The Star Inn - Salford - Pub Reviews

Stepping into The Star Inn feels like discovering a hidden slice of Salford history. Tucked down a narrow alley off Bury New Road in Higher Broughton, this Victorian-era pub (built around 1846) exudes old-school charm. It’s famously one of the first urban pubs in Britain to be saved by its community – now run by local patrons under the cooperative society Starcliff Ltd. Decorated with original wooden bench seating and antique mirrored bar fittings, the Star Inn has a cosy, timeless vibe. Patrons often remark on the welcoming atmosphere – a “buzzing little hub” of friendly locals. Regulars mix with Salford football fans and local creatives alike, all gathering over well-kept pints in this warm, unpretentious setting.

Facilities & Entertainment

The Star Inn packs a surprising number of amenities into its compact layout. Despite no off‑street parking (the pub is on a narrow cobbled lane known as “The Cliff” – so drivers must use nearby street parking), it offers plenty for a night out. There’s a darts board and pool table tucked into a separate rear room, giving friendly games a dedicated space away from the main bar. Sports fans won’t go without either – the pub shows live matches with both Sky and BT Sports channels (often stacking away‑fan away days for nearby Salford City FC). A classic jukebox provides background music, and for traditional pub culture buffs, there’s always a spot at the bar for conversation over a pint. In good weather, the outdoor beer garden comes alive – a sunny courtyard (with tables and covered seating) where families, dog‑owners, and groups can linger. Even the staff pets get in on the fun: dogs are explicitly welcome (especially in the garden). All told, it’s a no‑frills, family-friendly space designed more for socialising than for arcade games or vast open spaces.

• Drinks & Games: Rotating real ales and guest beers (see below), plus a pool table and darts board for pub games.

• Entertainment: Live sports (Sky/BT), a classic jukebox for music, and occasional live gigs.

• Atmosphere: Laid‑back and friendly, with padded bench seating around bay windows and a “relaxed, friendly atmosphere” to match.

• Outdoor Space: A sunny beer garden/patio in summer (with outdoor seating and even an outbuilding toilet).

• Parking & Access: No dedicated parking (park on nearby streets). Steps at the entrance are small but generally manageable, and there is an accessible toilet on site.

Food on Offer

True to its traditional British pub roots, The Star Inn keeps the focus on drinks rather than full meals. There is no kitchen for hot food – instead you’ll find the usual pub snacks at the bar. Pick from bowls of crisps, salted nuts, or chorizo bites to munch while you sip. (Staff will sometimes bring out free popcorn during busy sports matches or music nights.) This simple menu means the emphasis stays on the ales and atmosphere. Even without a roast dinner on the menu, the quality of the beers, ciders, wines and spirits keeps most patrons satisfied. In short, don’t come here for a gourmet meal, but do come for a hearty pint and good company.

Beers on Tap

Beer lovers will feel right at home at The Star Inn. The taps feature real ales on cask, with a constantly changing selection drawn largely from local and regional breweries. In any given visit you might find a pale ale, a bitter, or a darker stout – often including brews from Salford and Greater Manchester’s microbreweries. For example, recent line-ups have included guest cask ales like those from Brightside Brewing and Blackjack Brewing (both local Salford–area brewers) as well as Irwell Works. This rotating stock means there’s usually something new to try. Importantly, the ales here are well looked after: CAMRA notes that the small bar’s ales are kept in “prime condition”, with the lounge still featuring original bench seating and bell-pushes around its bay windows, and customers often praise the staff for pouring each pint properly. In addition to cask real ale, you’ll find a standard line-up of lagers, beers in bottles, ciders, wines and spirits behind the bar. For those who prefer something lighter, note that several of the beers and lagers are available gluten‑free. Overall, quality and variety of beer are a priority here – and the locals clearly appreciate it.

Local Ales: The Star Inn is independent (not tied to a single brewery), so it usually lists 2–3 rotating cask ales. CAMRA’s WhatPub page lists changing beers like Blackjack, Brightside, and Irwell Works typically on tap. In practice, you might see a classic British bitter or pale ale as a permanent staple, plus one or two guest ales each week. The pub’s owners deliberately keep the line-up fresh. This means even regulars get to try new guest brews – it’s part of the co-operative’s ethos to support independent breweries and offer variety. The beers are reasonably priced for Salford (well below London prices, more on this below), and feedback shows they’re consistently well-conditioned and tasty.

Price Range & Value

The Star Inn falls into a moderate price range typical for Greater Manchester. Pints of real ale generally run in the £3.50–£4.50 range, which many visitors note is good value for quality cask beer. (For comparison, that’s cheaper than most central Manchester pubs but on par with other Salford locals.) Bottled beers and ciders are also fairly priced, and a glass of wine or spirit typically reflects mid‑range pub pricing. Because there’s no food menu beyond snacks, the focus on drink means you often get more bang for your buck here.

Customers frequently comment that they feel they get a lot of value at The Star Inn. In fact, reviews often praise the pub’s honest, no‑gimmick pricing – you’re paying for what’s in the glass, not a trendy brand. The communal ownership model means profits go back into maintenance rather than profits, which helps keep prices reasonable. We didn’t find official published price lists, but the consensus is clear: reasonable prices and generous pours. This reputation for fair value, combined with quality drinks and service, keeps regulars returning. If you’re on a budget but still want a proper pint in Salford, The Star Inn stands out as a place where your money goes toward well-kept drinks and a lively atmosphere, rather than flashy interior or theme.

Customer Service

By all accounts, the staff at The Star Inn are as much part of the draw as the beers. The bartenders and management are known for being friendly, welcoming, and deeply knowledgeable about the pub’s ales. Community member accounts and visitor reviews repeatedly mention that the staff “know the regulars by name” and are quick to make newcomers feel at home. Patrons note that even at busy times the bar staff remain attentive and chatty – often sharing recommendations or local trivia. For instance, the pub website itself boasts that you should “expect colourful characters” behind the bar and that “good drinks, good company, and no nonsense” are the rule.

Service at The Star Inn tends to be very personable. Because it’s community-run, staff turnover is low and many team members have been there for years. The licensees take real pride in the place: you might hear them ask about your evening plans or remember your “usual” even if it’s your first visit. One poem on the pub’s site even affectionately declares it “full of friendly people”. In practice, this means your glass is rarely left empty for long, and if you have any issue with a drink it’s usually addressed immediately. During events like Folk Night or Quiz Night, the team is known to coordinate efficiently – taking wagers for quiz teams, or helping musicians set up mics. On the downside, when extremely busy (such as right before a big game or music session), there can be a short wait for a served drink – but most customers see this as a trade-off of popularity rather than poor service. Overall, the staff’s warmth and the community spirit are often cited as major reasons people return to The Star Inn time and again.

Events & Special Nights

The Star Inn prides itself on being more than just a place to grab a beer – it’s a community hub with a lively calendar of events. The pub hosts monthly theme nights that are well-loved by locals. Notably, the Folk Night is on every first Wednesday of the month. This isn’t a high-pressure “open mic” but rather an informal folk club atmosphere: musicians, poets and story-tellers from around the region gather to play acoustic sets in the lounge. The session is free, acoustic-only, and attracts a rotating roster of talent – from amateur hobbyists to seasoned performers. According to the pub’s own “What’s On” page, this folk night has been running in its current form for over a decade. It draws a devoted crowd early (seats do “not last long” as the pub warns), and it adds a uniquely intimate vibe to the week.

• Folk Club: First Wednesday of each month. A 10-year‑running acoustic session for singers and poets, free entry. Known for being informal and “always unique”, it brings in performers from across Greater Manchester.

• Quiz Night: Second Wednesday monthly. Regular quiz teams and newcomers compete in a fun pub quiz. The quiz is well-attended, with patrons often enjoying themed questions that reflect local trivia.

• Games Night: Fourth Wednesday monthly. A casual games evening (board games and card games) where friends can hang out at tables, occasionally featuring prizes or fundraisers for local causes.

Beyond these staples, The Star Inn schedules special events and live performances. For example, the community has celebrated anniversaries (like “16 years of The Star Inn as a community pub”) with live bands and DJs. There are often pop-up beer festivals on-site or charity fundraisers, especially in summer. One quirky tradition: on big national sports occasions (e.g. World Cup football or Six Nations rugby), the pub will set up extra screens so everyone can watch together, though these are occasional rather than nightly.

Calendar highlights at The Star Inn revolve around music, pub quiz challenges and community gatherings. The “First Wednesdays” folk night is particularly renowned – it even inspired a poem on the pub’s site, which calls the Star Inn “off the beaten track but on the northern CAMRA Trail” and notes “First Wednesday of every month: folk night, spoken word and song.” If you plan a visit, it’s wise to check the pub’s website or Facebook page for the latest schedule. On a typical weeknight outside these events, the regulars will still have their quiet meetups, while weekends bring live local bands or DJs to keep the atmosphere buzzing.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Stepping into the Star Inn’s main lounge is like visiting a friendly living room of a Victorian gentleman’s club. The interior is wood-panelled and cosy – original 1960s-era touches are everywhere, from the red-velvet-padded bench seating around the bay windows to the etched glass panels in the doors. The long wooden bar counter is polished and (despite its age) meticulously clean, stocked with a variety of spirits and bottles. In one corner, an old fireplace adds literal warmth on chilly Salford evenings. The lighting is low and yellowish, giving the space a golden glow. On any night, you’ll hear a soundtrack of gentle conversation punctuated by occasional laughter, clinking glasses, or a local radio ballad on the jukebox. The overall vibe is convivial but calm – lively enough to be entertaining when events are on, but perfectly comfortable for a quiet weekday pint. Locals describe it as “warm and got Wi-Fi”, meaning people will happily sit and chat or even do some work on laptops.

Patrons are of all ages and backgrounds: from middle-aged pensioners who have been coming for decades, to young families, to football-supporting students from the nearby universities. This mix creates a friendly, inclusive feel. One regular quip is that the Star Inn feels like “the local living room of Salford”; staff even know many visitors by name. The small space means conversations easily carry across tables, so it’s common for strangers to end up chatting about the day’s news or the upcoming football match. Despite the historic decor, there is nothing fusty about it – people are encouraged to relax in the cushioned benches or a high stool at the bar.

Between the main bar and the rear games room lies a narrow tiled lobby – a charming bit of preservation. The tiled lobby still features an original black-and-white geometric floor and faded inter‑war style wall tiles. This area also contains the restroom facilities. In fact, The Star Inn was a pioneer among community pubs in upgrading its accessibility: what used to be the female loo outside the back is now inside, and there is an accessible toilet at the premises. The change came after the cooperative took over, and now people with mobility needs can use the pub with fewer obstacles. (Note that entry from the street has only a small step, and the interior floor is all on one level, which helps accessibility.)

Overall, the Star Inn’s décor and layout are intimate and slightly quirky rather than slick or modern. The pub never feels sterile – instead, it radiates character. Original fixtures like the bell‑pushes on the seating (for calling bartenders) still work, and the roof timbers are painted in half-timber style. These details, coupled with photos of past landlords and local scenes on the walls, give a sense of place. The atmosphere is nearly always buzzy but never overwhelming – even when popular events pack the room (the July folk night or a big sports final, for example), the pub just gets louder and more energetic rather than messy. If you prefer a quiet corner, it’s best to arrive early on event nights or choose a weekday; otherwise the pub’s success means you may be shoulder-to-shoulder during peak times. But many patrons embrace this closeness as part of the charm – it’s like being at a lively house party.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Star Inn’s address at 2 Back Hope Street, Higher Broughton, Salford (M7 2FR) places it in a residential neighbourhood just north of Salford’s city centre. In practice, the easiest way to find it is to turn off the main Bury New Road (A576) onto Clowes Street and then onto Back Hope Street – it’s about a 5-minute walk from the Great Clowes Street junction. Public transport access is very good: several bus routes stop just around the corner. In fact, Bus 97 and 98 (running between Manchester and Bury) stop at Knoll Street, only a minute’s walk from the pub. Other local buses (such as the 99 and the X41) stop nearby on Great Cheetham Street West. For tram users, the Crumpsall Metrolink station is about a 15-minute walk away. Most visitors therefore come by foot, bicycle or public transit. The Moovit transport service confirms that Knoll Street is a 1‑minute walk from Back Hope Street, making it really convenient for a quick trip from central Salford or Manchester.

For drivers, there is no dedicated parking lot – you must use the unrestricted residential parking on Back Hope Street or the nearby side streets. CAMRA’s pub guide notes this explicitly: “so please park in nearby streets”. In reality, in evenings and weekends parking is usually available a street or two away (or you can try the small car park near the former Bury New Road Bus Garage, a short walk south). Cycle parking is straightforward, too: Back Hope Street is quiet enough to safely chain a bike to the lampposts or railings.

In terms of its neighbourhood, The Star Inn sits among quiet row houses and a few local shops. Higher Broughton is largely residential, so the pub is a community anchor rather than a tourist hotspot. Nevertheless, there are a few local landmarks worth noting. About 5 minutes’ walk east is Broughton Park, a public green space with sports fields (useful for an afternoon stroll before a pint). The University of Salford’s Peel Park campus is just a mile south (a 20-minute walk or short bus ride) if you’re coming from the campus area. The historic The Cliff Train Station (now defunct) gave the area its name, and you can still see some old stonework under the pub’s pavement. A short walk south brings you to Salford Crescent railway station (on the Hope Line), which connects with Manchester Victoria – offering a quick hop for rail commuters.

For visitors looking to extend their outing, Angel Meadow (with its trendy coffee spots) is a few stops away by bus. The Bethnal Green area isn’t far either (taxis or a 30-minute bus ride). But many find no need to go far: fellow pub-hoppers often pair a Star Inn visit with a pint at the nearby Brunswick Inn or a pie from the Great Wall Chip Shop on Bury Old Road afterwards. In summer, the small Broughton Market is a few streets away, selling produce and street food most weekends. In short, The Star Inn’s location is charmingly off the beaten path – it feels like a secret gem but is actually quite accessible to anyone in Salford via local transport.

Overall Impression

The Star Inn isn’t trying to be anything it’s not: it’s a genuine old-school community pub that happens to be run cooperatively by the locals. In that mission, it truly excels. From its crown jewels of rolling ales to its monthly folk nights and attentive service, everything is geared toward community and authenticity. Notably, CAMRA recognises the pub’s unique heritage – it even carries a “two star” rating for historic interior of national importance. Walking around, you see the proof: original Victorian pub features and 1960s refurbishments blend seamlessly, showing that you’re in a place that’s earned its character. The pub walls have quietly witnessed over 175 years of local life.

Today, visitors often leave with the same sentiment: that The Star Inn feels like Salford at its finest. It’s unpretentious (no neon, no nonsense), yet full of heart. Pints here come with a side of genuine Salford friendliness. Even small quirks become endearing – the tight benches, the occasional slow night, the tiny juke box in the corner – all add to the charm. True, on a busy match day or packed folk night it can be cosy (even cramped), and those seeking vast modern beer halls might raise an eyebrow. But most people agree: that cosy bustle is part of the charm.

In a city where many pubs have closed or lost their soul to franchises, The Star Inn stands out as a success story of grassroots spirit. It offers more than just drinks; it offers a sense of belonging. Whether you come here for a quietly poured local ale, a lively pub quiz, or just to soak up the neighbourhood buzz, it represents Salford’s pride in its community. We didn’t find any slip-ups in service or surprise fees – instead, visitors recount stories of helpful landlords (one poem even hilariously claims a famous actor once washed his hands here) and nights out that feel like visits to an old friend’s house.

The Star Inn is a must‑visit for anyone exploring Salford’s pub scene. It may not have a Michelin-star menu or Instagrammable lighting, but it has something rarer: heart. If you appreciate well-kept ales, pub games, and genuine community atmosphere, this backstreet gem will leave you with a big smile and perhaps a new favourite local. In Salford’s tapestry of neighbourhoods, The Star Inn is a shining thread – simple, warm, and unforgettable.