The Seven Stars is one of Derby’s oldest public houses with a long history of brewing on the premises. Brewing continued during World War I only ending when the brewing licence and brewer transferred to The Friary Hotel in 1962.
As was the case for many businesses, the shortage of fit young men was one of the problems produced by the war. In 1916 and again in 1918 George Bates, licensee and brewer, advertised for an Ostler (man to look after horses) also willing to help with brewing. Presumably his 1916 recruit was called up because the later advertisement stressed that only men who were ineligible for military service should apply. As brewing continued it can be concluded that such a man was found.