please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
This pub feels like it has a bit of an identity crisis. It isn't sure whether it wants to cater for the real ale fraternity or to be a 'craft beer house'. I guess it is probably more akin to the latter but somehow falls short of being either.
I am unsure whether this used to be in the GBG but I can't imagine it is now with such a limited and uninspiring choice of ale. The focus seems to be on expensive foreign lagers and kegs. Now I have nothing against keg but I do object to the huge mark up on effectively the same product that has been carbonated and chilled to Arctic tempratures all because it is a la mode due to clever marketing and 'the brew dog effect'
Clientele seemed a little mixed. There was an extremely drunk (but pleasant enough) bloke who latched on to me and my mate when I last visited. We didn't mind entertaining him for a bit as we are quite tolerant guys but we hadn't seen each other for ages so it got a bit tiresome after a while. The guy also kept going over to the offie to buy alcohol, drink it outside then return to the garden. He also relieved himself (by that I mean urinate, not something else) into a flower pot before he left. i know a lot of boozers have these types of characters however, the staff were aware of this guy and really should have moved him on. A better run pub would have done.
I will probably go in again as it is good for a change of scene from the spoons when I'm in the Broadway however, it only scores half marks for me based on my last visits.
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I've a long history with this pub! Back to the 1970s.
It was a favourite with the Lads for a Friday night when we were all at school/or first job together - convenient for the 'Monty's' curry house across the road too.
I met a couple of (serious) girlfriends in here, got very drunk more times than I can recall, and had a great time.
It was a traditional Irish pub (before those "Plastic Paddy Joints" arrived) so the crowd was always large, friendly and welcoming.
The "beer garden" was originally just an alleyway where punters could park cars and where the 11:30 punch-ups took place on Fri & Sats. Good clean fun, with plenty of betting going on on the side. Plod, when they bothered to turn up, would block the alley at the Broadway end, watch participants punch themselves out and then haul them to Ealing Police Station for a night in the cells to sleep it off.
There were no 'outdoor heaters'.
Food was MASSIVE Sunday roasts and huge stews during the week.
No music back then - the community singing would drown it out!
It's a shame that it has changed so much. The DJ was a disastrous change (too loud), the door staff a sad modern reflection on what was previously a rigourosly self-policed boozer.
They can't keep the ale and bitter either, which is a shame. It was renowned for well-kept beer before - bigger margins on fizzy keg stuff, I suppose.
The alternative "Town House" over the road catered for the other 'set'
I had a drink in here just before my Wedding. Just for old times sake. The landlord didn't say "Hello Lads - six pints as usual? I'll bring them over" Sad.
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I hadnt been in here for quite a while so popped in last night for a couple of beers after work after hearing about the refit.
It looks like the place is more a American Bar/Diner than pub, which is not a bad thing, and the food comming out looked good. However I ordered a pint of Adnams which was dead and very "tangy", so backed that and replaced with a pint of Breakspear which was also dead which i again backed, which like the ale didnt do down too well with the barstaff. Finally settled with a pint of Becks as the ale is obviously not cared for.
If yor not an ale person then this is probaly a great pub, but i wont be going back in a hurry as there are much better ale pubs in the area.
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Good atmosphere and clientele but the beer is awful. Bar manager at lunchtime tried to argue with me otherwise. Two different bad pints from an otherwise good selection. Will not be going again.
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Seems to be a shift in emphasis towards food. Ale was barely drinkable. Only virtue is it is handy for the station.
anonymous - 3 Jan 2014 19:46 |
I've been to this pub a couple of times in the last few months, and watched with some amazement at just how the door staff are getting more out of control. A sure sign of weak pub management.
They are aggressive and have zero manners - and they are completely inappropriate for what is otherwise a decent pub.
Bear in mind this is a pub, not a night club - such aggressive behaviour is competely unnecessary. Avoid this pub.
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I popped in here on Sunday afternoon at random: £4.15p for a pint of very-average Brakspear Oxford Gold ( ABV only 4%)...Absolute rip-off! I will not return for some time, possibly not at all.
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Smart, appealing pub with an excellent range of ales. Ideal for a pint before the tube. BUT-ludicrously expensive even for London.
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It's been a good few years since I last visited the North Star. It doesn't look too big a pub from the outside. But it does stretch back a fair way, allowing for plenty of tables and seating. There is also an outdoor patio to the side. Sharps Doom Bar, Greenman Broughton, Windsor & Eton Knight of the Garter, Brakspear Oxford Gold & Triple fff Moondance were the ales on offer. Given its location near the station on the Broadway, it'll will always be popular. Average pub without anything in particular to recommend it for.
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lovely bar.
very expensive around £20-00p for a bottle of wine.
On a fri the music to loud to talk but there is a lovely heated beer garden.
nice customer base.
great bar staff.
great food but again very expensive.
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Called in on the way back to the station after attending Ealing beer festival recently. Seemed a bit OTT to me in trying to be something it clearly wasn't in my opinion. Focus seemed to be more concerned on food rather than beer and attempting to get to the toilets through the over cramped dining room did not help either. Not the worst of pubs and by no means the best. As my old school report used to say, "Could do better" & "room for improvement!"
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guinness was given to me after like ordering it straight away do these people not know how to pour a good pint without bubbles in the top, dead atmosphere and place was full. moved on
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Used to be my favorite back in the days. Wish they reinstated the music and DJs at least over the weekend - that attracted better clientele, and more ladies - it seems to be an all men pub sometimes. Agree with comments regarding the closing of the town house - much rougher people frequenting this place than before.
I think that the service improved, and the wait is not as long before - probably the new staff is less weary. - Lovely blonde waitress is very friendly and keep your eyes enterntained while you wait. :)
Something should be done about the smell in the front room - and indeed it wouldn't hurt to staff its bar when the pub is busy or mark clearly when it is not staffed!
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OK FOR A QUIET DAYTIME PINT BUT A BIT ON THE PRICEY SIDE
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Agree with the service not being great but they have a good range of beers and not too pricey for Ealing.
Good atmosphere and a good beer garden.
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Out of the Shanakee and into this place, could not drink the guinness, had to move on to a larger, then had to move on completly....why are these pubs busy?
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have to say longest i ever waited for a beer
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I like the North Star but am often reluctant to go sometimes because it's always so packed and I can never get a place to sit. But when I have got a place to sit it's a lovely little cosy/cool pub with a decent selection of beers. They boast a special menu of unusual or continental beers that often aren't available which is disappointing. The refurb has grown on me but was happy with it the way it was. Toilets have slightly benefited from it tho. The staff are ok but I think I know a little bit what other people mean on here. I still don't understand why tey never seem to serve at the end of the bar closest to the front door. Saw a couple walk out the other week because of this even tho there was a barman lurking at that end serving a couple of people for a change.. Random but hasn't effected my opinion of the place - still top notch :) Could do with being open later on weekends tho.
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Great after a long days work and you want to enjoy a bottle of wine
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Not the most welcoming of pubs, u'd swear the customers were annoying the staff by ordering beer........that said they have a great selection of world beers. Improve customers service and teach the staff a thing or two about the beers they stock.
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Of late, I'm still ensnared by this establishment but really, when there's short pints, short change and short tempers galore, I often wonder.
One barman in particular seems to be a bit short with customers who's first language may not be English; which is a shame. Needs to be a bit more welcoming.
Not entirely convinced with the refurb. I guess it's following some direction of pub trends but it's a bit 1980s gloomy, if you desire that sort of thing.
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Don't waste your time queueing at the front bar, head straight to the middle. Think some of the staff may develop a nosebleed if they venture too far away from their hideyhole. This place has undergone numerous changes and it's always had some form of identity crisis as to who the place is for. People who were glad the Townhouse closed are now lamenting it's passing as other establishments (like the North Star) cope with refugees from the place. The St.Austell Tribute wasn't a bad pint but it isn't somewhere I'd like to linger over a beer.
anonymous - 30 Aug 2010 10:13 |
Quite an interesting facade, looking rather out of place in the otherwise anonymous jumble of architectural blandness that is the Broadway. Inside, it has been heavily refurbished with too much black paint giving a gloomy appearance despite the large front windows. The bar is divided into two parts, with the disadvantage being that the staff always seem to be at the other end when you want to get served. Outside, the 'beer garden' is little more than an alley with a few tables. There are five handpumps, offering a reasonable (if unexciting) selection of four real ales (e.g. Tribute, Marston's Burton Bitter) plus a draught cider. Not too bad, but you feel it could be rather better than it is.
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Popped in for one. Average kind of place. Don't think they were serving at front bar again. Some people were propping it up which makes it difficult to ascertain whether they were or not. Is strange as this is the bar you see when you walk through front door. I can imagine a few thirsty people have been fooled into patiently standing there to no avail. Barman nice chap and have Aspalls on draught. As has been previously commented, music was a little loud. Quite a young "hip and trendy guys" kind of clientele. Didn't venture outside but was some seating in what appeared to be an alley next to it. Does a job if you're meeting someone from the tube station
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Something so wrong with this place. It's in a good location, near to the tube etc, but somehow has zero atmosphere and always seems to take ages to get served (and watch out for short pints). Not sure what would help it, but a better layout of tables with enough seats would surely be a start, and turn down the music? Should be a fabulous goldmine but I can't bear it.
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Not a bad pub for the hour I was there. I rate pubs on service, interior, location and most importantly, the ale.
Well, location wasn't bad. Just a nip across the road from the tube. Interior is large and spacious. Too many record sleeves stapled to the walls for my taste - just keep the decoration authentic. The ale was good. A couple of pints of Wooden Hands 'Cornish Mutiny'. Really good booze. It was daytime during my visit so relatively quiet. Service was prompt and polite. Bit of a smell which we noticed when we entered the place, though. Old booze at the bar??
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Been going in for 25 years. Staff have always been below par. Good pub though. Location definitely helps!
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Best boozer in Ealing, admittedly that's not too much of a tall order. Good range of beers, very busy at weekend. It closes rather early though and the staff are rather abrupt at kicking you out.
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god just reading the comments on this pub say it all no wonder m&b are a mere shadow of the company they used to be if you pay peanuts you get monkeys!
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gave it another try last night - looks like m&b have pulled their fingers out and fixed the pub.
the bar staff were all unfamiliar faces which suggests that the bad ones have been replaced. they were fast, friendly and efficient.
if i was going in for the first time i'd be impressed with a lively pub with an excellent selection of beers and a welcoming atmosphere. it's good to have the north star back to somewhere near its best.
still no-one serving in the front bar though.
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Went in last week and service wasn't too bad. I'm a big fan of the wide selection of beers and the pub had a great buzz about it for a rainy Wednesday night. Decent bit of grub as well, had a very tasty lamb kofte and pitta
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Great choice of beer but priced at a premium. Gets rammed on a Friday/Saturday night as you would expect for somewhere so near the station. Bar service is fairly slow. There have always been issues with the loos - I've lost count of the times they've been shut for refurbishment, yet they never seem to get the: working, loo roll and clean thing sorted. Still a nice place for a pint!
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Update to E1_Norton's update.
Was in the North Star last night. A very much improved performance by the bar staff. They were on their toes and served people quickly and efficiently.
Trap 1 in the gents remains out of service and for some extraordinary reason the front bar is still closed due to "technical problems". It seems rather odd that a prosperous and popular London pub can suffer from technical problems that cannot be fixed for a month. How does the manager think it looks to punters when they walk into the pub for the first time and see the front bar closed due to technical problems? Customers want to feel welcome when they enter a pub. They don't want to see a shut bar and be forced to go further into the pub to find a drink.
A cynic might suggest that the front bar remains closed because it's too hard to operate two bars in the a pub. Ho hum!
Overall, though, a big improvement. I hope it lasts.
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Update time. The toilets have locks now, which is a plus. Unfortunately the floor of one cubicle seems to be permanently with a large puddle in residence.
Staff are friendly, no doubt but there needs to be more. Especially on a busy evening. I can't for the life of me, understand why both bars aren't utilised. The front bar now bears the legend that due to a "technical fault", punters should look to be served in the back bar. But long before that; it appeared staff were reluctant to serve in both areas. Perhaps they prefer to cloister together - I don't know.
Beer still great, atmosphere agreeable and staff - apart from one girl who got narked because I was in the collection area, waiting to be served (no room elsewhere) - are a fine bunch. They just need more bodies to deal with a busy pub!
Come on folks; we know you can do it!
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i heard from a regular reader of this site recently that mitchells & butler senior management have been made aware of the problems with the north star, particularly the dreadfully slow service. they were pointed to this site as an indicator of customers' levels of dissatisfaction.
the area manager has been informed so hopefully something will be done.
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Called in again recently to see if the 'service' had improved-sadly not.
You would be hard pressed to find anywhere in W.London, the incredibly slow service on offer. There MUST be a deliberance on the part of management to employ more than the usual trio of staff present, (frequently two) for despite hundreds of complaints on the S-L-O-W service, this pub persistently will NOT pull it's socks up! As any weary commuter will tell you, it's infuriating to HAVE to wait at least 15 mins for a beer-and a Friday night? forget it! you could be at Heathrow from Ealing Broadway before your turn came up! Actually they are losing cash big-time, for understandably,people who are severley pissed off, just about turn, sick off the inexcusable wait!!
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This pub is so very nearly there. It has a great feel to it, but the staff are astonishingly rude and slow. So much so, I think that this is part of a social studies research project from TVU. Usually knock out a good pint of beer and there is excellent choiceof beers / lagers, but as with most of Ealing, too expensive. New staff / management shake up and this place could be buzzing!!
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Where to begin - first the good points - this pub has a lovely atmosphere and always seems to be fairly busy, no real complaints about the beer, and the covered smoking area/beer garden is fantastic.
The bad points are as follows - firstly the price of the drinks is far too expensive for what is effectively a town centre old fashioned pub. Secondly, and most importantly, the bar staff are so slow that I was expecting to see a special bus parked next to the pub - seriously they do not seem to be able to compute what a lot of people standing at the bar represents and when they finally do get around to serving you you are greeted by nothing more than a look of disdain and pure hatred. Come on Mr. Manager, this pub can be even more popular if you just input some motivation and effort into your bar staff.
Overall 5.8/10
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Does the manager of this pub ever look on this website? If so have you noticed that everybody moans about your slow staff and don't you think you should do something about this?
I went in with friends on Thursday, waited 10 minutes to get served while your staff slowly wandered around, making some half arse attempt to serve some drinks (surely they're far to cool to be serving in a pub in Ealing) and after being ignored we decided to go elsewhere.
What did you get? As this isn't the first time (in fact I've had the same problem every time I've been in your pub) you've now pissed off customers who won't be coming back anytime soon, which is shame because this is the best pub in Ealing.
Have you ever considered getting staff in who know what they're doing and give a shit? Just a thought
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I went to the North Star last Sunday (19th April) to catch up with some friends for lunch. My friends went for the roast (which they said was tough and stringy), and I went for a lighter option: Humous with crudites and flatbread. The portion of carrots and cucumber sticks was generous, as was the 5-6 strips of flatbread, but the humous came in a teeny tiny ketchup pot.
Obviously, I finished the humous very quickly and politely asked the passing waiter whether it'd be possible to get a cheeky top-up. He said to me: "That's the portion." When I explained that the portion ratio was all wrong, he just stared blankly and said, "That's the portion. You'll have to pay for more." When I asked to see a manager, he said "Okay," and then failed to send anyone out to speak to me.
Not undeterred, I went and sought out the manager (turned out to be an assistant manager). He said the same thing ("That's the portion") but admitted that it was an "epic fail" for the waiter not to have alerted him to the issue when I'd asked to see someone. I explained that I lived in Ealing, came to this pub often with friends and was disappointed that their customer service could not be altered slightly for a bit of humous (which probably equates to, at best, a cost of 25p to them).
Don't know about the drinks - we had bottled Magners - but I will not be returning to the North Star. There are plenty of other places in Ealing to go. I would suggest that the manager of this pub rethinks his/her customer service strategy which currently seems to be: "The customer is always wrong."
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Time and time again pub desperately (and no doubt) deliberately understaffed! S-L-O-W service, although fairly lively atmosphere, abysmal music choice(s) D.J.'s are hellish! Rubbish music!! Pricey-however-if you want a lively 'buzz' despite a three hour wait for pint?-then well O.K.!...
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Beer was ok but not brilliant for the price. They do a good range but I've had much better Wadworth 6X before. The food was pretty good and its got a very down to earth atmosphere.
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Worst bar staff in Ealing by a country mile.
After a long time getting served my friend asked for the beer to be topped up to the line. Watch out for the rip-off staff serving under measures here.
If the staff served pints properly and without the attitude this place would be much better. Interior is nice and comfy.
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Used to be run by the redoubtable Rita Quinn & Family and the service was fantastic.
Considering the Pub's superb location and reasonable decor, having the slowest and surliest bar staff in West London is not doing them any favours.
Beer and food expensive by local comparison and what's wrong with a Jukebox rather than having to listen to the staff's choice of depressing dirges ?
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Great looking pub, it has a perculiar old world charm from the outside.
Inside the decor is cosy and dark with laid back lounge style seating, and there's a small outside area ideal for smoking or summer.
Could be a great pub, but it's either understaffed or the staff are incompetent, I'm not sure which.
If it's busy, which is likely, you will queue for a long time and there is no sense of urgency to serve you.
On one occasion I asked for my pint to be topped up (it was served in a 'pint to line' glass - the head was level with this and the beer about a finger below). The barman took the time to examine the pint and informed me it was within the legal 5% margin! I have no idea if he is correct. Cost me �3.50, should be bloody full!
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I've popped my head in the door several occasions since my last review and the service remains as slow as ever. Which is a great shame, given the potential of this place. It seems management doesn't give a damn. My opinion of the lax attitude is re-inforced when it comes to the state of the gents. There have been no locks on the gents' cubicles since April. April! I was told in May, that someone would be coming to fix them - in October.
Now, normally I don't make a fuss but having been caught out on occasion, it isn't much fun having to relieve yourself, whilst trying to keep door shut.
I have asked what's happening but the staff smile and say that there is "some delay" or they are "very sorry". Not as sorry as I.
October's been and gone... I don't make a habit of hanging out in the gents but I'm tempted to pop in and see if they are mended yet. What are the bets?
Dropping my rating from 7 to 4 on this tragic state of affairs. As for dropping my trousers - harrumph!
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Good pub and good food. But bar service is really slow, and that's consistent. They just don't have enough staff, ever. Also I've been there a few times when they seem to run out of beer after beer. Still a good place to go, but expect the service to be slow and you'll have a good night.
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Yes the service can be slow BUT the pub looks and feels great. Nice vibes and good choice of draught. Go during early week to chillout
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Was in the normally very good North Star last night. Only 1 of the usual four real ales was on and the 3 bar staff that were serving were desperately slow. Also, there was some truly abysmal live music on in the front bar that made conversation in the back bar very difficult.
Having waited at the bar for 10 minutes getting nowhere fast I gave up and went elsewhere.
The manager of this place needs to pull his socks up.
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I became part of the furniture waiting for a pint, it took that long...
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I totally agree about the slow service. I had bar staff peering straight through me so as not to have to serve. It�s the sort of treatment that you�d expect to be given to a drunk to try and hint that he�s not being served without actually telling him, I hadn�t had a drink for 2 days. Disregarding the service this is actually a very pleasant pub with a wide selection of drinks, although there were a lot of spaces for ales and only 2 on. I ended up having a pint of 6X which I didn�t really like, but I�d not had it before so it may have been my taste buds disagreeing with it rather than inferior care.
If I was in the area I�d pop in and give the service another chance, but if it was the same I would find elsewhere to drink.
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Great atmosphere usually packed-a bit on the pricey side prob due to central location; however one ongoing prob is the 25 min wait to get served! continually insufficient bar staff!! If you're prepared to wait-then fab!Anya the Manager is great and always remembers who is next to be served!
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Has the potential to be the best pub in Ealing but there are never enough staff on and the ones on are slow. Would make triple the money if you could actually get served.
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Great selection of continental lager and the onlt decent pub right on the Broadway. Does get a little packed at the weekend though and I only really enjoy drinking there in the week when it's more chilled.
swizz - 14 Feb 2008 10:54 |
Not bad at all. Could do with more staff behind the bar, though. Great selection of beer, much like The Champion in Notting Hill. Unfortunately, like that place, you can wait quite a while to get served. I've met some interesting, friendly and unfriendly characters there on my visits. A microcosm of the wider environment, naturally.
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This is a lovely pub, although I doubt I'd visit it again as it was a little bit to trendy for me. suit a younger crowd.
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One of the better pubs in Ealing, but very crowded. Perfect for an afternoon drink but i'd avoid it in the evening. Also it does have a rather Yuppie clientelle
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Nice pub, does a decent Sunday roast.
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Had a good laugh with the barman serving me - he was hassled so kept forgetting what I had asked for but it was all done in good spirit..
A nice pub with a lively atmosphere & everyone in there is just out for a good night. The outdoor bit was crammed with smokers so it didn't look like it was worth venturing out there for anything else, but a decent pub in an easy to find location.
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This is the best Friday/Saturday night pub in Ealing - great range of beers, nice crowd, DJ playing cool tunes - and there comes the downside in that it's always packed. Ealing could do with a few more pubs like this. It's always worth looking for a table and if you can't find one, try what was the Bell (just be the Hogshead) just up the road. I've only been once and can't remember what it's called now, but it;s lovely, with nice food, table service, outdoor covered seating, great decor and DJ.
blink - 24 Jul 2007 11:46 |
Nice place, nice people... Service is quite slow but place is nice. Best place in Ealing if you are looking for a typical British Pub.
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Very student place! Beer garden is ok not great though! Worth a visit esp with the dj playing some funky tunes!
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This isn't a review, it is a comment. My family (mostly ancestors) owned the North Star Ealing during WWII and perhaps some years before and some after. My mother stayed in the upstairs rooms before I was born (in 1943). I have a photo of the owner at that time (Frank Burgess Barraclough, 1902-1959) at the bar, and another of him with some of his family and friends. I have a photo of the outside of the pub at (I think) around 1945 or so (not dated). Next time I travel to the UK, I will visit the pub, show you the photos and have a pint. GillWu
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A good pub in a great location. If it was a bit less pricey it would be excellent.
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I sort of don't mind this place, even though I'm no fan of the pointless DJ bar thing (why, oh why? No-one's listening/dancing). It's one of the few on the Broadway that's palatable, so maybe that's it.
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Definately the best pub in Ealing, but unfortunately anyone with any taste knows that so it gets busy. Music always laid back and funky, volume can vary.
I agree on a couple of previous points:
YES - They do need more barstaff, though at least the ones they have are ok (i.e no chips on shoulders etc)
YES - They do run out of booze. Think Schneider Weiss has only been on once during several recent visits. Amstel is my backup and they've run out of that once too
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North Star is a cracking pub and arguably the best in Ealing. Really friendly manager and superb beer which is well kept. Though I have to say their bloody marys are not quite as good as they would like to think they are
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Has a fair bit of atmosphere and an ok selection of beers. Trouble is it's forever packed and noisy in the evenings, but not bad as a meeting place for a saturday morning. Certainly a better choice than the Townhouse across the road.
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OK, before I start let me say this is a positive review (I like the pub, food, staff when they're around etc) BUT.....
It ALWAYS needs at least two more staff on duty than it has, they must be raking in the cash and would do more if people could get served quicker. Surely this is the basics of pubs - enough staff to serve your Customers?
Also it has (but haven't noticed lately) seemed to run out of random stuff, Guiness, Stella, wine, etc. But maybe that was just earlier in the year.
Like I said I like the pub, just would like to be able to get a beer in there too.
anonymous - 11 Sep 2006 21:53 |
This bar is the first one you'll see coming out of Ealing Broadway station, and it's blatantly obvious from the massive crowd inside that everybody else has spotted it too!
A fabulous pub with a great outside but if you can get served within twenty minutes then you deserve a medal! Don;t get me wrong the staff are great, but are always and the popularity of the pub works against you sometimes as you'll find yourself fighting for bar space and seats in the wet weather.
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Excellent pub - the best in town with good management, regular and honest locals and ale of high quality. Service is usually first rate. Well worth a visit.
Mcloj - 25 Aug 2006 13:44 |
Nice selection of European beers and a good place to meet friends for a chat on a Sunday etc but is allways rammed making it somewhere I do not venture often.
Also don't even think about watching sport here, they wheel out a couple of 14" portables when the football is on, someone should tell them not to bother!
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What has happend to this once great boozer? It used to be a good old fasioned pub where you could meet mates over a few decent pints. Now they have dj's blasting you out and the place looks like a branch of IKEA. Shame.
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I wouldn't recommend it during evenings at the weekend if you're anything like me and just want a pub to relax and socialise in rather than one where a DJ is blasting music at you. One of the better pubs towards Ealing Broadway during the daytime though.
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Youngs Ordinary or Adnams Broadside in this fairly traditional pub which has no smoking at the bar and a no smoking area in the middle. Not too crowded on a Saturday afternoon. A decent bowl of chips also.
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hmm
Guinness was off when i went there. strange pub and strange selection of drinks. Just because a drink is "different" doesnt mean it's good. the whole smoking area thing is weird...bouncers are idiots, no real atmosphere to the place and a few too many cokeheads for my liking. but for some reason i cant mark it less than a 7. worth one or two pints before you move on.
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Lived locally for 3 months. Found this to be my favourite pub in that short time. Beer was well kept and friendly bar staff. Didn't often eat there so prob best not to comment. Nice place to pop into on way home after leaving tube station close by. Worth a try.
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The north star was far better before it was refurbished. Call me a luddite, but anything that was unique about it has now long since disappeared.
Although the ale selection, if you like that sort of thing, is very impressive, and the food never dissapoints.
The DJs are typical of suburban spinners, playing house and occasionally funk that was fashionable about two years ago to a crowd who aren't even listening but nevertheless have to shout to be heard over it. Better to go in the day when it is quiet, and more eclectic sounds boom out the soundsystem.
Also, i have no idea why the middle part is a no smoking area, as anyone who smokes has to walk through there to get to the toilet, 'thus smoking it up'.
Still, it's better than the townhouse.
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came here last sunday, great atmos with dj playing funk and soul while you enjoy a roast. you can even bring you own classics for him to play! good to see friendly staff, best place to go in ealing
anonymous - 5 Mar 2006 23:17 |
It's ok. Nowt special. One drink and move on. Bouncers terribly rude after last orders, especially the grandpa bouncer, watch out for him. He kind of ruined the moment when you're enjoying a nice pint of Deuchars. Cigarette machine in the non smoking area, why? So all the non smokers can look and point at us in disgust? People smoke in the non smoking area in this place anyway.
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This is definitely one of the better Ealing Broadway pubs, somewhere you can have a good drink with decent service and a friendly atmosphere, which is more than can be said for a lot of pubs around here.
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On a rare visit to this neck of the woods I went in and was very happy with a great pint of Staropramen Granat. Seems to be a good selection of beers here, clearly a pub for young people. Really liked it.
anonymous - 5 Jan 2006 12:23 |
Fist of the North Star, hands up if you love standing, oh yes. Its stand or freeze, indoor seating is at a premium. Very frothy guiness, two words, line clean ladies, actually that three but not a retraction, although it may be the cooler, hmm.... Nice ale and chzechoslopolski lager such as Seinfeldpramolskovich turnip ale, genkuye!
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I agree with Gostevie, the North star used to have a great feel and atmosphere that has been replaced by a souless noisy 'wine bar' I too console myself with the fact that the Greystoke is just around the corner.
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Pretty much the only decent bar (despite it's name and outward appearence this is definately more of a bar than a pub) around Ealing Broadway. Good selection of alcohol, especially premium foreign beers & Lagers. Has a DJ at weekends, playing predominantly house music. Attracts a relatively young (25-35ish) and trendy crowd but always has a good atmosphere. Haven't tried the food so can't comment on that, though it's definately on the pricey side. Has a no smoking are but doesn't really hep much when its busy as it's sandwiched between two smoking areas! Also has an outside area which is pleasant enough though gets very busy in the summer. In my opinion the place only has two real faults. Firstly that it shuts at 11pm (not the fault of The North star really, but the licensing laws and that there is no where decent in Ealing to go afterwards) and secondly that at 11.01pm the bouncers are hassling you to drink up and leave - have they not heard of 20 minutes drinking up time? Still if you're sick of chain bars (hello All Bar one),give this a try.
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Trendiest + best bar in Ealing. Makes a change from the chain bars that the area is infested with.
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the food is pretentious and overpriced turgid pap but the beer is ok if expensive,something about the place won't let me relax enough to enjoy it.
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Nice for a drink, but I would rather starve than eat here again, the food is revolting slop and overpriced - try Baroque in West Ealing for a trendy bar with good food.
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Absolutely, realalesnob. I couldn't agree more. Used to be the best pub in Ealing until the refit - now just another trendy "bar" - as if there weren't already enough of those in Ealing. If you don't mind the walk (or a short 83 bus ride) to North Ealing try the Greystoke. It has a similar feel to how this place used to be.
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Gutted - Used to love it in here. A refuge from all the noisy teenager hang outs in the rest of the area. Sadly the North Star's now become just that itself. Pity. Seems it's pretty much illegal to be over 35 and want a beer on The Ealing Broadway now.
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The North Star is really cool pub and I love the music and the DJ on friday!
volly - 19 May 2005 15:43 |
When i first lived in Ealing (6-7 years ago) this was easily one of the least appealing pubs around the Broadway.
Now it is asily one of the best - def. much better than the others in its immediate vicinity
anonymous - 16 Mar 2005 15:49 |
It's a good pub - Especially the area surrounding it is filled with rubbish pubs/bars.
Particularly like the interior in this place - Olde dark wood
TheGP - 18 Feb 2005 21:14 |
following on from my comment in November - I've just seen that the middle room is now a non smoking area - though it's not completely separated from the other rooms, this is still good news. I shall rate it higher now!
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The modernisation of the North Star was not nearly as severe as these things often are. Plenty of dark wood has been maintained and enough detail left in so as to retain a degree of character. You get the impression that whoever runs this place knows what they are doing. The music is congenial and the menu's got posh stuff in it. What's more the price reflects the effort but maybe to a greater degree than it should?
Good for: Only ever been here on afternoons and it wokds well for that. Certainly the best pub on the Broadway.
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i would rate it higher and go there a lot more if it would cater for non-smokers. it's got about three rooms, why can't they have a non smoking section somewhere? i agree it's got a better atmosphere than most pubs around the area, but it's *very smokey* IMO, which makes me leave after one pint usually. It's okay in the summer tho' cause there's a good outside space.
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Range of beers average but the staff in particular the Assistant Manager was rude and needs to be re-trained.
Hogshead better option
anonymous - 11 Nov 2004 14:48 |
Dont like this pub any more since the refurb - it's just like any other High Street pub now - totally lacking in atmosphere and impersonal.
John - 25 Oct 2004 13:15 |
This is the best pub in ealing without doubt and always has a friendly vibe and cool staff. Great Djs and tasty food. Good nights to be had all round!
Tracy - 14 Sep 2004 13:00 |
Was the last traditional old-fashioned pub on the Broadway. Now modernised but still better than most. Beer garden at side useful to escape to if they have a rubbish DJ on.
Jon - 30 Aug 2004 00:53 |
Clearly the best pub in ealing.
Excellent food, unusual and tasty beers, great atmosphere and staff, nowhere else like it in the area
Adam - 16 Aug 2004 11:07 |
Good range of beers, nice vibes, decent pub all round.
TheGP - 12 Aug 2004 14:14 |
This used to be a good pub with great beer, spoiled only by having a very rude landlord who clearly despised customers. Used to go a lot, but got sick of being treated like unwelcome intruders, so have avoided the place ever since.
Johnno - 7 Jun 2004 15:19 |
One of the best if not the best in Ealing!!
Lara-Jane - 3 Jun 2004 22:26 |
Nice atmosphere, pricey lunches though for what you get. Can get a bit chilly too. Nice in the summer in the garden. Excellent range of beers.
emma - 2 Feb 2004 22:32 |
Since March '03 I've been a regular here.
Food's very pricey
even for haute pub grub but the music and atmos is usually a winner. The bar staff are cool too.
A nice selection of bottled belgians Duvel,Leffe, Chimay red and blue and Belle-Vue Kriek for the adventurous.
If you've a fave chat up 'The Manageress' and she'll get it in on request!
Riz - 27 Dec 2003 15:21 |
Excellent pub. Perhaps the best around the Ealing Broadway area. Decent music, nice atmosphere and some good beers.
Andrew - 8 Oct 2003 16:21 |
Since the bomb, this pub has benefitted from a much needed facelift. Unfortunately this means that some of the old codgers who used to sip bitter there have been booted out to be replaced by the young and beautiful of Ealing. Fortunately, I am one of the said young and beautiful people, and this is one of my favourite pubs in Ealing. It's funky artwork and cool soundtrack makes it a perfect place to meet friends and relax.
peep_babe - 10 Sep 2003 12:51 |
I quite like this place actually. Go here alot with my old work mates. There's a good range of beers, the food is decent and it's nice outside in the summer. Never had any problems getting in on a Friday (regardless of gender).
Stuart - 27 Aug 2003 14:51 |
Really Like this place, friendly staff, good beer and i really dig the pacman table lots of fun on first date after dinner drinks
John - 22 Aug 2003 23:14 |
I always thought the landlord was a decent bloke. Anyway, bit of an old guffers kind of pub but good for a quiet beer. You can generally get a seat and the jukebox has a half decent selection of tunes.
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One of the few pubs I would go into that is not too rough or full of kids nowadays!
Viking - 13 Jun 2003 15:09 |
Got refused entry cos I wasn't a woman on Friday
Dan - 20 May 2003 20:01 |
Food, beer and atmosphere during the day all good. Landlord seemed very friendly. He did short change my mate though, but I think it was an honest mistake.
alf - 30 Apr 2003 14:08 |
First visit here for a while and its been totally re-done. I'm impressesed- its a bit trendy though the music is excellent and the crowd unpretentious. If the tinyboppers in Finnegans Wake start to get to you try here.
Gary - 28 Apr 2003 12:06 |
Used to be second to The Bell as the toilet of Ealing ... quality refit and now still retaining old feel but attracting a trendier and more vibrant crowd ... good upbeat ambient tunes .. very busy but worth getting to early for a table.
Expensive but tasty food. Good but pricey wine list. Very friendly staff.
anonymous - 25 Mar 2003 15:55 |
Good pub, nice decor and beer. Above average food. But very busy in the evenings getting a seat is a challenge.
james - 19 Mar 2003 11:37 |
Used to be Ealing's best pub. Completely ruined by the refit.
Steve - 7 Mar 2003 08:37 |
This used to be a quality spit-and-sawdust pub, with pool table and lots of old men talking about nothing.
Completely changed now, but still a good place for different reasons - biggest of which is the choice of tunes - much Kruder & Dorf, Thievery Corp and Nightmares on Wax on my last visit. Which was nice.
Phil - 4 Mar 2003 18:11 |
This used to be a fine classic old pub. But since its been refurbished it is now a <b>bar</b>. If you like photos of Guatamalean Street Urchins on the walls then this for you, otherwise avoid.
Warren - 8 Jan 2003 16:49 |
This Pub has been refurbished and is a very cool pub, good food,good wine, great fun.
Una - 8 Jan 2003 13:55 |
