Star By Hackney Downs

I visited the Star on a lovely summer evening. I struggled to find a seat inside the pub as majority of the tables were reserved. I eventually found a vacant table. All the tables outside were occupied, therefore; had to sit where there was limited availability. At the bar I ordered a glass of wine which was horrendous. The person who served me finished off a bottle of Malbec then opened a totally different brand and mixed the two. This should not happen! During my visit, the staff sneakily put a ‘Reserved table’ sign on our table hoping we would not notice. This left us with 30 minutes to finish up and vacate! Unbelievable behaviour. To compound this terrible experience, the bar staff were continually stroking and petting customers dogs. They did not wash their hands and continued to serve with disgusting filthy hands. The staff were acting like they were at a festival and this was a social gathering. AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

This place is awesome!!!! Food is epic and well cooked (I had hot haus burger and it was amazing) Service is super quick and awesome music playing.

Vile, unhelpful staff. I lost my bank card at this premises on a Saturday and returned to try to retrieve it the following day. It was just after closing but the staff were gathered for a lock-in and could clearly see me at the window. I indicated that I had left my card at the bar. They motioned that I should leave. I repeated that I had left my card (which I really needed) and rather than help, one of them, a young man with a bob, got up and told me to f**k off, you c**t . I duly did so, having to cancel the card as I was leaving the country early the following day.

I've been going to this pub for years and its always been great with a lovely, large outdoor space with views across the park. The food is great and the jerk chicken burger is honestly one of the best burgers in all of hackney.

My son did a drag night tonight. Was excellent service fabulous entertainment and may i say the food was on point my Scampi and chips were amazing please thank chef again he was lovely i forgot his name sorry x