The Black Star: Stourport pub marks 10 years with huge party

In 2014, Maria and Andy Gooding were offered the choice of taking over a pub in Ross-on-Wye or The Black Star in Stourport. 

The pair, who were used to running pubs in the Ross-on-Wye area, were torn between sticking to what they knew or seeking a new adventure. 

Sitting on barrels in their favourite pub in Hereford, the couple decided to leave their fate down to the flip of a coin. 

The pub has had a complete transformation (Image: Maria Gooding) Ms Gooding said: "We'd been running pubs in Ross-on-Wye so it made sense for us to stick to what we knew, but we were also excited about the opportunity to move somewhere different.  

"We sat on barrels in our favourite pub and took out a £1 coin. We decided to do the best of five and after four flips, it was a tie between a pub in Ross-on-Wye and The Black Star. 

"The fifth flip sealed the deal and we landed on Stourport. We might have left it up to fate, but it is the best decision we've ever made. The past ten years have been a complete whirlwind and we have no idea where the time has gone." 

The pub, which is located on Mitton Street, does a lot of work with the community including sponsoring local sports teams and raising money for charity. 

They have even installed a defibrillator at the site and have been nominated for numerous awards over the years as well as appearing in the Good Beer Guide. 

The pub is also dog-friendly and home to much-loved pooches Steve and Tommy. 

Andy and Maria Gooding have been running the pub for 10 years (Image: Maria Gooding) To mark 10 years since taking over the pub on October 18, the couple are set to host a huge birthday party, which will run from Friday (October 18) to Sunday (October 20). 

The birthday bash will see 10 bands take to the stage for 10 years as well as food, cake and plenty of celebrations for the whole community to enjoy. 

The line-up for Friday includes The Streamer and Missing Lynx, who were one of the first bands hosted by the pub. 

Saturday will see The JTB Experience, Barefoot Serpents, Moon Dog Joe and Mike David's Band take to the stage. 

Sunday will host a special guest at 2pm as well as Wild Cry, The Unconventionals and The Follicles throughout the day. 

A new sash has just been added to the pub (Image: Maria Gooding) Ms Gooding added: "Everyone is welcome to come down and celebrate. We are a public house so the more the merrier. We'll have plenty of food and cake that we need help to eat and we just want everyone to have a good time.

"The last 10 years have been a bit of a blur but there is always something new and exciting happening. We have just launched our new logo and slogan 'music, food and booze what's not to like' as well as t-shirts and hoodies. 

"You really have to pinch yourself when you see people walking around with our pub logo on their shirts. It really is amazing and we are so grateful for all the lovely messages and support we've had over the years. We also want to thank our amazing staff for everything they've done for us as we couldn't do this without them." 

For more information visit The Black Star Facebook page or www.theblackstar.co.uk/