Refurbished and re-opened last summer, the Railway Tavern is in a pretty perfect spot virtually opposite Bromley North station.

The Victorian freehouse is a mighty impressive building too, with those old green tiles and just a little downtrodden.

It seems strange that a pub so recently opened would look a bit rough around the edges but it does inside too and it’s all part of the charm that comes with a pub owned by the Antic collective.

It’s tidy and homely but chairs and tables are obviously second hand and it’s deliberately got a vintage feel. It may sound naff on paper, but it works.

The Railway is a bit labyrinthine, with little cosy nooks to hide with a partner or select group of buddies.

Far from the standard railway pub, this one’s actually not an unpleasant place to spend some time.

There were a mix of customers and friendly staff, who were happy to offer samples of the good-sized range of ales. The top pick seemed to be the psychedelic-labelled Mojo which, at just 3.7 per cent, was light and refreshing.

The menu is a bit OTT – pan fried guilt-head bream, sun dried tomato and olive crushed new potatoes and tenderstem broccoli, anyone? – but I didn’t turn my nose up at a slow roast pork belly with mustard mash, cabbage and a sweet gravy. It was very nice, even if it did cost £11.50.



The Railway Tavern, East Street, Bromley

How it rated:

Decor **** Comfortable

Atmosphere ***** Genuinely family friendly

Staff **** Friendly and helpful

Price *** OK but not cheap

Drink ***** Good variation