixing. Afraid some people could get into a rather awkward situation with the way it is now!
anonymous - 17 Dec 2006 00:38 |
Live music on most nights and nice atmosphere (if you don't mind people from ACM). A few ales on tap, and pretty much bog standard choice on all other things, and in the evenings the service at the bar can become fairly slow.
blode - 15 Nov 2006 16:25 |
The place to come for live music, as its pretty much on every night. The drinks range isnt the best in the world, but at least they sell a nice Guinness
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true the ashtrays arnt cleared as often as mayby they should but the atmosphere is great. my friends and i think its great to just chill in and the live music is actualy realy good and so is the music selection generaly its kind of a studenty bar though and the staff arnt the best but thats kinda what you expect in a student bar. I love it
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Going downhill all the time - Charlotte, the manageress has gone on to better things; Hardly anyone seems to drink in here anymore; barstaff are pretty thin on the ground; ashtrays are almost never emptied.
On the plus side, that horrible American barmaid seems to have buggered off.
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If you like your crowd studenty and weird this is your place. Beer is average.
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Lovely proper pub with blinding music nights! I've seen some great bands here.
The stairs to the ladies *are* something of a hazard after a few drinks, but the higgledy-piggledy nature of the pub just adds to its charm.
From what I can tell, the pub seems well organised, with enough staff to keep things running smoothly (I hate waiting for ages & ages while the bar staff basically faff about so I'm always happy to meet a bar-person who knows what they're doing!)
I feel really comfy & at home here. (There are LOADS of fit young musos to meet!) Cheap-ish drinks prices, Girl-friendly, No Chav element, No trouble. Fab!
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Last time i was in there was threatened with violence if i didn't leave my seat for some drug dealers's fat wife. Who then procceeded to offer me some 'skunk'.When i made the barman aware of the incident, he simply shrugged and laughed. Er, poor..............
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If you are young or want to be with young people who are into music, this is the place. Forget about the quality of anything you will ingest or who or what serves it to you, that's just for adding to the atmosphere. There is some genuine talent brewing musically in the area and this is the place to see it. And there are two staircases you can watch pissed people fall down, not just one. Don't wear anything you don't want ruined or spent too much money on to begin with. Can anyone name a better place that's worse?
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I am the assistant manager of this pub and I can I just reasure anyone reading this website that we are very proffesional i our running of our band venue. We operate a strict over 18's only policy have a very warm welcoming atmosphere. We are very student friendly and anyone who has been in The Star recently will know we have also spent a lot of money creating a fantastic venue for the local bands og Guildford to play in.
anonymous - 11 Sep 2005 18:12 |
Cheap and rough enough to keep the Ben Sherman brigade out. Brilliant.
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Lovely place for a sunny Saturday afternoon. The Full English is well worth the price and the seating outside on two levels is well shaded and quite pleasant.
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Not sure why the manageress is so stupid, maybe she should explain why a 17 yr old who is with an adult and is not drinking alcohol cannot use the pub on a Monday evening, to play with her band, maybe the promoter and the manageress should find another hole to crawl under, and is'nt it strange that the young lady in question was allowed to stay when there was no other bass amp to use except for this young ladies, BUT as soon as another bass amp arrived she was chucked out, perhaps future bands should think about playing at another venue where they are respected,
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An excellent local pub with cheap beer, great food and good service. The old building adds to the atmosphere of the place, including watching pissed people fall down the narrow stairs to the toilets. Small outside area at the back on two levels, can�t really be described as a garden, but still nice in summer.
anonymous - 17 Apr 2005 19:03 |
very strict and dont think everyone knows what they are doing in their..but good bands play there!
Unknown - 13 Oct 2004 19:10 |
The best pub in Guildford. Really cheap bear. A really old pub, allways packed with people
Norwegian viking - 14 Sep 2004 15:03 |
Not the best pub in the world but they do have some great bands playing there most weeks in the back room. Saw a band called electric audio who rocked!
Dave - 12 May 2004 13:24 |
They have karaoke on Sunday nights now.
That will either attract you, or really put you off. Don't get dragged into it, that's all I'll say.
Norn_Iron_Dave - 5 Apr 2004 14:29 |
Avoid it like the plague. Used to be an excellent place to pass a convivial evening or afternoon.
I was in recently - nothing on hand pumps and a 55 minute wait for two simple sandwiches that were a very poor immitation of those descibed on the menu.
Dead - 10 Feb 2004 20:47 |
I believe they have just been awarded a late license to 12.30 a.m. on Friday & Saturdays
Mortonian - 5 Feb 2004 10:49 |
Used to be a good pub, now it's a very mediocre run - poor selection of beers and grubby look to place. Few decent pubs in Guildford nowadays - and this isn't one of them.
grecian - 30 Dec 2003 12:34 |
Got some really cheap bear! Best pub in Guildford.
Christian - 16 Nov 2003 23:39 |
Big room out back with massive big screen. Could open it earlier before match but I guess that is to allow the landlord and his mates to grap the sofa at the front...
Matt Le Ross - 26 Jun 2003 15:41 |
This is by far the best real pub in Guildford great music Great atmosphere and Great food and drink.
Live music four nights a week including Battle of the Bands every Thursday and Boos Quiz on a Tuesday and too go with it a Great good fun sociable management team of Adrian and Nicky
Come on The Star Inn is the place to be.
JUST A CUSTOMER - 5 Jun 2003 10:19 |
yup...come see workin lunch with lucky goldstar play there on friday night and also on july 11th!
workinluncher - 3 Jun 2003 14:46 |
hi people.
i host a bloody good quiz night here every tuesday night 9pm since 2002.. trivia & music round's
i give away free pints... �15 & �25 is up for grab's its �1 per person entry.
i play non stop music all night might see you there...cya
boo the star's DJ - 17 Apr 2003 22:03 |
The pub had a nice atmosphere. However when we arrived it was 10:45 and we were not made to feel welcome. We had no fun. The beer I had was vinegary and I had to complain to 2 people before I got my money back. My friend then put money in the duke box and immediately someone turned it off and wouldn't give him the money back. We had no fun.
tim - 15 Apr 2003 18:35 |
If you're into original rock music then come and watch Bind and The Roosters on fri 25th april!
Andy - 28 Mar 2003 22:14 |
Great pub for live music on Friday nights - bands always seem to be top quality
Greg - 17 Sep 2002 14:31 |
Very expensive drinks, even for Guildford! Not recommended for bitter drinkers
Geordie - 1 Aug 2002 08:59 |
Great for televised football and Rugby matches. Large room in rear with big screen. Get there early to ensure a seat. Lower ground floor seating is the best for atmosphere but be prepared to share with students.
Tyrone - 29 Jul 2002 11:24 |
