The Star Inn, a community pub that dates back to the 1860s, reopened on 19 December after its spectacular sale by auction to its customers back in October, bought from Robinson's Brewery, who claimed the community pub in a conservation area wasn't viable. In about six weeks, a team of six directors and a growing number of shareholders (at last count 50!) with many old and new friends of this much-loved hidden gem have solved a damp problem upstairs and down, moved the downstairs kitchen to the manager's flat upstairs and are in the middle of finishing the available room into a indoor ladies and disabled conveniences, bringing the facilities up to standard.

The tiny bar vault is much the same, but the bar area space is better utilised. The main bar front is original to the pub and two very rare back-to-wall handpumps are now back in use. On the opening day, there was the local brewery on the Cliff, Bazens' with two very special bitters for the opening, namely Star Ale (ABV 4%), along with Facers Gold Star Bitter (ABV 3.7%), both at £2 a pint. Brewer Dave Facer used to live and share premises with Bazens', only a few years ago. The £2 a pint price was held until the New Year. As the price had hit £2.20 for Unicorn prior to its brief but eventful closure, this is not bad and, of course, it is flying out, as before the end of the day a new special beer from Bazens' came on called Night Porter (ABV 4.3%). All real ales were on top form from the newly installed manager. He is no stranger to the real ale brigade, being Rick Haughton from the Crescent and recently, the Marble Arch, both premier pubs. This must be one of best decisions from the pub's directors, along with buying the pub - after barely any notice of its sale and renovating the building! A truly miraculous feat and it is only the start, as they have some exciting plans ahead for Salford's best open secret.

CAMRA North Manchester has given Margaret Fowler (Director) and Rick a very special branch award of a Golden Star. The inscription proudly states "CAMRA North Manchester highly commends the customers of the Star Inn for their immense efforts in the purchase and reopening of the pub".

And this is just the start as Rick revealed that the first nine of Star Ale went in one hour 5 minutes!

Back in January 2009 the pub won our local branch award for a fine example of a traditional unspoilt pub: the Neil Richardson Trophy, named after the late editor of our once long running branch magazine, What's Doing. The Star can be found on Back Hope Street, in the Cliff conservation area of Salford. It is served by the 98 bus from Shudehill Transport Interchange.

There's more information on the BBC News website, and on the Granada Television website.