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Beer of the Week (w/e 15th March 2026) with Wittenden
on the Pub Forum
Detail Pages
The Railway, West Hampstead, NW6
NW6
NW6 2LU
Reviews (Current Rating Average: 6 of 10) see review guidelines
David Walton left this review about The Railway
Visited 15/12/25. Visited previously for ticking 19/12/23.
Cask here was Old Speckled Hen, Caledonian Deuchars and Rocking Rudolph. Keg options were Level Head and Hazy Day both from GK, Tiny Rebel Clwb Tropica, Kona Big Wave Golden Ale, Guinness, Moretti, Peroni, Estrella Galicia, Madri, Cruz, Camden Hells, Asahi, Amstel, Inch's, berries & cherries Old Mount cider.
Long rectangular generally bare boarded venue, with a dark grey ceramic tile skirt around the bar counter, which is on the right-hand wall mid venue. Small amount of tall stool seating at the bar counter. There is a slightly raised carpeted area in the rear left-hand corner with a small number of regular tables and chairs / benches. Rear right-hand corner has a scarlet fabric banquette serving some regular tables with William Morris patterned fabric bucket style armchairs. A couple of bench style tables at the rear of the end of the bar counter occupied by a couple of lads tucking into their food. Another carpeted area with regular tables in the middle part on left-hand side with tall tables down the spine of the venue opposite the columns along the length of the bar counter, then a mish mash of tables and chairs in the front of the venue either side of the main entrance, including a chunky bench with leader padded benches either side also on a small carpeted section. Nice lighting, plenty of screens showing sporting action absent sound, that provided by an 80's soundtrack. Not the worst pub closest to a transport hub!
On 9th February 2026
- rating: 5
[User has posted 1340 recommendations about 1323 pubs]
hondo . left this review about The Railway
Large Greene King pub located on a corner. 3 real ales not one for a session just tick it off on a crawl.
On 2nd October 2025
- no rating submitted
[User has posted 3035 recommendations about 2965 pubs]
Just a quick pint, then I'm off left this review about The Railway
Barely branded Greene King pub, set on a corner (originally as a hotel to serve the nearby station). Mostly opened out, but retaining enough separation between the various seating and dining areas to avoid feeling to cavernous feel to what is quite a large space. Refurbished in a typical semi-modern style that aims at the same time to look slightly traditional. Old Speckled Hen, Abbot and the Bird of Prey 'cask edition' collaboration with Uiltje (£6.65) being served from the three handpumps.
On 27th June 2025
- rating: 6
[User has posted 9063 recommendations about 9063 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Steve of N21 left this review about The Railway
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.
On 25th October 2022
- rating: 6
[User has posted 2322 recommendations about 2169 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Tris C left this review about The Railway
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.
On 31st January 2018
- rating: 5
[User has posted 2307 recommendations about 2251 pubs]
Please Note: This review is over a year old.
Malden man left this review about The Railway
How odd, a previously unreviewed London pub situated on a corner. It is a Victorian typical street corner, a massive pile, sadly stripped out inside retaining little of the original features. Boarded floor, high tables and clear glass windows. Sunday roasts from £10.69. Some slat boarded walls, coffee coloured ceiling. A slightly raised area opposite the side bar has regular seating. The CCTV eyes all around are off putting but it is a decent spot nevertheless. GK London Glory, Sambrook's Wandle, Railway Ale....a Sambrooks pub rebadge it seems and Weston's Old Rosie Cider. Brewdog bottles in the fridge. According to Whatpub Jimi Hendrix and the Stones both played in an upstairs room back in the day. Nice pub.
On 2nd May 2017
- rating: 7
[User has posted 1710 recommendations about 1683 pubs]