Seemor
Royal StarA-Worth Trying
220 City Rd, London EC1V 2PN
· Pub, Bar, Bar & grill
· 4.7/5 Google (1438 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively Old Street gastropub with standout pizzas, friendly staff, and a lovely garden; service is generally quick though occasional waits and small inconsistencies pop up.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Royal Star delivers solid food quality anchored by crisp pizzas and reliable pub classics, paired with genuinely friendly and attentive service that keeps regulars returning. The attractive back garden and fair pricing elevate the neighborhood experience, though occasional consistency dips and modest destination appeal prevent grade A territory. A dependable gastropub that executes its concept well without pretension.
Restaurant Summary
A neighborhood pub that feels both warm and bustling, Royal Star draws after-work crowds for cold pints and pizzas that come out fast. Staff get frequent shout-outs for being friendly and on the ball, and the back garden is a bit of a hidden gem when the weather plays nice. "We came for a quick bite and ended up lingering," sums up the vibe from many diners. The cooking leans classic gastropub with pizza, burgers, pies, and fish and chips—solid, satisfying, and not trying to reinvent the wheel. The culinary approach is elevated traditional rather than experimental: reliable pizzas with generous toppings, pub mains that mostly deliver, and good value for the area. Families do fine here thanks to pizza, tenders, and burgers that kids will actually eat, plus the outdoor garden for a little extra wiggle room. There is a gluten free pizza option called out in reviews, but vegan choices are less clear, so check with staff if that matters.
At a Glance
- Crisp, generous pizzas with fast ticket times
- Friendly, attentive staff and accommodating for groups
- Lovely heated beer garden and relaxed music
- Occasional slow drinks when cocktail orders stack
- Older reviews note sporadic food inconsistencies
What Sets It Apart
- heated_beer_garden
- gluten_free_pizza_option
- bottomless_brunch_events
What People Love
- That first slice of hot, crispy pizza
- A garden that feels like a retreat off City Road
- Staff who fix hiccups without fuss
- Value that feels fair for central London
Points of Concern
- Drinks service can back up behind cocktail orders at busy times (isolated but notable)
- A few older reviews mention dry burgers or average pizza days
- Bathrooms not always spotless per one recent comment
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-40 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with a salad (£9.45-£10.45), share a pizza (likely £12-£16), and finish with sticky toffee pudding (£4) for a balanced meal.
- Budget for mains in the mid-teens and add a pint or glass of wine for a satisfying spend.
Perfect For
- After-work drinks and pizza with friends
- Casual date night in Old Street
- Group birthdays in the garden
- Quick pre-event bite near Old Street Station
Location Insights
Area: Bustling tech-and-media corridor near Old Street, popular with office crowds and after-work meetups.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked urban environment with strong evening footfall.
Nearby: Close to Old Street Station, offices, hotels, and nightlife; outdoor garden provides a quieter respite from City Road.
ClerkenwellA trendy, historically industrial area known for its design studios, innovative restaurants, and converted warehouse spaces. The neighborhood features a sophisticated dining scene with cutting-edge culinary establishments and boutique cafes.
Tech CityA hub of technology and digital innovation, with numerous co-working spaces and tech company headquarters concentrated in the area.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–00:00
Tuesday12:00–00:00
Wednesday12:00–00:00
Thursday12:00–00:30
Friday12:00–02:00
Saturday12:00–02:00
Sunday12:00–00:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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