The Star
17 Church St Godalming Surrey GU7 1EL
The 175-year-old Star might be rather petite, but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in character and commitment to its core offering: real ale. And real cider. And really good food. But really it's the locally brewed long drinks that reign supreme here, in the heart of Godalming town centre. At any given moment you will have the choice of eight ales, pulled by knowledgable staff under a low roof plastered in beer mats from around the world. Most of the beer comes from the astonishing array of craft breweries that have blossomed across Surrey and Sussex over the past couple of decades - if you're not sure whether you'll like it, ask for a taste, they'll happily oblige. Real fruit drinkers are almost as spoilt for choice, with a wide selection of ciders and perrys available - as you'd expect from CAMRA's Surrey & Sussex Regional Cider Pub of the Year. This level of commitment to its thirsty customers has won the Star a galaxy of enthusiastic regulars and the place is rarely empty - not least because, as well as all the awesome ales, it also serves several stellar burgers and other pub-grub classics at reasonable prices. The pub has a great community feel too, playing host to a folk night every Monday, a Stitch n' Bitch knitting group each Wednesday lunchtime and various chess and book clubs, not to mention the bell ringers, who come here to wind down after being on the pull on practise night.
