Seven is a lot of stars: the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel, Dubai’s Burj Al Arab, has seven stars. So what’s in a name for the Seven Stars in Foots Cray?
From the looks of the place from the outside, star-studded is not a phrase you would associate with this pub.
It’s fine, I suppose: an L-shaped building on the not-unsightly High Street with white wood beams that are in keeping with the surroundings. There’s even a stream opposite.
But it does appear to be a depressing local. There are big paper posters advertising live music and I got the feeling I may be wandering into another musty hole of drabness.
Oh how looks can be deceiving.
Seven Stars is immaculate inside. The black and white colour scheme, with wood beams and wooden flooring is appealing. It’s smart but at the same time relaxing, with sofas and a lounge area and plenty of neat tables all laid out with slate coasters.
Behind a tidy bar was the friendliest of bar maids, serving such delights as Whitstable Pale Ale and the excellent and seldom-seen Black Sheep (both £4 pint).
Perfumed ladies-wot-lunch popped in for a giggle and bite from the express menu while Ed Sheeran played quietly over the sound system. It must be one of the most unintimidating accessible pubs I’ve been in, without slipping into the realms of blandness or sterility.
A giant gourmet burger will set you back a pretty penny (£10.95 including cheddar and bacon) but you get a good feed, and decent quality too.
The fries were clearly homemade and served in a mini frying basket while the monster burger would required a python-like dislocating jaw in order to manhandle. It was just a shame that the patty fell apart a little bit.
It’s really hard to find fault at Seven Stars. It’s not a traditional-style boozer but it is comfortable, friendly and serves great food and drink. And it’s all such a surprise after the uninspiring exterior.
Seven Stars, Foots Cray High Street, Foots Cray
How it rated:
Decor **** Stunning inside
Atmosphere **** Chilled
Staff ***** Friendly
Food **** Very good, but not faultless, burger
Drink *** Slim range but great ales
Price ** A bit steep
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