The Star Inn Review

Sitting on the edge of the picturesque North York Moors, The Star Inn is a pub with a considerable past. With parts believed to date back to the fourteenth century, there's a real sense of history about the place; a sense no doubt aided by a thatched roof and stone walls. I was very much looking forward to a splendid experience as I visited with my wife, her parents and our young daughter for lunch on a sunny May Saturday.

We arrived at the bar at 12:00 to find it already rather busy; like a lot of pub-restaurants, there's unreserved seating in the bar which does generate a mild clamour. The expected huge wooden beams are impressive and I quite liked the decor in general; it certainly seemed to fit with the character of the place. Once we'd managed to get the attention of a member of staff, we were shown straight to our table. The well trained staff do evoke a sense of occasion which is admirable in many ways, but there was no issue with our young daughter whatsoever. Having said that, she is very well behaved (of course). Don't be expecting crayons and a colouring book, however there's a decent children's menu which was much appreciated.

Our table was in a nice spot, I was sat opposite multiple copies of the Michelin Guide, although there was no sign of the 2011-2014 guides of course. Best not to mention those years. But it's all about the present for me anyway, and after some good bread, it was time for the main event. Lunch began with the black pudding and foie gras. It's a staple of the restaurant and it was difficult for me to envisage ordering anything else once I'd seen the menu in all honesty. Although a fairly basic looking plate of food, it was as expected, delicious. Really fabulous black pudding is a glorious thing and this was a version I won't forget in a hurry. My wife enjoyed a white onion soup which was delightful also, so she tells me.

The top rate food continued with a very accomplished main of fallow deer and there was good work on display again for desserts, with the more than decent 'BFG' chocolate mousse going down very nicely indeed. It was, I must confess, not as good however as my wife's rhubarb (done multiple ways) dish which she loved. With our meal we enjoyed an excellent bottle of 14 Hands Winery Cabernet Sauvignon from the thoughtfully concise wine list and there's a decent whisky selection to finish.

Service throughout was good, although two waiters did manage to spill a considerable amount of wine all over our table cloth during various pours, let's just blame the bottle. That aside the service was efficient and professional, but at the same time warm enough to make us feel suitably welcomed.

And so a very enjoyable lunch came to an end. Although it wasn't a meal without faults, the food and service provided were both of a very high standard and overall, it was an excellent pub meal and one I'd happily repeat at any juncture in future.