The Star and Garter

I first moved to Bristol just under a year ago. I spent many weekends walking around the city – I’m a firm believer that you discover the best places on foot. It didn’t take me long to realise that I lived round the corner from a cornerstone of Black Bristolian culture. The Star & Garter sits on the border of St. Pauls and Montpelier. Anyone who knows Bristol knows that these are two very distinct areas.

One is the epicentre of Black radicalism in the city. It’s home to the Bristol Bus Boycott, race uprisings in the 80s and of course, the iconic carnival. The other is described as a ‘bohemian residential neighbourhood with laid-back vibes’.

And straddling these two different sides of Bristol is the Star & Garter. A place where everybody’s welcome.

The pub’s inspired many music legends –including Massive Attack, Roni Size and the late Bristol legend DJ Derek. After closing in 2018, it reopened under new ownership a year later and saw the likes of Damien Marley, Roni Size and Maya Jama joining to celebrate.

It’s of huge significance to the surrounding community. Inside, the walls are covered in pictures, objects and stories that pay homage to Black British history (including the glasses of 70s dub poet Linton Kwesi Johnson). And the Caribbean food is home-cooked, delicious and actually affordable.

By the community, for the community. Paying tribute to Black heritage. Unapologetic in its celebration of Blackness. This is a place that doesn’t care about who you are or where you’re from – all that’s asked is that you come with good energy, ready to drink, dance and laugh.

The Star and Garter: One Life. One Love. One Pub.

www.starandgarterbristol.co.uk

Hana | Bristol