Taking on a twenty-year lease shows significant commitment, and that is exactly what the new tenants of The Star Inn in Geddington, Helen & Richard Freeman, are giving to the pub they have always wanted to run.
The couple intends to stay and return The Star to its previous reputation, with punters coming to Geddington for a great meal enjoyed in good company and pleasant surroundings Helen has many years of experience both in the kitchen and behind the bar, serving as pub relief manager at a variety of pubs. Richard has run his own engineering company for over ten years and will apply all his business skills to the new family venture.
Steph, their daughter, will be running the bar and front of house, and both sons, Jonathan and Alex, are helping out wherever needed.
The pub owners, the Wellington Pub Company, who, along with the Criterion Asset Management Company, are part of the Reuben Brothers’ group of companies, are giving their full backing to the Freeman family and their management of the free-of-tie pub, and have indicated their support to improve the exterior of the building with stone and roof repairs. There are also plans to resurface the car park and turn part of it into a decked area garden for families to enjoy the outside.
Not being tied to one particular brewer, Helen & Richard are showcasing a range of local beverages, such as beers and ales from Nene Valley Brewery, Oakham Ales, Phibbs NBC and Weldon Brewery alongside rotating guest ales. Steph’s ‘gin gallery’ includes an impressive selection of gins from Warner Edwards Distillery in Harrington, coffee is roasted by Well Roasted Coffee in Market Harborough, and Amps Wine Merchants in Oundle supply all the wines served at The Star.
Sourcing local suppliers gets equally emphasis when it comes to the food served at The Star. Local meat is used in the predominantly traditional pub food, such as the hand-cut ham, steak, chilli and lasagne as well as the signature The Star burger, topped with cheese and bacon in a brioche bun and served with chips, salad, coleslaw and relish. Home-made soups, pies with top crust and sausage & mash dishes change on a daily basis, as does the delicious cheesecakes. For a lighter bite you can choose jacket potatoes, a Ploughman’s or a range of baguettes and sandwiches on white or brown bread and served with salad, home-made coleslaw and chips. Scampi, prawns and fish also feature on the menu, and there are daily specials on the board. There are several options available for vegetarians and a Children’s Menu as well. Traditional Roast is served on Sundays.
Future plans for The Star include extending opening hours to serving teas and coffees to parents bringing their children to and from school, to walkers and cyclists, and tourists wanting afternoon tea. Richard has started drawing maps of walks from neighbouring villages to The Star so you can enjoy the beautiful countryside on foot to and from your visit to the pub.
At the moment no food is served on Mondays and Tuesdays and Helen & Richard are looking for an experienced cook to cover lunchtime/evening shifts, when the family takes a break from supplying food. Catering for business lunches also ranks high on the agenda, and musical evenings will add to the atmosphere. Quiz nights take place every other Tuesday so if you have a charity and would like a fundraising quiz, please contact Richard.
The Star Inn is open daily.
Bar Opening Times: Monday & Tuesday 3-11pm Wednesday 12noon to 11pm Thursday to Sunday 12noon to 11.30pm
Food is served: Wednesday-Friday 12noon until 2.30pm, 6-8.30pm, Saturday 12noon to 8.30pm, Sunday 12noon to 5pm.
The Star Inn, Bridge Street, Geddington, NN14 1AD Tel: 01536 745990
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