|
An English country pub in rural Suffolk that serves genuine Catalan food may defy expectations. However, the Star is a great British pub that beats with a Spanish heart. It is a place where cask ale meets Catalan cuisine. Spaniard Teresa Axon, a vivacious woman with a heart and smile as big as the Pyrenees, runs the pub, with the unstinting support of her husband Tony.
However, it is Teresa’s exuberance, energy and creative flair that have taken this village pub from the ordinary to the extraordinary. Teresa’s assiduous drive for excellence left judge Brian Blessed in no doubt why the Star was just perfect. He commented, “All the pubs I visited were outstanding and I found it very hard to decide. But in the end I chose the Star, run by the wonderful Teresa Axon. The amazing variety of lovingly prepared food, attentive service and great atmosphere were all absolutely sensational.”
The menu is unashamedly Spanish, filling the plate with big bold colours and flavours – the paella is as vivid as the rich colours of Barcelona on a summer’s day. Stupendous stuffed squid is another favourite and venison is often on the menu. The quality of the food also caught the attention of Anthony Worrall Thompson who was equally convinced about its merits, judging the Star the Anglia Regional Winner, Perfect Food Pub 2007.
With three cosy rooms the Star is very much the village pub, with many locals popping in for a pint, a chat and a game of darts or bar billiards. It sets the highest standards – the Abbot Ale is tremendous and the Spanish wines will not disappoint. Staff are drawn from the four corners of the world, offering attentive and friendly service.
The Star is situated on the B1016 about five miles off the A14 between Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds. There are several fine walks in the area, and many customers leave vehicles in the car park as they explore the area after a good lunch.
The Street, Lidgate, nr Newmarket, Suffolk
Tel: 01638 500275
Tourist information:
www.visit-suffolk.org.uk
The Star is a good base for exploring Suffolk. Nearby Bury St Edmunds is bustling market town with plenty of history to discover. The town is also the home of Abbot Ale, Greene King IPA, Old Speckled Hen and Ruddles County. Greene King's brewery visitor centre and museum is in the heart of the town. Brewery tours can be arranged but phone first to check availability. Tel: 01284 714297.
Regional Winners
Borders
Ostrich Inn, Newland, The Forest of Dean which is in Wales
Central
Tame Otter, Tamworth Road, Hopwas, Nr Tamworth
Granada
Church House Inn, Chapel Street, Bollington, Macclesfield
London
Churchill Arms, Kensington Church Street, London
Meridian
Red Lion, Stodmarsh Road, Stodmarsh, Kent
Scotland
Caledonian Hotel, Bar, Fort William Road, Fort Augustus, Invernesshire
Tyne Tees
Quaker House, Mechanics Yard, Darlington, Co Durham
Wales
Wheatsheaf Inn, Llanhennock , Near Caerleon, Gwent
West Country
The Bell, Pensax, Worcestershire
Yorkshire
Harewood Arms, Harrogate, Harewood
Back
|
