The Railway Arms, Downham Market

Please Note: This review is over a year old.

Thuck Phat left this review about Railway Arms

There are a number of much vaunted station taverns around and The Railway Arms isn't in the same league in terms of scale or notoriety as those at Stalybridge, Dewsbury or Sheffield for example but it certainly hold its own for charm and quirkiness.
You can get in either through the tiny and nondescript buffet or directly from the platform. Inside are two rooms. The one you get to via the buffet is the bar and drinks are ordered from the buffet if there's no one around. It's a bit like walking through a magic door from a basic station buffet to a delightful miniature boozer. The bar itself is tiny and does feature handpumps but the beer itself is gravity fed so the pumps are just for displaying what ale's on. There's a small fireplace and bench seating around the edge with small tables and chairs and a couple of bar stools. Around the walls are pictures of trains and above those runs a model railway complete with trains.
Beyond the bar is a small waiting room which is lined with full bookshelves. The books are for sale with payment into an honesty box and the seating is mixed and comfortable. It feels like a cosy private library.
Food is from the buffet with staples such as bacon and sausage sandwiches available. A brief but more interesting selection is chalked up on a small board by the fireplace featuring delicacies such as salt beef baguette but is only available around weekend evenings.
Two beers were on: St Austell Podium IPA and Elgoods Beach Collieball. The two beers rotate but Elgoods tends to feature given the brewerys proximity.
My bacon sandwich and Podium IPA were fine and the service was delightful and friendly.
I'd certainly return and wouldn't miss an opportunity for a swifty if passing by on the train.

On 7^th August 2012 - rating: 7
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