Home > Surrey > Ewell > The Star The Star
	Picture source: Ian How
The Star was situated at 2 Cheam Road. Built in the late 16th century this was Ewell's post office until 1904, then a bank. This pub closed on 10th February 2012. Present by 1871 as a beerhouse it was later known as The Loose Box.
We were managers at The Loose Box, Ewell, Surrey; 1978 and 79, (2 years). During this time the name changed to The Grape Vine as was the 70s and wine bars became fashionable. We served approximately 200 lunches per day Mon-Fri, plus fine dining in the ‘Board Room’ which seated maximum of ten. Cheam Road was bumper to bumper Rolls Royce’s at lunchtime. Pub had live music 4 nights per week. We resided upstairs in a 3br flat overlooking Cheam Rd. The company Head Office was also upstairs overlooking the High St. From memory named; Fine Wine and Brandies. Owners Mr Seleri and David ? This was their flagship pub. One of their off license liquor stores was downstairs on Cheam Rd. Panishaw gift shop directly opposite on Cheam Rd was owned and operated by Eric Corrie and John Corrie, (now deceased). James Dunlop, (now deceased), was our assistant manager then later Antony Harrison.
Eve & John Lukins (August 2017)
Reopened and closed again c2016.
Fergy Campbell (May 2020)
I worked at the Loose Box in Ewell, Surrey in 1969-71. I helped out behind the bar when June Lupino was in charge. I was a student and it was good pocket money. The Loose Box was the little sister to the Loose Rein in Chelsea both owned by a wine company. It was a great place, lively and full of interesting people. June was an attractive personality and a very good host with lots of showbizz connections. I preferred working there to pubs as selling wine by the glass or bottle was easier than trying to tot up a pub drinks order! June Lupino was kind to me and tolerated my teenage daftness. Fond memories. I lived in Ewell and yes I do remember Eric at Panishore opposite the wine bar and the lovely guys in gentleman’s outfitters next door. Ewell had a good range of independent shops in those days and was a friendly place. Up the road was the Green Man, an early example of a pub restaurant expertly run by Jim and Bunny Knight (Courage). Gosh they worked hard. Down the High Street from the Loose Box was the King William IV (?Ind Coope?) where significant Roman remains were found during an excavation under the pub car park. At the end of the High Street was the Spring Hotel. Such choice!
Monica Edmonds (June 2025)
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Name	Dates	Comments
Eve Lukins	1978/1979	Eve and John Lukins; managers. Resided on site in upstairs 3br flat. Australians. during our stay the name changed to The Grape Vine, (Wine Bar/Pub)
Gillian Lupino	1967/1969	The licensee Mrs June Lupino was my mother. I have original memorablia, of the opening of The Loose Box in Ewell, November 1967 and other photos/memobilia of the time spent at The Loose Box, in Ewell.
M Edmonds	1961/1971	The Star was an ale house. It did not have a full licence and didn’t sell spirits. As a child I could only see inside from the upper deck of the 408 or 470 bus going past on the way to Epsom. It closed in the late ‘60s and was converted into a Wine Bar, the Loose Box, the junior partner to the Loose Rein which was in Chelsea. I worked in the Loose Box when I was a student.

Other Photos
Date of photo: 2014	Picture source: Fergy Campbell
Date of photo: 2014	Picture source: Fergy Campbell