Local pub goers are celebrating the news that The Star on the Hill at Llanfihangel Tor-y-Mynydd is set to reopen in August. This follows a campaign by the members of the SOS-Save our Star group who are now seeking help from the wider community to ensure that this valuable community resource is not lost.
The Star, which has been closed for the past 18 months, is one of Monmouthshire's most picturesque pubs and is just a short drive or an hour's walk from Devauden.
The reopening is particularly welcome as The Star will now be run by Richard and Dee Barker who are known locally, having built an excellent reputation for hospitality whilst running The Carpenters Arms in Llanishen.
Last year the owner of The Star on the Hill closed the pub and then applied for a change of use to residential and, as a result, the property was stripped of many of the fittings and equipment including most kitchen items and furniture. The application was rejected by Monmouthshire County Council and the property was put back on the market as a pub.
At this point about twenty concerned people set up a group called SOS-Save our Star, with the aim of getting this once very successful pub back up and running. An offer from the group to buy The Star was rejected, but fortunately the owners have agreed to Richard and Dee taking out a 6-year lease on the pub starting from 30th July.
Richard and Dee have taken on this challenge on the understanding that they would receive help from the community and if sufficient support is pledged then the hope is to reopen the Star during August. Initially, the bar will be open for drinks and a few weeks later the restaurant will reopen. The pub will eventually be run by a manager leaving Richard and Dee free to return to running the Carps once the current building works have been completed.
The SOS-Save our Star group is asking other residents to join them in helping to get this important village hub back to life. Many people have already pledged funds to contribute to the purchase of essential equipment and reinstate the services, such as a water treatment plant. Internal and external furniture is also needed and will be sourced by the cheapest means possible - second hand, auctions, gifts and donations. The group is now appealing to anyone who shares their willingness to help fund this venture to donate money directly to the group. They are also looking for donations of furnishings, cutlery and crockery for the pub and living accommodation as well as volunteers to help sort out the grounds and spruce up the interior prior to the pub’s reopening.
Anyone who would like more information on how to donate to this venture should contact the group on 07717 750903.
