Pubspy reviews The Railway in Blackheath (From News Shopper)

Pubspy reviews The Railway in Blackheath

9:00am Wednesday 23rd May 2012 in Freetime latest news By PubSpy

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, in my experience pubs by railway stations are usually functional at best and fight arenas at worst.

Well, The Railway in Blackheath is definitely on the other side of the track – this is a funky, fantastic, fresh and fruity boozer that has a great deal to offer.

Stepping inside it immediately looks classy and clean, and even before I reached the bar to place my order I’d already been warmly welcomed by the barman. Faced by a couple of new names along the bar I wasn’t as decisive as usual, but once again my host was quick to come to my aid. I couldn’t decide between a pint of Hopfest from Red Squirrel at 3.8 per cent (£3.85) or the milder option of an Adnams Sole Star at 2.7 per cent.

I was immediately poured a small sample of each to taste.

To be fair, the pale amber ale at just 2.7 was tasty enough and in other circumstances would have done nicely.

However, the Squirrel offering was exquisite (strange, as I usually hate these nasty little tree rats that chew everything in sight).

So, sticking to my theme of nature I ordered food and moved past the assorted bamboo and olive trees to take a seat outside.

Wow, what a revelation – a superb and comfortable outside area which hasn’t been turned over to the cancer crew.

Unashamedly, The Railway has designated this a pleasant outside space in which smokers are most definitely not welcome and it is made clear.

To be fair there is another perfectly pleasant and interesting space upstairs where people are invited to go and kill themselves.

Surrounding this outside area are the most colourful and vibrant murals – another hidden delight you wouldn’t be aware of unless you visit. (Note to self - tell sub editors to use lots of colourful pictures).

By this time the food had arrived and whilst I’d gone for a simple option – sandwich and a bowl of chips - they were beautifully presented by the friendly barman and very tasty.

Plus the chips still had their skins, a nice touch.

I did take a peek at the upstairs smoking area and it’s good too, plus there’s another amazing painting on a full-height wall.

Talking of paintings, there are a number on the wall for sale – at a glance, and depending on size, they ranged from £50 (Frank la chic) to £300 (Buddah with a difference).

My advice to you is simple – steam in here, this is a railway pub worth going out your way for.

The Railway, Blackheath Village

Decor: **** (now this is funky)

Drink: **** (a fantastic choice and it’s all good)

Food: *** (tasty and well presented)

Price: ** (not too bad, for Blackheath)

Atmosphere: *** (I’m sure this would have been higher in an evening)

Staff: **** (what a pleasant fellow)