Railway, Broadheath

A small, unpretentious little Victorian pub now looking like the last link with tradition against a vast phalanx of out-of-town-shopping stores behind. This mid 19th century three roomed red/purple brick pub was saved from demolition in 1996 by a a vigorous locals campaign and its Grade II-listed status, the listing being the result of the pub's special character as a rare, multi-room pub. Everything around it was demolished to create car parking for the retail park beyond. Recently, a modest refurbishment has made this drinkers pub an attractive place to visit. A black and white diamond quarry tiled entrance passage from the front door leads to a lobby bar or ‘Vault’. This retains a late Victorian curved panelled bar counter, old half tongue ‘n’ groove panelled walls with original bench seating attached on both sides that has recently been re-upholstered. Some old bar back shelves were replaced in 2006 and new panelled walls and ceiling added around the servery area. Behind the servery is a stained glass window with a 'Railway Inn' black lettering on white glass panel.

On the front left the small Tap Room has a door with an etched 'Tap Room' deep etched glazed panel, it retains its Victorian fixed seating which has been recently re-upholstered, bell pushes all around the room, some old dado panelling, old tiled fireplace and service from a doorway to the left of the servery with a flap across it. On the front right is a door with a 'Bar Parlour' deep etched glazed panel and it retains a lovely late Victorian tiled, cast-iron with moulded surround and over mantle mirror, original fixed seating all around the room which has been recently re-upholstered, bell pushes in the panel above all around the room.

The pub has expanded at the rear but this does not destroy the historic core. The black and white quarry tiled passage continues to the right leading to the original ‘outside’ toilets now covered over. At the rear there is a door with a ‘Vault’ glazed panel which confuses until you know that it was brought in from another pub! This was formerly the domestic kitchen and still retains its fine stone floor. Now converted to a further small public room it contains a Victorian tiled, cast-iron and wood surround fireplace with a mirror in the mantelpiece above. A small modern counter has been installed. Beyond this there is a further new public room in a flat roof extension to the original building which has a new tiled floor and new brick fireplace and, outside, a patio drinking area.