Railway Tavern, NW7

This Edgware pub dates from the late 19th century, a fair size, with parking, situated on the edge of a roundabout. This would seem to have changed since the last review from 15-and-½ years ago and for the better too. You can get a flavour from the website, but otherwise there’s a bare boarded floor, grey wainscotting, white walls and grey ceiling. Furniture is conventional, tall or normal height, games machines with décor in the form of eclectic prints. Customers were locals and a very blokey bunch too, though harmless enough, some watching the football with noisy accompanying commentary, some on the pool table to the rear, no one playing darts at the time of my Saturday 9.30pm arrival; commentary aside, there was a decent atmosphere. The cask choice was credible, with alongside three unused pumps, Purity UBU, just £2.20 a half, decent nick, served by a polite but near incomprehensible Scottish barman. This is preferable to the Harvester (opposite) with in effect no competition for quite some distance, but on balance I’d probably take the Three Hammers or Adam & Eve when in NW7 which, like the vast majority of London, I’m unlikely to visit ever again.

Facebook page of Railway Tavern - www.facebook.com

Official site of Railway Tavern - www.railwaymillhill.com

Facebook page of Railway Tavern - www.facebook.com

Official site of Railway Tavern - www.railwaymillhill.com

After passing a couple of lads having a funny fag at the entrance and making my way to the bar I found the barmaid/landlady to be quite dismissive. I couldn't finish my pint of Old Speckled Hen as it had turned and after my first dealings I decided not to bother asking for a new pint. Bombardier was also available and the Greene King IPA was off leaving a selection of standard lagers and Greene King IPA chilled. There is a dartboard at the front of the pub and a pool table in the extension at the rear where there were also some decks set up from a previous DJ night. I'm not sure that I would enjoy the DJ nights here as the speakers were blaring out drum and bass hits at 19:00 on a Tuesday evening. There is a small beer garden out the back with a couple of picnic tables and a small hut creating a covered area for smokers on those rainy days. There was a sign in the toilet that said “please respect your local and the regulars – BY NOT – damaging the walls and the toilets”. I think that this sums this place up. This place is crying out for a refurb and maybe a change in management and direction. Until this happens I'll being keeping well clear.