The Star

The Star, Bath, Somerset BA1 5NA

A four-storey pub of Bath stone standing on a handsome historic street on the north side of the city. While externally imposing, the interior is in fact surprisingly shallow. It remains largely untouched since being remodelled in the 1920s, earning a place on CAMRA’s National Inventory.

On the left-hand side of the door is a cosy lounge with bench seating and wood panelling. To the right, a corridor leads to the bar, featuring a long settle known as “Dead Man’s Row” due to it being favoured by senior customers. Beyond this are two further snugs facing the bar, with more benches and panelling. There are real fires throughout.

For many years, it served Bass from the jug dispensed from casks stillaged beinhd the bar. This was brought to and end when Bass ceased being supplied in the necessary cask size, meaning it has now been replaced by the locally-brewed Abbey Ales Bellringer, although Bass is still available on handpump. The pub is now leased by Abbey Ales and features a couple more of their beers alongside another guest, which on my recent visit was Taylor’s Landlord.

One of the finest unspoilt interiors in the country in a pub of great character and atmosphere.