The ViewLondon Review
From the glamorous decor to an impressive cheese room and a jaw-dropping wine selection, every inch of the Star and Garter demonstrates unpretentious style and sophistication - it’s evident there is a new player in Putney.The VenueA stunning elevated position on the Putney stretch of the Thames befits the calibre of this wine bar. This is the latest incarnation of the historic Star and Garter building, an iconic fixture that has seen many pubs and bars come and go since it was built in the late 1800s.
As you enter, a staircase impressively winds up the stairs to a function room with original features (just one of the areas available for private hire), whilst specially commissioned red-hued photographs of the local area adorn the walls. The sexy red and black colour scheme at the entrance is striking, but relaxes into a more muted decor with slouchy chocolate brown suede couches, velvety caramel stools, white organza curtains and open windows as you enter the main bar. With the interior devised by a designer straight out of New York’s Fifth Avenue, the venue is effortlessly elegant.
The AtmosphereThere’s not an ounce of pretension pervading the Star and Garter, although you might expect otherwise. The staff are friendly, gaining confidence as they undergo detailed, weekly wine training and frequent wine tastings to bring them up to scratch. The venue aims to make wine and cheese tasting a welcoming affair and the atmosphere is refined and relaxed – no football louts or baseball caps allowed here. Weeknights are quite quiet, although there is a buzz on weekends.
The FoodThe Star and Garter believes in doing what they do well, so rather than have a large menu and risk not being up to standard, they have chosen to focus on mezze and antipasto snacks, charcuterie boards and sumptuous cheese platters. The glass walled cheese room – designed so you can stand and select your cheese or customise your own board – is kept at the ideal temperature for maturing their own cheeses. Choose from English, Spanish and French cheese boards at £8.50 or customise your own for £9.50. The price may be slightly high; however, the quality of the produce is evident and the quince paste and cornichons that come on the beautifully presented boards are as divine as the cheese. Equally delicious Italian, Spanish and French charcuterie boards are available for £8.50.
The DrinkIf the sleek, silver Enomatic system that keeps the wine fresh and at the ideal serving temperature isn’t enough to impress you than perhaps the selection of almost 100 wines will. The list is incredibly diverse and spread across the globe - even the English get a look in. And with prices ranging from £3.40-£12.50 for a small glass and a helpful tasting key, you can be sure you’ll find something to suit every purse and palate. Special mention goes to the easily quaffable Rubis Rouge Brut, a stunning blood-red sparkling wine you don’t see everywhere, at £17 per bottle. The pinnacle of the wine list is the pricey yet fabulous 2002 Chateau Mouton Rothschild, at £375 per bottle. The bar is also working up an impressive list of spirits and beers.
The Last WordWith a unique concept, enviable location, stunning decor and down-to-earth staff, the Star and Garter sparkles.