The Star Bar, a wedge of a pub in a triangular tenement building on Eglinton Street, has offered Glasgow's cheapest three-course lunch for more than 40 years.
The set menu was started by previous owners Jim Brogan and Denis Connachan. It has continued with Paul Marletta and his sister Giovanna."Some people come here seven days a week" Andrea Purdie explains. She started working in the lounge of the bar in 1979. We chat as she passes orders to the chef, Ally, working in a tiny kitchen just off the dining room.
It's weathered the changing tastes and fortunes of the city, the loss of the printing industry in the area that used to produce queues outside at lunchtime, factory closures and the relocation of a railway hub. People come here because they enjoy the social interaction, they also rely on the pub for an affordable hot meal at lunchtime.
The Star Bar revels in its traditional place in the community."Don't you think local pubs are disappearing fast?" Paul says."It's all becoming the same thing. I like the fact this bar represents the past and the present in Glasgow." He gestures towards the wall,"that's a wedding picture from a couple, they met in here as the man used to cut through the pub to get to his bus in the evenings, so years later they came back here for the wedding reception.
"Tinned fruit has gone up from £25 a case to £42 a case. Marrowfat peas from £17 a bag to £27 a bag. Just to give you two examples. It's becoming very difficult. We are working with suppliers and our staff will look to add specials. We provide what we can and we will welcome everyone over the winter." Paul makes his way over to talk to some regulars at the bar, the lunchtime crowd are finishing up their meals.
Well done The Star Bar. Keep it going through the forthcoming winter. The people you provide such a great help to will need it more than ever given our politicians general complete and utter failure not doing anywhere near a good job👍😉🍲🍽
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