The Railway, Teddington

Lovely arched windows with stained glass leaded uppers greet you outside the pub. Unfortunately the interior is opened-out and modernised in white (presumably a hangover from its incarnation as the Bloated Mallard) although it is at least fairly tasteful (as in ‘I have seen much worse’). Décor item of note is the tile-fronted island bar area, the front of which has ‘The Railway’ picked out in black. Otherwise it’s high tables and high chair seating. TV turned off. Four pumps with four on; Pride, HSB, Tribute and an exceptionally good Twickenham Naked Ladies. Mixed feelings about this one; excellent beer but ultimately there is little in homely atmosphere that makes you want to return for more - in fact much like the nearby Lion.

Official site of The Railway - www.therailwaytw11.co.uk

Official site of The Railway - www.therailwaytw11.co.uk

I popped in here for a quick half due to a train delay, my first visit for a few years when it was previously known as The Bloated Mallard. The new incarnation and return to the original name is a considerable improvement on that nonsense, I received a friendly welcome from the (French?) barman and the three handpumps are now clipped and functioning although one was reversed. Doom Bar and Wandle were on. The pub has an island bar, the room is fairly long and narrow, boarded floor, open through fireplace with a log fire which was very welcome on a horrible wet and windy afternoon. Chalkboards listed an extensive wine selection plus a daily food menu, certainly not your pub grub, much more upmarket, mains from £10.50 to £16. The bar counter front has white tiles, there is some exposed brickwork, seating is of the regular type as you'd expect in a foody place, white candles on the window cills, clear glass windows with stained glass upper sections. Stairs lead up to the toilets and a function room which can be hired. There is a TV so perhaps sporting events are shown but this was off on Friday pm. It is still upmarket and foody but certainly much less pretentious and well worth popping in for a pint especially if the trains are up the creek as they were on the day.