Tucked along the High Street in the riverside town of Burnham-on-Crouch, The Star Inn is the kind of pub that instantly catches your eye.
With its rustic old-school signage and centuries-old façade, the 17th-century coaching inn looks as though it has barely changed with time — and that nostalgic charm is exactly what drew me through the door.
Inside, the character continues.
The old bars and wooden beams remain intact, creating a cosy atmosphere that feels steeped in history.
I settled into a booth facing the High Street, which turned out to be the perfect spot for a little relaxed people-watching while I waited for lunch.
Given that this tiny Essex town sits beside the River Crouch and has a distinctly seaside feel, a pub classic seemed like the only sensible choice.
I ordered the breaded scampi and chips (£11.50) — a price that felt pretty standard for a traditional pub lunch — along with a pint of Guinness.
When the dish arrived, it was exactly what you hope for from a classic British pub plate: golden breaded scampi, a generous portion of chips, fresh peas, a wedge of lemon and tartare sauce on the side.
It’s the sort of straightforward combination where very little can go wrong — but when it’s done well, it really shines.
And this one certainly did.
The scampi tasted incredibly fresh, light and crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
A squeeze of lemon and a dip into the tartare sauce lifted the flavours perfectly, while the chips were satisfyingly chunky and hot.
Paired with the creamy pint of Guinness, it made for a simple but very satisfying lunch.
The service was quick and friendly, adding to the relaxed feel of the afternoon.
When I first arrived it was pleasantly quiet — the kind of calm break you appreciate when visiting a town for the first time.
Before long, though, the pub began to fill with regulars, their laughter and conversation bringing a lively buzz to the room.
For warmer months, The Star Inn also offers a lovely garden seating area near the sea wall, where diners can enjoy views across the river.
Between the historic setting, welcoming staff and a reliably good pub classic, The Star Inn proved a charming spot to pause for lunch — and one I’d happily recommend to anyone exploring this Essex riverside town.
I, for one, will be back to try some more of their home-style classics with the perfect views over summer.
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