The Star

02/06/2026

🔊 Pubs are about more than food and drink – they bring people together and are at the heart of local communities.

That’s why we’re backing hashtag , calling for hospitality VAT to be cut from 20% to 10%.

Please stand with us and sign the petition at: www.vatstheproblem.co.uk

🍻🍻🍻

01/06/2026

This May, we were proud to reopen another fantastic community pub following a £276k investment – and what a transformation!

🍍 A refreshed main bar
🍍 A dedicated darts and pool zone
🍍 Upgraded AV systems
🍍 Enhanced outdoor drinking areas
🍍 A welcoming team

This pub has it all! Staying at the helm is Management Partner Kate, whose journey at The White Hart, Newton Abbot is a deeply personal one. From customer to team leader, to leading the business, Kate and her daughter Aleesha are thrilled to continue the story.

A true community pub at its finest, with tonnes of potential and a very exciting future ahead. 🤩

Thank you to everyone involved in this transformation. Here’s to many successful years at this cracking pub! 🍻

29/05/2026

28/05/2026

***FULLY BOOKED***

We are now fully booked for the Champions League Final between PSG and Arsenal on Saturday 30th with a kick off at 5pm.

All tables inside the pub and on decking are now booked and reserved, limited standing room available with the front garden (off decking) available for customers on a first come first served basis.

We're looking forward to an amazing atmosphere and to cheer on the Gunners for an amazing night!!!

To be added to a waiting list to be contacted if there are any cancellations, please contact [email protected] or call is on 0204 603 5906!!!

28/05/2026

🤩 What a transformation!

We recently unveiled the beautiful transformation of The Duke of Cumberland.

A popular tourist hotspot (for obvious reasons!), this pub has been a favourite in the town for many years.

Now, with a completely new look, feel and management, this fantastic pub has been restored right back to the heart of the community.

🍻 A full internal refresh
🍻 Beautiful beer garden
🍻 Breath-taking surroundings
🍻 New food offer
🍻 A guaranteed warm welcome on every visit…

This pub is well worth the visit! A big thank you to all involved in transforming this wonderful pub.

We’re so excited to see it thrive and flourish! 🙌🏻🍍

27/05/2026

It's the second instalment of our R&B Roast events on 31st May!!

Special guest DJ and protégé of our resident DJ Tony will be the adorable DJ Sasha (we call her DJ WooWoo).

Join us for some amazing food and better vibes!!!

27/05/2026

The Champions League final takes centre stage this weekend as PSG and Arsenal battle it out for European glory 🏆⚽

Saturday builds towards a huge night in Munich with PSG looking to defend their crown after finally lifting the trophy last year, while Arsenal are still chasing that first major European title. Kick off is at 5pm and the atmosphere is going to be massive 🔥

Before that, Scotland face Curaçao at 1pm in one of the final World Cup prep matches for both nations, with plenty still to fine tune ahead of the summer tournaments.

Sunday keeps the sport flowing with more French Open tennis and Gallagher Premiership rugby throughout the day, before Soccer Aid rounds off the weekend as England XI take on the World XI in another lively clash.

Big games, brilliant atmosphere and every moment live with us this weekend 🍻

26/05/2026

Bookings are filling up as Arsenal look to go for the double and European glory!!!

Get your table secured now at WWW.THESTAR.PUB or call on 0204 603 5906!!

24/05/2026

22/05/2026

As World Cup fever builds across the UK, Dawn from Garricks Head appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning, showing off her brilliantly decorated pub – complete with flags from around the world – and talking all things sport, community, and the huge impact the upcoming tournament can have on our wonderful industry. 🏆🍻

A fantastic opportunity for someone who brings so much passion to celebrating sport at her pub – and even more special after being crowned our Best Sports & Entertainment Pub this year!

We’re so proud of you, Dawn – a total superstar and a complete natural on screen as well. 🤩

If you missed Dawn live this morning, make sure you catch up here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m002wknk/breakfast-22052026🙌🏻 🎥

21/05/2026

We’re proud to share another of our latest transformations – this time at the beautiful community pub, The Oak Tree Inn🍻🤩

Here’s how we did it:

🍍 We’ve carefully restored the pub to its countryside roots
🍍 We’ve created a refreshed look that combines traditional character with modern comfort (see for yourself)
🍍 A true community hub – we’ve designed a warm, relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with soft furnishings, a log burner and timeless furniture
🍍 Perfect for families – the outdoor space has been completely redesigned, creating the ideal backdrop for alfresco drinks & dining
🍍 Love food? The Oak Tree Inn boasts a brand-new menu, showcasing Sunday lunches, seasonal dishes and decadent pub classics

What a transformation! Thank you to everyone involved in bringing The Oak Tree Inn back to life! 🫶🏻

You can read more about our latest investment, as well as our latest pub stories over on our website 👉🏻 https://www.punchpubs.com/latest-news/

21/05/2026

Oleksandr Usyk v Rico Verhoeven headlines a huge Saturday night live from Giza, where the WBC World Heavyweight Title is on the line 🏆

Before that there’s 2 other world title fights, Catterall takes on Giyasov at around 8:30pm, followed by Sheeraz v Begic at 9:45pm as two British fighters look to put on a show 🇬🇧

The undercard starts from 6pm and the main event is expected around 10:45pm 🔥

Get down early, catch every punch, and get the rounds in with us! 🍻

19/05/2026

🔥 PREMIER LEAGUE TONIGHT 🔥

⚽ Bournemouth 🆚 Man City
🕢 Kick Off: 7:30PM

The title race heats up as City travel to the south coast for a huge clash under the lights 💥 Expect goals, drama and big moments from start to finish 👀

🍻 Watch it LIVE with us
📺 Big screens • Great atmosphere • Ice cold drinks

Who’s taking the 3 points? 👇💬

18/05/2026

We’re proud to share another fantastic investment from our Property Team, who recently completed a £340k transformation at The Lion Newtown.

Reopening this May, this wonderful pub has been restored to the heart of the community, featuring:

🍻A redesigned bar area
🎯A dedicated sports zone
🤩A refreshed rear beer garden

At the heart of its success is Management Partner Jessica Walters-Davies, who has played a pivotal role in the pub’s journey for more than 20 years.

With a refreshed offer and a brand-new look and feel, we’re excited to see The Lion continue to thrive for many years to come!✨🫶🏻

15/05/2026

The Punch Darts Classic has officially returned – and it’s already hitting the bullseye. 🎯

🔥 240 teams
🍻 190 pubs
📍 From Scotland to Cornwall
➡️ One epic competition bringing communities together

We’re now halfway through, with regional finals in full swing and the competition heating up fast… nerves are tightening, standards are soaring and there’s everything to play for. 👀

🏆 All roads lead to the Grand Final on the 13th of June at the CBS Arena, Coventry, where 16 finalists will battle it out for ultimate bragging rights and pub pride, of course!

With incredible backing from partners like Sky Business, Paddy Power, Heineken and Magnify Marketing, the atmosphere in our pubs has been electric.⚡

Not just a competition, we’ve witnessed packed pubs, big scores and most importantly, communities coming together. 🫶🏻

It’s safe to say… the Punch Darts Classic has well and truly returned with a bang! 🎯

14/05/2026

They’ve done it, and we couldn’t be prouder! ❤️

Today, the BII announced that our amazing Publicans, Eamonn England and Arina Piskunova from the beautiful Windsor Castle pub (N2 8DL), are finalists in this year’s Licensee of the Year Award.

This is a huge achievement. The judges spent over two hours at the pub, looking at every detail: from how they run the business, to how they support their team, to their community work, sustainability efforts, food and drink, and future plans. The judges left no stone unturned.

And, out of more than 800 nominations, only six finalists were chosen. That’s incredible.

The BII recognised them for the difference they make: their impact on the community, the care they show their team, their commitment to doing things the right way, and the X-Factor that makes a pub special.

The Windsor Castle (N2 8DL) pub is an excellent example of an establishment that gives back to their local community. They provide tangible social and economic value to their community, as they push themselves on being a local pub, selling local produce, from local suppliers to local people. Notably, they are also a BII sustainability champion for their work to protect our People, Planet and Pubs.

Eamonn, Arina, and the whole Windsor Castle team, this is so well deserved.
Congratulations, and good luck.

13/05/2026

Manchester City face Crystal Palace in a bid to chase down the Gunners!!!

Come and join us tonight and see all the action.

12/05/2026

Tuesday Pool Comp! 🎱

🏆 16 Players, £5 Entry.

💰 £50/£20/£10 Payouts.

⏰ Meet 7pm | Start 8pm.

Grab a cue and play! 🚀

12/05/2026

Let them play while you lunch. Enjoy complimentary soft play access every weekday from 11:00 am through the early afternoon. Treat yourself to our £11.49 lunch and drink deal while the kids stay entertained.

12/05/2026

This the theme is action, which is why we want to take the opportunity to shine a light on the incredible work our Management Partners and Publicans do to support people's mental health in their communities.

Pubs are so much more than drinks. As our research with Northumbria University shows, they’re places to relax, chat, laugh, and feel you belong. They help fight loneliness and bring people together. That’s why doing well by doing good sits at the heart of everything we do.

Pubs inspire moments that matter. They’re the heartbeat of the community.
Here’s what our publicans say about caring for their guests’ wellbeing. 💚

As James Wilson, Pheasant Inn, St Newlyn East, shares:
“Friendship, belonging, and wellbeing are in everything we do… small gestures nurture something powerful: a sense of being supported and part of something bigger.”

At the Lord Roberts, Nottingham, Craig Pennington says:
“We build a safe space where everyone is welcome like family.”

For Beth Robinson, Beeswing Inn, East Cowton, North Yorkshire, it’s simple:
“It isn’t always about making money. It’s about giving people a warm, welcoming place where they feel seen.”

And at Top House, Liverpool, Janet Clark reminds us:
“Everyone is going through something. Sometimes people just need a listening ear.”

Because community care starts with opening the door. 💚

See the incredible research Northumbria University, Newcastle, curated to ascertain the social and economic value of pubs: https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/

10/05/2026

Sunday Funday,

Come down and join us for a relaxing home fresh Sunday Roast. Served between 12 and 8pm, we have plenty to keep everyone happy!!

07/05/2026

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on Craig Pennington, Publican The Lord Roberts Nottingham. 🍻

Craig contributed to our Public’s House Report, sharing insight into his role within the community and his love for hospitality.

He told us: “For me, hospitality is about people and genuine customer service. When guests walk through the door, it feels like I’m welcoming them into my home. Creating that feeling starts with having the right team around you – a team that helps build a safe space where people can be exactly who they want to be.”

Craig truly is a standout publican, and what he’s achieved over the years is nothing short of remarkable. 👇🏻

From hosting an LGBTQIA+ friendly running club to sponsoring local sports teams, as well as organising weekly quizzes, book clubs and monthly drag performances, Craig and the Lord Roberts team have created a safe, welcoming place where people can meet, connect and feel part of the community. 🫶🏻

Publicans like Craig are vital to pubs and the wider hospitality industry.

Find out more about his story – and other inspirational publicans – in our latest report: https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/

05/05/2026

How’s it been a week already? 😲

Last Monday, we invited 200 of our wonderful Publicans and Management Partners to our Support Centre to celebrate their excellence and achievements over the last year and beyond! ✨🍍

And what a night it was!

It’s so inspiring to be in a room full of people who are deeply passionate about hospitality and delivering the very best experiences for their guests – all while being all‑round superstars who run thriving pubs at the heart of their communities.

A huge well done to all of our winners:

🏆 National Publicans of the Year 2026: Dom & Shell Roberts, Anglesey Arms
🏆 Special Recognition Award winner: Trevor & Debra Wilding, Jacksons Arms, Hartlepool
🏆 Best Drinks Award winner: Lindsey Armstrong, Champs Washington
🏆 Best Food Award winner: Alex King & Joseph Clark, The Bull - Much Hadham
🏆 Fireside Pub Award winner: John & Keisha Hodge, The Famous Crown
🏆 Locals Pub Award winner: Stevie & Elaine Spring, Clousden Hill
🏆 Unity Social Award winner: Karen Downes & Michael Going, The Merry Mermaid
🏆 Best Pub Sport & Entertainment Award winner: Dawn Slater, Garricks Head
🏆 Community Pub of the Year winner: Darren & Tina Tester, The Carisbrooke Arms, Gosport
🏆 Doing Well, by Doing Good Award winner: Richard Gordon & Sonya Harvey, The Red Lion Cranford
🏆 Best Newcomer: Kelly Howarth, White Horse

Here’s to next year’s awards and continuing to inspire those moments. 🍻

📸 with thanks to Amanda Forman Commercial Photography

04/05/2026

May The Forth Be With You Indeed.

What a great night it was last night. The Indie Choir were amazing as always and Courtfield19 are immense.

Thank you for everyone that came to play, especially those that dressed up.

We had a blast!!!

Keep your eyes peeled for next time!!!

30/04/2026

Man United v Liverpool this Sunday 🔥

Kick off is at 3:30pm and you just know there’ll be drama when these two collide. Form goes out the window in this one.

Saturday is all about the final day of the EFL season, with 36 games kicking off across 12:30pm and 3pm. Promotion hopes and survival battles all decided in one huge afternoon ⚽

At 12:30pm Spurs head to Villa needing a result to stay in the Premier League. Pressure doesn’t get much bigger.

Then at 3pm Arsenal host Fulham, with the Gunners looking to keep the points flowing at the top. A real contrast in fortunes for North London’s two sides 👀

The weekend then signs off in style with the Miami Grand Prix at 9pm on Sunday 🏁

Plenty riding on every game this weekend… where better to watch it unfold

30/04/2026

Connection, conversation, laughter and belonging.

We’ve teamed up with Punch to shine a light on something really important - the role pubs play in bringing people together.

With one pub a day closing its doors across the UK, Punch Pubs has published new research in collaboration with Northumbria University that shows for the very first time the true social and economic value of our pubs

Did you know the average UK pub contributes £1.3m in economic and social value to its local community annually?

In a world where too many people feel isolated, these spaces matter more than ever. Places where you can show up, have a chat, feel part of something - sometimes without even realising how much you needed it.

They’re places where friendships are built, stories are shared, and communities come to life - day in, day out.

Use them.
Support them.
They matter.

Read the full report here:
punchpubs.com/socialvalue


The Exchange

29/04/2026

What. A. Night! 🤩

On Monday, we rolled out the red carpet at our Publican of the Year Awards, welcoming 300 guests – including 200 Publicans & Management Partners – to celebrate and recognise the incredible teams who make our pubs the beating heart of communities across the country. 🫶🏻

A huge congratulations to this year’s winners, our Publicans of the Year 2026: Dom & Shell Roberts of Anglesey Arms, along with all of our category winners and finalists, who continue to raise the bar for hospitality and inspire those moments every day. 🍻

When we talk about our purpose - inspiring those moments - last night was a perfect reflection of that. Here’s to celebrating and recognising excellence for many years to come. ✨

📸 A small snapshot of the best evening - we can't wait to share more of our event with you. Thank you to Amanda Forman Commercial Photography

27/04/2026

This week sees the first legs of the Champions League Semi Finals!!!!

First up on Tuesday at 8pm, is a clash on titans!!!

PSG vs Bayern Munich

Then on Wednesday at 8pm...

Athletico Madrid vs Arsenal

Who will get an advantage into next week???

Book your tables now online at WWW.THESTAR.PUB or call 02046035906

23/04/2026

We’re delighted to have Radio 2 DJ, presenter and author Sara Cox support us on the launch of The Public’s House Report! 🤩

Raised in a pub, coincidentally named the Pineapple, Sara knows first-hand what they give us: great nights, lasting friendships and a real sense of community. ✨

Supporting our research, in partnership with Northumbria University (Newcastle), she said:
“This research is a powerful reminder of just how much pubs matter, yet more than one pub a day closes, and we lost 366 of them last year alone.

“Nowadays, you can eat, drink, sing, play board games, knit, natter, or attend a book club in a pub – but it doesn’t matter what you do, the most important thing is that we use them. If we don’t, it’ll be far more than somewhere to go and have a pint that we’ll miss out on, our social links and community support will be lost as well.”

Thank you, Sara, for helping to share our message. 🫶🏻

Haven’t read it yet? Take a look at the report here: https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/ 🍍

20/04/2026

Our pubs are more than just a local.

We’ve teamed up with Punch to celebrate the role pubs play in bringing people together - not just for a drink, but for connection, conversation and community.

With one pub closing every day across the UK, this matters more than ever.

New research with Northumbria University shows the true impact - the average UK pub contributes £1.3m a year to its local community.

Places where friendships are built.
Stories are shared.
And people feel part of something.

Read the full report:
punchpubs.com/socialvalue

Use them.
Support them.
They matter.

The Exchange

20/04/2026

We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with the brilliant
Outta Puff Daddys, who are helping us spread the word about The Public’s House Report. 🤩🕺🏻

Through joyful dance and powerful mental health messaging, they’re breaking down stereotypes and showing that real strength comes from honesty, vulnerability and connection.

And where’s one of the best places in your community to find that connection? Your local pub – and now it’s proven.

Our report, produced in partnership with Northumbria University (Newcastle), quantifies for the first time the social value generated by pubs, and it’s available to read here 👉🏻 https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/

Huge thanks to the guys for helping us spread the word, one jive at a time 🪩🍻

16/04/2026

🎉🍻 Have you checked out The Public’s House Report yet? 🍻🎉

If not… where’ve you been?! 😉

Our new research, in partnership with Northumbria University (Newcastle), finally puts hard numbers behind what we’ve always known: pubs change lives – and we’re shouting about it! 🤩

Alongside some incredible stats, The True Economic & Social Value of Pubs shares powerful real stories from the people who make our pubs what they are: our fantastic Publicans.

Today, we’re shining a spotlight on James Wilson, Publican at The Pheasant, St Newlyn East, Newquay. 💛

Here’s what James shared with us:
“Friendship, belonging and wellbeing are in everything we do. With no sports clubhouse or event venue here, we often step in to support activities and gatherings.

"I feel a genuine privilege in being a custodian of this pub. The Pheasant holds the shared history of our community – its joy, its sorrow, its everyday rhythms. It’s a space where everyone is truly welcome, and where the spirit of our village lives.”

We couldn’t be prouder to work with Publicans who pour so much love, care and community spirit into their pubs every single day. 🫶🏻🍻🍍

If you haven't read it yet, please check it out here 👉🏻https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/

16/04/2026

We’re thrilled to unveil a beautiful investment at Golden C**k, Huddersfield. 🍻

Following a five-week closure in February, the beloved pub has been completely transformed and has already received top marks from guests.

Focused on strengthening its reputation as one of the area’s most-loved food destinations, The Golden C**k has undergone a remarkable refresh, enhancing the interiors while preserving its traditional character. 🤩

✔️ Extended dining area
✔️ New outdoor terrace
✔️ Complete refresh throughout
✔️ Scenic garden to soak up the countryside
✔️ New spring/summer menu

If you’ve not been already, we highly recommend you visit this beautiful pub if you’re in the area! 🍻

You can read about the full transformation here 👉https://www.punchpubs.com/latest-news/

📸 courtesy of Tory McTernan

14/04/2026

🎉🍻 The Public’s House is here! 🍻🎉

Pubs aren’t just places to eat and drink – they’re the beating heart of our communities. ❤️

And now, our brand new research, in partnership with Northumbria University (Newcastle), proves what we’ve always known: pubs change lives!

Beyond some staggering figures, which you’ll be able to find in our published report, the real magic lies here. 👇

Pubs create connections. Fight loneliness. Support local causes. They offer a home-from-home for everyone – powered by the passion of Publicans who make every guest feel safe and welcome. 🫶

We’re incredibly proud to be championed by the fantastic Sara Cox, along with several other influencers who are shining a light on the power of community, conversation and wellbeing.

At a time when more than a pub a day is closing, this message has never mattered more: pubs aren’t just valuable – they’re vital. 🫀

We’ll keep protecting, investing in and celebrating them every single day.

👉 Discover the full report here: https://www.punchpubs.com/socialvalue/

12/04/2026

The Chef's have been busy since early o'clock this morning!!!

All our roasts are made from fresh, peeling to boiling and roasting!!!

Enjoy a fresh home made roast at your local today!!

Bookings are advised but not necessary, we always make room!!

Served from 12-8pm!!!

☀️

11/04/2026

Live Dj every Saturday night from 11pm-3am

Join us before last entry at 1am and party into Sunday!!!