You know what you’re getting with a Wetherspoons pub and the Moon and Stars in no exception. It may not inspire but that’s not what it aims to do.

The Venue
The Moon and Stars is a popular local Wetherspoons pub situated on busy Penge High Street, unglamorously plonked next door to Sainsburys supermarket. It’s built on the site of a former cinema, and as such makes good use of film memorabilia and references. Mrs Beeton, the Victorian author of household management books, lived in Penge and this pub has several commemorative wall panels dedicated to her alongside several old photographs of the area’s past.

The Moon and Stars is a cavernous affair with a narrow standing area between the bar and seating area. The seating is split between high tables and booths and the walls are wood panelled. Comforting open fireplaces dot the perimeter. Outside is a small beer garden and smoking area. The televisions at the front of the pub show live subtitled news as well as sport throughout the day.

The Atmosphere
There’s a mixed clientele at this pub with drinkers coming from the local neighbourhood and busy Penge High Street. As with all Wetherspoons pubs, it attracts people looking for cheap beer, good deals and low-priced - if not great quality - grub. It serves its purpose well and nobody goes to a bar like this expecting the best. Instead it serves its niche. The atmosphere is a little staid thanks to the no music policy and the on the lash groups.

The Food
As with most Wetherspoons pubs you can dine wherever you like; however, most people eat in the slightly more refined dining area situated towards the back of the pub. Food is the standard selection of burgers (£4.69 with chips and a drink included), fish and chips (£5.09), pasta (£5.69), rump steak (£7.49) and jacket potatoes (£3.99). It’s not the best grub around but the prices are pretty hard to beat. As with all the pubs in this chain, there are special themed nights such as the popular Grill and Curry Club where diners can purchase a half decent meal and a drink for around the £5-£6 mark.

The Drink
The long, well stocked bar that spans half the length of the Moon and Stars sells pints of Stella Artois for £2.69, Guinness and Kronenbourg (£2.49), Fosters and Strongbow (£2.39) and John Smiths, for a very reasonable £1.95. The range of guest ales is impressive - and definitely a highlight of the pub - with at least five available on draught at any one time. One pint will set you back a credit crunching £2.10 and real ale lovers can try before they buy.

The popular Fetzer is available on tap with a thirst quenching Merlot, Pinot and Chardonnay on offer. Bottles cost £7.69. A small 175ml glass will set you back £2.20 or £2.95 for a 250ml glass.

The Last Word
The Moon and Stars is a typical Wetherspoons pub so if it’s a cheap, no-thrills night out you’re after and you live in the area then you could do worse.

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