Walk into a pub in Belgravia and you usually expect hushed tones, expensive loafers, and the faint scent of old money. Most of the time, you're right. But The Star Tavern London isn't exactly your typical posh local, even if it looks the part from the outside. Tucked away in Belgrave Mews West, this place carries a weight that most modern bars can't touch. It’s heavy. It’s historical. Honestly, it’s a bit legendary if you’re into true crime or British social history.
You’ve probably heard rumors. People whisper about the Great Train Robbery or famous actors hiding from the paparazzi here. The thing is, those aren't just local legends to sell more pints of Fullers. They’re cold, hard facts.
The Pub Where the Great Train Robbery Was Born
The Star Tavern London gained its most notorious reputation in the early 1960s. Imagine a group of men sitting in the back, huddled over plans, looking like any other group of blue-collar guys after a shift. Except they weren't talking about football. Bruce Reynolds, the mastermind behind the 1963 Great Train Robbery, basically used this pub as his office. He’d sit there in the upstairs room, sipping his drink, and coordinating one of the most famous heists in history.
It’s wild to think about.
While the wealthy elite of Belgravia were living their lives just a few streets away, the "Grandpa" of British heists was being orchestrated right under their noses. Reynolds chose the Star precisely because it was discreet. It was—and still is—tucked down a mews, away from the prying eyes of the main road. If you want to disappear in London, you go to a mews.
The robbers weren't the only ones who found the pub useful. In the 50s and 60s, it was a weird melting pot. You had the "Bent" coppers, the villains, and the high-society types all rubbing shoulders. It was a neutral ground where the underworld met the upper crust.
Why the Atmosphere Hits Different
Most pubs try too hard to be "vintage." They buy distressed wood and fake Victorian mirrors from a warehouse. The Star Tavern London doesn't have to do that because it never really changed. It’s an award-winning Fuller’s pub, sure, but it feels like a living museum that happens to serve a really good Sunday roast.
🔗 Read more: The Eloise Room at The Plaza: What Most People Get Wrong
The interior is classic. Open fires. Dark wood. Glittering chandeliers that feel slightly too fancy for a pub but perfectly right for Belgravia.
It’s cozy. Small.
When the fire is going in the winter, there is genuinely nowhere else in London you’d rather be. It’s the kind of place where you can actually hear your own thoughts, or better yet, hear the person across from you without shouting. That’s a rarity in 2026.
A Magnet for the Famous (and the Infamous)
It wasn't just thieves. The Star Tavern London has seen a revolving door of icons. Peter O’Toole used to frequent the place. Diana Dors, the British Marilyn Monroe, was a regular. Even Bing Crosby stopped by.
They came for the same reason the robbers did: privacy.
Even today, you might spot a recognizable face from the telly tucked into a corner. The staff are professional; they don't gawk. There’s an unwritten rule in these old Belgravia mews pubs that you leave people alone. You drink your ale, you eat your pie, and you mind your business.
💡 You might also like: TSA PreCheck Look Up Number: What Most People Get Wrong
What to Actually Order
Look, nostalgia is great, but you’re probably here because you’re hungry or thirsty. Being a Fuller’s pub, the beer selection is predictable but high quality.
- London Pride: It’s the staple for a reason. If it’s kept well—and here, it always is—it’s the benchmark for English bitter.
- Seasonal Ales: They usually have something guest-style or seasonal on tap that’s worth a shout.
- The Food: Don’t skip the Scotch eggs. They’re basically a food group in this part of town. The Sunday roast is arguably one of the best in West London, but you must book ahead. Don't just turn up at 2:00 PM on a Sunday and expect a table; you'll be disappointed and standing in the cold.
The menu leans into traditional British gastropub territory. Think fish and chips with proper mushy peas, bangers and mash, and pies that actually have a bottom crust (none of that "stew with a hat" nonsense).
Misconceptions About Belgravia Pubs
People think Belgravia is "too posh" for them. They think they’ll get looked down on if they aren't wearing a blazer. Honestly? That’s mostly nonsense. The Star Tavern London is surprisingly welcoming. You get construction workers, office types, tourists who got lost looking for Buckingham Palace, and locals who have lived in the mews for forty years.
It’s a neighborhood pub. It just happens to be in one of the most expensive neighborhoods on the planet.
The price point reflects the area, obviously. You aren't getting a £3 pint here. You’re paying for the location, the history, and the fact that the glass is clean and the service is sharp. Expect to pay London prices, but it's worth it for the lack of pretension.
Finding Your Way There
Navigation can be a bit tricky if you aren't familiar with London’s mews system. The Star is located at 6 Belgrave Mews West.
📖 Related: Historic Sears Building LA: What Really Happened to This Boyle Heights Icon
The nearest tube stations are:
- Victoria: About a 10-minute walk.
- Knightsbridge: A bit of a stroll through the fancy shops, maybe 12 minutes.
- Sloane Square: Roughly the same distance.
Walking from Knightsbridge is the prettiest route. You pass all the embassies and the grand white-stucco houses. Then, you turn into the mews, and suddenly the scale changes. The houses get smaller, the cobblestones appear, and you see the hanging flower baskets of the pub. It feels like stepping back into a London that shouldn't exist anymore.
Real Insights for Your Visit
If you want the "Grand Thief" experience, try to snag a seat in the upstairs room. It’s quieter and has that specific atmosphere of a place where deals are made.
If you're a photography fan, the exterior is incredibly "Instagrammable," but don't be that person blocking the doorway for ten minutes. Take your shot and go inside. The locals appreciate it when you treat the place like a pub, not a film set.
One thing people often overlook is the history on the walls. Take five minutes to actually look at the framed photos and clippings. They tell the story of the Great Train Robbery far better than a Wikipedia entry ever could. You can see the faces of the men who sat exactly where you are sitting.
The Star Tavern London is one of those rare places that manages to hold onto its soul while the city around it turns into a glass-and-steel jungle. It’s survived the 60s, the property booms, and the pandemic. It’s still standing because it does the basics perfectly: good beer, good food, and a story that you can’t buy.
Practical Next Steps for the Best Experience
- Check the time: They can get very busy during the Thursday and Friday post-work rush (around 5:30 PM). If you want a quiet pint, mid-afternoon on a Tuesday is your best bet.
- Make a reservation: For Sunday lunch or a Friday dinner, use their online booking system. It’s reliable.
- Explore the Mews: After your drink, wander around Belgrave Mews North and West. It’s some of the most beautiful architecture in the city and remarkably quiet.
- Try the Ale: Even if you’re usually a lager drinker, try a half-pint of the ESB. It’s what the pub is known for.
- Talk to the staff: If it’s not slammed, the bartenders often know a few extra tidbits about the pub’s history that aren't on the plaques.