Star & Garter

OK, so it’s never fair to judge a pub by a visit at 12.45pm on a Monday. And equally, it’s not fair to judge it half an hour before kick-​off on a Saturday afternoon when a nearby football team are playing.
But sometimes life isn’t fair and I’m afraid for the Star and Garter these just so happen to be the only times I’ve visited its establishment.
Situated on Garscube Road, five minutes from Firhill Stadium, the Star has a football pub feel to it and actually represents a decent spot for a pre and post match beer, especially as live football is almost always on the screens.
Part of the appeal is its situation just off the beaten track, meaning few away supporters are drawn to it and the possibility of trouble, although slim anyway, is completely diminished. Indeed a good crowd of Partick Thistle fans tend to gather here ensuring it’s busy enough to create an atmosphere but not uncomfortable.
As for Monday afternoons, well, oh dear.
Housing a few regulars you would most likely have spotted nailed to their seats on the Saturday, you very much get the impression the concept of moving hasn’t played much part in their activities since.
Drab doesn’t even begin to describe the atmosphere, which I also actually found to be a little unwelcoming, even though my intentions were quite clearly to find a corner and read my newspaper with a pint.
I guess when it comes down to it, Monday afternoons in a Maryhill bar are never going to attract a hip and happening crowd. As such, one a half stars on a Monday, three and a half on Saturday = 2 and a half.
Oh, go on then, I’ll round it up.