Star Inn

Opposite the Carling Academy, and round the corner from Central Station, The Star Inn is one of the few remaining ‘Geordie’ pubs in the city centre. With a reputation for being a bit rough, it doesn’t draw many tourists, but any real trouble is firmly in the past, and you’ll find a pretty good little pub here.

The Venue
It’s popular with those who are fed up with trendy plastic hotspots and teeny-rock kids. And you can see why. It’s a straightforward pub, and the bar dominates the centre of it. There’s old and recent Newcastle United FC memorabilia on every wall, along with plenty of TV screens to follow Sky Sports news, cricket or Coronation Street.

The jukebox has a decent selection of music, and at the front there’s cushion seating, tall tables and bar stools facing the bar. At the back there’s a slightly larger lounge with more fairly comfortable seating. On a raised area in the corner is a pool table, and this space is also used as the stage when bands play. Toilets are round the back of the bar and are big enough to handle a match day.

The People
This place is popular on match days, and shows plenty of live sport on its big screen. It’s mostly seen as a ‘locals’ bar and despite it’s immediate proximity to one of the city’s newest and trendiest rock venues, it usually plays host to an older crowd, mostly Geordies. It’s not totally unwelcoming, though some not familiar with Newcastle may be discouraged. Live music is featured every Sunday and Thursday, and this too generally appeals to the older generation of rock fans.

The Food
The Star Inn only serves food from midday to 2.30pm, and there’s not a massive amount of choice. However, the prices, like the drink, are cheaper than many bars, especially those near the station. The food is basic but it's filling and unfussy. Sandwiches, burgers, jackets all start from as low as £2.99, and like many places there’s a two for one offer and, at £5.49, it’s not to be sniffed at.

The Drink
The prices here are much more reasonable than many pubs. Bottled Miller is available for £1.80. During happy hour you can pick up three bottles of Bud, Becks, Fosters, Smirnoff Ice and WKD for £5.80, and there’s four-pint pitchers of Stella or Carling for £6.50, making it a good place for groups to buy rounds.

On tap, there are Fosters, Smiths, Stones, Stella, Carling, Guinness and Carling in both regular and extra cold. Castlemaine XXXX is also available (rare) and for ciders, there’s Blackthorn and Woodpecker. There’s nothing in the way of cocktails, only Vodka shooters to keep in line with its ‘rough and ready’ atmosphere.

The Last Word
The Star Inn is a good pub, and it’s the price of the drink that’s earned it the third star here. It’s let down a little by the food, which is about as basic as any other pub meal. Then again, it does show sports, present live music and keep a little part of old Newcastle alive in the heart of the city.

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