The Star, Archway

pub details:

print this

tell your friends:

location:

Archway

address:

47 Chester Road, N19 5DF

phone:

0871 258 8907*
* calls cost 10p/minute, click here for more about 0871 numbers.

nearest stations:

Archway London Underground station
(540m) - zones 2/3

Tufnell Park London Underground station
(830m) - zone 2

Upper Holloway railway station
(900m) - zone 2

Gospel Oak railway station
(1Km)

Kentish Town London Underground station
(1.4Km) - zone 2

bus routes:

4, C11

how to find it:

From Archway, take the Junction Road exit and turn right. The forth on the left should be Bickerton Road. Walk to the end and cross almost directly over into Chester Road where you'll see the pub shortly on the left.

click for directions to The Star from wherever you are

click here for a larger map

nearby attraction(s):

Highgate Cemetary (660m)

Street View - click to see the area around the Star

The previous incarnation of the Star was a particularly unwelcoming boozer, but a change of ownership a couple of years back gave the place a new lease of life. Even better, the change hasn't transformed it into a pseudo-restaurant: its still a bona fide pub. Thought has been put into the renovation and many original features have been kept, such as the tile work next to the bar. Exposed brickwork is complimented with understated wood panelling and we also spied a real fireplace crackling away. Out back a gravelly garden suits the smokers just fine. There's a trio of very well-kept ales, a good wine list and an interesting-looking daily menu, complimented by a fantastic jukebox worth exploring and a gravelled back garden. A TV also lurks in a little nook next to the bar, with capacity for about a half-dozen punters. It's not the cheapest place, but we guess that's the price you pay for the overheads of a 'proper' freehouse. Our visits have found friendly staff looking after a scattering of locals, happy - and possibly surprised - to have a good pub in their neighbourhood.

reviewed:
28/08/2009