The STAR - West Leake

12/10/2026

🍛 National Curry Week — what a week!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our little curry adventure at The Pit House last week. We've had a right good ol' time!

Five chefs, five very different dishes, and five personal stories behind the food. It's been lovely sharing a little bit of the people behind the plates with you.

And, of course, there's been a little unofficial competition in the world of Facebook likes...

🥇 Lewis came out on top for his midweek special, with Dave (Day One) taking second place.

Congratulations, chaps! 👏

Although, between you and me, I reckon it might have something to do with the lighting in Dave's photoshoot. We've only just discovered how to take a decent picture in the Pit House Restaurant, after all! 😂📸

Thanks again to everyone who liked, commented, booked a table, eat, tasted, planned, photographed and got involved. It's been a brilliant week, and we hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have.

Until next year... 🌶️⭐

09/10/2026

🍛 National Curry Week – Day 5

And finally… Trev's turn! 👨‍🍳

We've been waiting for this one, and Trev has gone a little left of field with his choice.

Tonight's special is Moroccan Lamb Tagine with Pilaf Rice.

Is it a stew? Is it a curry? We're not getting into that debate. 😉 We're just going to enjoy the food.

Trev's inspiration came from a holiday a good few years ago, when he enjoyed a meal at a marketplace. The flavours of the Moroccan spices blew him away, and that meal has stayed with him ever since.

This dish brings those memories back — fragrant spices, tender lamb and a taste of a holiday worth remembering.

And that's what we love about this National Curry Week series. Every chef has brought us something a little different, with a personal story behind the plate.

Fancy trying Trev's choice? 📞 Call THE STAR on 01509 856480 to book your table.

08/10/2026

Recruiting for a chef also. Apply within! 👩‍🍳

👨‍🍳 Chef Wanted at THE STAR 👨‍🍳

We’re on the lookout for a talented chef to join the team here at THE STAR in our Pit House Restaurant.

If you’ve got a passion for great food, enjoy working in a busy kitchen, and like being part of a small, friendly team… we’d love to hear from you.

From cooking to a high standard and contributing to menu ideas, to keeping things running smoothly during service — this is a role for someone who takes real pride in what they do.

It’s a hands-on position in a fast-paced environment, so strong organisation, good humour, and a love of proper pub food all go a long way.

If this sounds like your kind of kitchen — or you know someone who’d be perfect — take a look and get in touch.

08/10/2026

We’re hiring. Have you got what it takes?

🍻 We're Hiring! 🍻

Are you an experienced Bar Staff / Front of House professional looking for your next opportunity?

We're looking for someone to join our friendly, family-run team here at THE STAR in West Leake. If you enjoy working in hospitality, thrive in a busy pub environment and love giving customers a warm welcome, we'd love to hear from you.

The role includes bar service, front of house, serving food and drinks, and helping to create the relaxed, welcoming atmosphere that our customers know and love.

✨ Full-time or part-time considered
✨ Competitive pay (depending on experience)
✨ Flexible hours
✨ Tips
✨ Staff food discount
✨ Free on-site parking

Previous bar or front-of-house experience is essential, so if you're ready to hit the ground running, why not join us?

If you'd like to find out more, pop into THE STAR for a chat with the team. We'd love to meet you!

08/10/2026

🌶️ National Curry Week – Day 4

And today, our Lewis is up next in the Pit House kitchen.

Introducing his Garlic & Chilli Chicken Curry with Rice. 🍛

We've got plenty of photographs from Dave's latest photoshoot with Lewis — don't ask — but we're particularly pleased to report that we finally have good lighting! 😂

There's a lovely story behind today's curry too.

When Lewis lived in Norfolk, he remembers a little place that served garlic and chilli dishes. He can't remember the name or exactly where it was, but he remembers those flavours from his childhood — and they've stuck with him.

So this curry is Lewis bringing those flavours back, with his own twist.

He's gone for chicken thighs, because he prefers the juicy, tender meat and the extra flavour they bring as they cook.

And the garlic, chilli and warm spices make this a pretty perfect autumn curry — comforting, hearty and warming.

As Lewis puts it: “The chilli is only there for a little hint of heat. I’m not trying to blow anyone’s socks off!”

🍛 Tonight’s curry: Garlic & Chilli Chicken Curry with Rice
👨‍🍳 Chef: Lewis

Fancy trying it? Call THE STAR to book your table 📞 01509 856480

Four days in and we're rather enjoying finding out what makes our chefs tick... And yes, Trev is still in the works! 👀

07/10/2026

🍛 National Curry Week – Day 3

And today we have Andy in the Pit House kitchen — and yes, we promise Trev is still in the works! 😉

Tonight’s curry is Andy’s West Indian Chicken, Rice & Pea Curry.

And judging by the pictures coming out of the kitchen, it looks rather delicious.

Swipe through and you can see Andy in action, putting tonight’s special together.

But there’s a lovely story behind this one...

This was Andy’s first introduction to West Indian food when he was living in Basildon and learning his trade under a West Indian family.

It was a home-style chicken curry cooked for him by the matriarch of the family, who everyone knew simply as “Mum” — and who took Andy under her wing.

As Andy says: “Thank you for teaching me your home cooking. May she rest in eternal peace.”

And we think that's a rather lovely reason for putting a curry on the menu. ❤️

🍛 Tonight: West Indian Chicken, Rice & Pea Curry
👨‍🍳 Chef: Andy

If you'd like to try Andy's curry tonight, don't forget to call THE STAR to book your table 📞 01509 856480

06/10/2026

🌶 National Curry Week - Day 2

Tonight’s curry is Prawn Bhuna. 🍤
And yes, that’s why: “We’re gettin’ an Indian, what do you fancy?”

The Pit House kitchen has a shared love of Gavin & Stacey, and this is easily the most quoted scene from any sitcom “ever" in our kitchen.

Dave is doing this one because, in his words:

“Korma is pointless according to Smithy.” 😂

So, can anyone else recite Smithy’s order word for word? Or is that just us?

🍛Tonight’s curry: Prawn Bhuna
👨Chef: Dave though Leah is modelling 📸
(Trev does have a curry in the works we promise!)

If you fancy joining us tonight, please call to book your table 📞 01509 856480

05/10/2026

Ok, it’s the start of National Curry Week today and first up we have👨‍🍳 Dave with his Caribbean Mutton Curry. 🍛

“It’s a curry that one my friends Aunties used to make for us on a Sunday back when I lived in Sheffield. She’s long since passed but if I ever make or eat one it brings back memories of Aunty Gloria on Sunday afternoons.”

Aww Dave, we can’t wait to try. 🥘

Please call the pub on 01509 856480 for table booking. ☎️