The Railway Tavern, Richmond

Landmark wedge-shaped Nicholson's pub with a polygonal turret with numerous windows at the pointy end. Remodelled inside at some stage, and refurbished with gastro-pub type decoration but more traditional furniture. The 'house' (St Austell) NPA, London Pride and a pair from Adnams - Ghost Ship (£6.45) and Broadside - available from the various handpumps. Not great, but very close to the station and certainly much better than it was as an O'Neill's on my last visit 19 years ago.

Official site of The Railway Tavern - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Official site of The Railway Tavern - www.nicholsonspubs.co.uk

Nicholson's house on several levels with an interior broken up by large columns creating discrete areas.The decoration is in dark painwork ,while the furniture is dominated by thick butchers block high tables with a few bench seating elsewhere.There are BT Sport flatscreens on mute during my lunchtime visit,the rear lounge is however dominated by the screen.There is a beer garden at the rear. The 8 handpumps includes several double clipped but outside the ubiquitous Fuller's London Pride,on my visit the selection was dominated by Cornish beers namely Sharp's Doom Bar,St Austell Tribute,Proper Job (NBSS 3) and Nicholsons Pale.There was a solitary Weston real cider. Very close to the station,there aren't many good real ale pubs in central Richmond,so this pub is functional and worth using.Pleasant when quiet,it maybe more challenging when busy.