Thursday 12th September 2024
Ian Rogers
If you have not heard of Bushwood, it is actually the Northern part of Leytonstone, bordered by the A12 and Wanstead Flats.
The North Star is located on a quiet residential cul-de-sac, but only 50 yards away from the busy Leytonstone High Road. The building was originally two residential properties, but these were converted during the 19th Century to form a public house.
There is some info to suggest the name comes from a ship that was sailed in by the original proprietor, but the pub sign and memorabilia displayed inside depict the steam engine North Star.
There are a few picnic benches to the front and there is a set of doors to either side, the left hand ones originally being the Public Bar entrance, confirmed by the etched glass, but at the time of visit a metal bar and padlock was across those doors, so entry was to the right, into what probably was the Saloon bar.
Today at the far end of the bar is an arched cut through which links both bars. The full bar is on this side and service was from there only with only a small glass hatch to the left hand side, which was not in use.
Five Hand pumps were in use, with Oakham JHB(3.8%), Five Points Railway Porter (4.8%), Adnams Ghost Ship (4.5%), Sharp’s Solar wave Hazy IPA (4.6%) and Harvey’s Sussex Best (4%) all on. All cask beers sampled were in good condition and priced from £4.50.
There were two ciders on Keg, Wildwave Blush (5.4%) and Aspalls, Aspalls Blush (5.5%) both at £5.75. Also available on Keg - Paulaner Hefe, Paulaner Helles, Newbarns Pilsner, Madri, Pravha, Staropramen, Estrella and Guinness, all £5.50 or £6.
To the rear right is the corridor leading to the outside which has a tent like covering and contains the Pizza kitchen area. Food offerings are Pizza or a Thai menu but the Thai Kitchen will be closed 28.09.2024-07.10.2024 so please check their website for the latest information.
The pub has won several CAMRA awards, most recently East London & City Pub of the Year 2024.
Important Information:
North Star, 24 Browning Road, Bushwood, London E11 3AR. Web: North Star
Opening Hours: Monday-Wednesday: 17.00-23.00; Thursday-Saturday: 12.00-23.00; Sunday: 12.00-21.00
Food: Monday-Wednesday: 18.00-22.00; Thursday-Friday: 12.00-15.00, 18.00-22.00;
Saturday: 12.00-16.00, 18.00-22.00; Sunday: 12.00-19.00
Buses on Leytonstone High Road – 66/145/257/W12/W13/W14/W19 or Bush Road 145 & W19.
Nearest Underground station is Leytonstone (Central Line), about 7 minutes walk.
Nearest Overground station is Leytonstone High Road, about 10 minutes walk.
