The hammer falls and the Star & Garter is sold for £3.4m

The Star and Garter pub, found on the Lower Richmond Road, and the building in which it is situated was bought by a mystery investor at an auction last Tuesdaym it had been placed on the market by Scottish and Newcastle Pub Enterprises (S&NPE).

Originally built as a hotel for the use of the boating and sailing community, which governed the area. In approximately 1870 The Star & Garter even had a boathouse on the ground floor.

The name 'Star & Garter' relates to the Order of the Garter:
The Star, which is worn pinned to the left breast, was introduced in the 17th century by King Charles 1 and is a colourfully enamelled depiction of the heraldic shield of St George's Cross, encircled by the Garter, which is itself encircled by an eight-point silver badge. Each point is depicted as a cluster of rays, with the four points of the cardinal directions longer than the intermediate ones.

In local history the Star & Garter is mentioned many times. On the 16th February 1889 it is said that eight men met at The Star & Garter and resolved to form the Ranelagh Sailing club as a spur from the Ranelagh Yachting club, which was favoured by King Charles II.

The pub is the landmark start of the historic University Boat Race since 1845 - making it one of the most televised pubs in Britain!

The auctioneer firm Jones Lang LaSalle has stressed that the sale will not affect the business of the pub as the freehold will simply change hands. They believe that this sale indicates that the market in Putney is strong.

October 28, 2009