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From the Kentish Independent, 23 August 1984, by Drew Robertson.
Dai and Chris Pack them in.
It's all change as the old Star is Reborn.
Woolwich publican Dai and Chris Bethel are often getting mistaken
for each other.
Dai and Chris Bethel.
But the mix-up over their names is not an over worrying
problem - just so long as there are people in the pub to make the errors.
Dai and Chris run the "Star," in Wellington Street. It is a new look pub on
the corner of the main junction with John Wilson Street.
A couple, well
known in the town, took over the premises in February.
In recent times
it has been allowed to go downhill. This came after the departure of the
governor who have been in charge for around 20 years.
Chris explained.
"It was terrible when we came here it needed so much doing to it.
"The old
governor had left and that's when the pub went right downhill."
Dai and
Chris took over the tenancy and injected £15,000 into completely
revamping and refurbishing the "Star."
It took quite a time. The bars were
ripped out and all that was left was virtually the shell.
Now there is
just one bar, pushed against the back wall which looks out into the
whole interior.
Chris explained about the mix-up. "It's rather funny
really. Customers don't realise that guy's name is spelt the Welsh way
and automatically think it's my name.
"We have got used to people getting
it wrong. We are not that bothered really. So long as people keep coming
into the pub."
And the couple seem to be attracting a fair few customers
even if some just wanted to see what the new places like.
There
is a quite unique view into the pub. With no net
curtains or flashy tinted windows, passers-by can see right in.
But Chris
said. "It is not that we haven't got curtains. In the summer it is nice
to have the light coming in and giving that warm feeling.
"Obviously,
when the day's draw in then we will put up nets just to give it a cosy look.
But there is really no need for that at present."
Running above the pub
is a function room and pool room.
These both prove popular. The room is
capable of holding about 120 people.
"We have all sorts of
functions upstairs," said Chris. "Weddings, special parties or business
meeting. We will give customers just what they want."
She continued. "The
pool room isn't as busy as we would like. Not many people realised that
we actually have two tables.
"Entertainment is provided in the pub on set
nights and Sunday lunchtime.
Dai and Chris have been in the pub game
for 18 months. They ran the "Walmer Castle" in Peckham before moving to the
"Star."
"We have quite a link with Woolwich," said Chris. "Dai was born in the
area and has spent many years here.
"I suppose you could describe
him as a popular local character. He seems to know quite a few
people.
Chris added. "We are trying to provide a nice family atmosphere
-our customers are quite varied but they all seem to enjoy themselves.
"We
certainly seem to be packing them in at the moment, we are quite
confident it will continue.
"After all, it is quite an improvement
on the old "Star."
Not the ticket.
Customers often have problems parking outside town pubs... But
publican Dai Bethel has that difficulty to. Ford Dai has to pay to leave
his car outside the "Star" where he also lives.
His wife, Chris, explained. "It's beyond a joke, we have had
countless tickets outside our own pub.
"It wouldn't be so bad, but we actually live here as well. It's our
home."
Despite numerous appeals to traffic wardens and Greenwich Council,
there has been no parking place offered.
Chris said. "We just cannot understand it. The road is a cul-de-sac.
It is not as if our car will be blocking passing traffic.
"It is just one big headache." |
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