Since landlords Leigh Pascoe, Timothy Denny and Matthew Duggan took over, the main focus of The Star & Dove has been its’ “historic dining rooms” restaurant. Certainly, the popular pub – based a stone’s throw from the bottom of Victoria Park, and close to Totterdown – has a reputation for offering great quality British food in laidback surroundings. Even their “tavern” menu and bar snacks are a cut above your average gastropub fare.
If you’re not interested in eating, the pub is still well worth a visit. There’s a dusty, vintage 1930s feel to the wood-panelled interior, décor and furniture, with fireside leather wingback chairs offering an attractive place to sit in winter. During the summer months, the reasonably sized beer garden is a fine place to while away a few hours with a glass or two of one of their six rotating guest ales. These are usually from local breweries, though occasionally selections come from further afield.
There’s also a sizeable range of bottled beers and ciders, and the wine list is impressive, too – though you’d expect that, given the landlords’ dedication to establishing the venue as a fine dining destination.