The Star Coffee & Ale House on High Street in Ryde has once again made the quarter-finals of the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII) Licensee of the Year Award for 2025.
The premises – which has been open in its current form for nearly 4 years – has qualified for the same stage for the 3rd year running.
What was once known as The Star Inn, the pub on High Street was refurbished and reopened back in August 2021 as The Star Coffee & Ale House, serving craft beers and artisan coffee. A successful first full year of trading saw the premises win an award for innovation in their 1st summer and an award in the best business and commercial category of the Ryde in Bloom awards – despite not having a garden.
Since then, the success has continued with the establishment polling at number 1 for Ryde Pubs by Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) in both 2023 and 2024 as well as making the national Good Beer Guide in 2024.
The BII is a professional body and the competition is one that businesses across the country strive to do well in. Giants of the industry have eyes on the competition.
Entrants are judged both in secret and online as opposed to asking customers for votes. The team at the Star Coffee & Ale House feel that to make it to the quarter-final stage is already, in itself, a massive achievement.
The High Street venue has recently revamped its menus, changed its drink choices and is coming off the back of an entry into the British Good Beer Guide 2025.
Rob and Lesley Madigan, of The Star Coffee & Ale House have said:
“Ryde really is looking good, so many lovely venues, a great vibe on High St, Union St and the cool Monkton Village.
“Department brings a whole new feel to the Cross Street area that brings The High St and Union St together.
“Whatever happens with the #LOYA25 award, we will still make it to the awards ceremony in London and will have a great time.”
Well done, great venue
Good job it is not “popular”.