A village establishment near Abingdon is celebrating after securing a prestigious recognition for its restoration efforts.
The North Star in Steventon, which underwent significant renovation work before reopening in June, has received the CAMRA Heritage Pub Revival Award.
The venue had been closed since September for extensive repairs and preservation work on the Grade II-listed structure, with local craftsman Michael Toplis overseeing the project.
The building, which dates back to the late 15th century, has been owned by the Tyrrell family for approximately 200 years.
Prior to the current management, the premises had been operated by Wantage Brewing Co and subsequently Morland Brewery of Abingdon, becoming an independent establishment in 1998.
The pub’s interior holds national heritage significance and appears on CAMRA’s National Inventory of Historic Interiors.
Judges commended licensee Kerry Tyrrell for her dedication and commitment to maintaining the venue’s historic character while giving it renewed purpose.
The award specifically acknowledges pubs or operators who have successfully revived establishments included in the national inventory by preserving heritage features, improving business performance, and benefiting their local communities.
The Beacon Hotel in Sedgley, located in the west Midlands, also received recognition at the same ceremony.
Paul Ainsworth, coordinator for the Heritage Pub Revival Award, noted that both venues contain exceptional historic interiors and highlighted the thorough approach taken to address structural concerns while ensuring the establishments serve as community focal points.
According to records, the venue was the subject of an incident on New Year’s Day in 2003, when owner Robert Tyrrell reportedly drove agricultural machinery into the building following a dispute with staff members who had refused to serve him.