We had a pint in the popular Bristol pub with karaoke nights and festive drinks

‘A classic local’ and a ‘traditional pub done really well’ - those are just two of the glowing online reviews for The Star in Kingswood recently.

The regulars of this friendly pub on the Hanham Road seem pleased to have it as their local, especially the pool table, dartboard and large number of TVs showing sport.

And then there’s the karaoke sessions with ‘Anna-Oke’ - the next one is on Friday November 24, followed by a Christmas edition on December 23 when participants are encouraged to wear their best festive clothes.

On the cold and drizzly weekday afternoon I visited The Star, it seemed as though a few of the locals were already warming up for the karaoke sessions.

The background music was back-to-back 1980s classics and a few drinkers were singing along to the likes of Eye of The Tiger and Alexander O’Neal’s Criticise.

Although there are comfortable banquettes and stools, many of the drinkers were happier to stand around the central bar.

As is usual for out-of-town pubs in the late afternoon, most of them were tradesmen enjoying a couple of pints on their way home.

With its noticeboard and old photos of Kingswood and Bristol, there is a real community feel to the pub.

A Greene King pub, the prices are average, with Guinness at £4.65, Carling £4.30, Greene King’s own IPA only £3.90 and the brewery’s seasonal Rocking Rudolph £4.10.

From November 14, The Star is serving its range of Christmas cocktails and festive tipples, from the Merry Cherry Bakewell to the Chambulls Christmas Bomb. 

I’m sure after a few of these potent ‘shots, bombs and sourz’, there will be more full-throated karaoke contestants than genial host ‘Anna-Oke’ bargained for.

The Star, 86 Hanham Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8NP.