The Railway, West Hampstead, NW6

Hadn’t been to this one before but dropped in at lunchtime when in the area for a pint and a bite to eat. Large internal space organised into different areas and fairly light at the front of the pub due to it being double aspect. Yes I can concur with the formulaic GK feel, but we found it a comfortable enough pub and the couple of GK ales we tried were in good condition and the traditional pub grub coming out the kitchen hit the spot as well. Also we were served by the landlord who was a very accommodating soul and when finding out we were there for the ale asked if anyone was a member of CAMRA as a discount is offered. Were not many in on this lunchtime and cannot comment for what it is like in the evening but would certainly consider using it again at a lunchtime.

Around the late '60s/early '70s this was a noted music pub, hosting the likes of the Rolling Stones, Reg Dwight, Tom Jones and Jimi Hendrix. Indeed I came here once around 1991 to see a friend playing in his band - Little Boots, no not that one - and don't really remember it. All I recall was a typical upstairs music venue, accessed via the side entrance. A return visit around 1998 and the place was distinctly unmemorable - a bit like a 'spoons with framed football shirts on the walls and a laddish crowd. It reopened about two-and-a-half years ago after a makeover and it seems that it has been taken a notch or two slightly more upmarket, probably in response to this area's increasing wealth. Gone are the football shirts, though there's something still a little bit 'spoons about the place. It's the kind of GK outlet that you'd expect to find in a touristy part of central London. Large, opened out and extending back quite a way, there are multiple TVs showing sport with the sound down so as not to interfere with the muted music, flashing games machines and pictorial menus and sauce bottles on the tables. The bar back is now glazed white tiles, furniture comprises mainly tall tables and stools with some leather sofas. The interior features a part pale flagstone and part dark lacquered floor, some t 'n' g and field panelled walls to waist height and a cream and taupe colour scheme; the ceiling features aircon units and recessed spot lamps. It's more of a locals' pub - presumably unemployed locals - on my lunchtime visit and not the sort of fashionable things that crowd the Black Lion up the road. The barmaid was friendly and attentive, presiding over a collection of craft ales and premium lagers as well as Greene King IPA, Railway Ale (rebadged Sambrook's), Sharp's Doom Bar and Hammerton's N7 at a pricey £2.30 a half but very good; a top-up was supplied without asking. A big improvement on the boozer of yore and the Friday/Saturday midnight licence is a boon, but it's all a bit formulaic GK for my taste. There's not much else around here but a decent drop of N7 hit the spot and I do know that this place is rammed on Friday and Saturday nights which I guess would make it less pleasant, not that it's great to start with: 4.5.

Official site of The Railway - railway-pub.co.uk

Official site of The Railway - railway-pub.co.uk