Thursday nights at The Star Bar mean one thing: DJ Maxxa is on the decks. A regular presence at the pub, he has become part of the weekly rhythm, giving the New Town spot a dependable midweek highlight. There’s no ticketing, no gimmicks — just a familiar face providing the soundtrack while the bar carries on in its own easygoing style.
The Star Bar itself is something of a local institution. Tucked away on Northumberland Place, it doesn’t chase passing trade. Instead, it has built a reputation as a relaxed hideout with plenty of quirks. A south-facing beer garden makes it a magnet on sunny afternoons, while inside you’ll find mismatched furniture, table football, darts and a jukebox that has long been a favourite with regulars.
Spread across two levels, the upstairs runs like a classic neighbourhood bar, while the lower level has always been a more flexible space — used for sports screenings, occasional live bands, and now DJ nights. It’s this mix that gives the Star Bar its character: not polished or themed, but comfortable and unpretentious.
Stories about the place have added to its mythology, from long-running claims of a cursed skull written into the lease, to the regulars who have kept it busy for decades. Visitors often comment on how quickly it feels familiar, and how different it is from the more commercial venues only a few streets away.
With DJ Maxxa providing the soundtrack every Thursday, the Star Bar adds another layer to its offbeat charm. It isn’t trying to reinvent itself — just giving locals and newcomers a reason to drop in midweek, grab a pint, and stay a little longer than planned.
