Customers still appreciate the “affordable” drinks and the live musicInside The Star pub (file image)(Image: James Beck/Freelance)

Locals have backed the landlord of a ‘proper’ Bristol pub after he reluctantly announced a price rise.

The Star is a historic drinking spot in Fishponds dating back to Victorian times, which regulars describe as a “true gem”. It is known for its live folk music and legendary pint of Guinness owing to its Irish ownership.

Last week, landlord Eimear Hawes confirmed on the pub’s Facebook page: “Due to rising costs we had no option but to increase our prices.”

Back in 2023 when Bristol Live reviewed the pub, a pint of Guinness cost just £4.20. Though the exact price rise was not detailed, loyal customers predicted their bill would still be cheaper than most Bristol pubs.

One commented: “Still cheaper than most of the city.” Another wrote: “Understandable. Still a proper pub”.

A third wrote: “Bet you’ll still be cheaper than most. Wouldn’t matter, I’ll always pay a premium to NOT be in a pub full of ****heads. Keep up the good work Eimear and we’ll keep coming.”

Another agreed it was “still worth it for the best pint of Guinness around” and someone else declared that they will “still be coming in for pints”.

Eimear previously told Bristol Live recalled how the pub “was in a pretty bad shape” when he took it over more than a decade ago, and it took hard work to get it to where it is today.

He said at the time: “We didn’t go out deliberately to open an Irish bar, but the ambiance and some fittings leaned in that direction. Fishponds is a very diverse community made up of many races, creeds and alternative beliefs. Our hope was to create and facilitate a true community bar that everyone could feel a part of.”

The Star now has 800 positive reviews on Google, with many commending its homeliness, affordable drinks and lovely garden area. Many mention “the best Guinness” they’ve had in Bristol.

One visitor wrote: “The Star is a brilliant pub with a top-notch atmosphere, great music, and friendly staff. Hands down, the best Guinness I’ve had around. With pool, skittles, and more, there’s always something to do, but the real highlight is the Irish music – if you’re after a proper pint and a good time, this place is absolutely worth a visit.”

Another wrote: “What a great pub, fantastic atmosphere, affordable drinks and live music so what more could you want and all on the main road and right on our doorstep, a true gem.”

The Fishponds area has seen development recently, with some much-loved pubs being turned into housing or other businesses, but The Star has stood the test of time.

Next door to the pub is a McDonald’s drive-thru, which has been beside The Star since 2019. Eight years ago hundreds of campaigners marched along Fishponds Road to protest at the plans for the two-storey McDonald’s in the area – a procession of noise and colour that started at The Star pub.

Despite the changes in the neighbourhood, it has maintained a loyal following. On Google, one reviewer describes it as an “amazing homely pub that despite serving Irish measurements, is still so cheap. My favourite place to grab a pint”.

There’s also a pool table and pool team at the venue, out the back there’s a “lovely” beer garden area for sunny days. Another happy punter described it as an “incredible Irish pub” with a “lush wooden structure which is really immersive”, adding that it also has “great people, great drinks, and overall a great experience”.

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