Historic village pub reopens following renovation work

The North Star in Steventon near Abingdon closed in September for renovation work and reopened earlier this month.

Manager Kerry Tyrell welcomed customers from the village and surrounding area at a busy reopening celebration.

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The Campaign for Real Ale White Horse branch shared the pub’s Facebook post, which said: “A huge thank you to everyone who came along to The North Star tonight for our opening evening.

“I’m overwhelmed with the outstanding support from you all and what amazing community Spirit. I am so pleased you all had a lovely evening and the weather was kind to us.

“A huge thank you to everyone who has helped me out recently and to all the wonderful local tradesmen to get the pub looking fabulous.”

Staff at The North Star in Steventon (Image: The North Star in Steventon)

The Campaign for Real Ale Oxford branch has researched the history of the pub.

It said: “Despite appearing in the news for being partially demolished on New Year’s Day in 2003 and being closed during restoration, the North Star remains one of Oxfordshire’s finest pubs.

“Standing on The Causeway, it is one of a series of 17th century half-timbered houses and buildings, fully deserving its Grade II-listed status.

“It has been in the hands of the same family over a long period of time. The North Star has barely a bar as such, merely a servery from the beer store to the tiny low-ceilinged public and lounge bars, the former with impressive high-backed seating surrounding the fireplace.

“Another room not served by the bar is also available, as are benches in the connecting corridor. Now reopened after renovations.”

Guests at The North Star in Steventon (Image: The North Star in Steventon)

The pub in Stocks Lane has a four out of five rating on reviews site Tripadvisor.

One recent visitor posted; “The North Star is a genuine, brilliant pub.

“For centuries it has offered excellent beers, wines, good company, and sincere customer service in an amazing setting. It is on a national walking trail and on an ancient, cobbled causeway.”

The pub sign for The North Star in Steventon (Image: The North Star in Steventon)

There are also two pubs in Steventon High Street – The Cherry Tree and The Fox Inn.

In 2003, The North Star’s owner at the time, a local farmer, drove a JCB into the side of the pub after bar staff refused to serve him early on New Year’s Day because they were closing.

About 15 customers still drinking in the Grade II-listed pub were forced to flee as the ceiling and walls collapsed. No-one was hurt but several suffered shock.