Railway, Saffron Waldenback to pub details please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Couldn't be bothered to open lunchtime today (1:30). Waste of time.
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It is very important that the following information be noted about this pub. The landlady is very rude, uncharismatic, sour, unwelcoming and not good for business. The landlord seems to suffer from being married to her, such that his mood is likely to make you think you are unwelcome. The tension behind the bar is uncomfortable. This, I have heard from many other people. On one occasion I entered the pub to book a table for twelve guests, there were two people in the pub, the landlady and a local who were chatting over the bar. I was wearing a suit, I approached the bar and stood for 2 minutes before the local interjected her gossip and asked if she was going to serve me, she looked at me with distaste and reluctantly pulled herself from the conversation and asked what I wanted, at which point I told her to forget it and walked out.
I have since returned (years later) on four occasions to find they are still running the pub, their attitude has not changed but the beer and food are good.
fuzzy - 13 Jun 2012 14:12 |
I found the Railway to be a great pub, a little outside the centre of Saffron Walden and seemingly nowhere near a railway. 6 ales were on - 3 of which were from Mighty Oak - Oscar Wilde, Whuppity Scoorie & Flying Tackle, alongside Brandon Norfolk Poacher, Courage Best & Wells Bombardier. Stowford Press was the cider. The young lady behind the bar was pleasant enough and I enjoyed my swift Oscar Wilde.
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Yes, Patrick is an odd character but I've NEVER found him to be rude. In my experience he is totally professional, helpful and provides an excellent service. But that's it - there's no friendly chat on top of that. I can understand why this may appear unfriendly but I guess he's not bothered with pretending to be friendly and just concentrates on giving good service. Maybe he's a bit shy? Having been a regular there now for several months and spent a lot of money on his beer and food it would be nice to get a bit more of a welcome but at least it is not going to go towards over-familiarity any time in the next decade! The beer, food and service are excellent so I can happily live without an extrovert landlord in that scenario.
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Pat is a miserable git. Sam is nice though.
anonymous - 12 Sep 2007 15:45 |
Rude bloke behind the bar, food was ok but tasted not fresh, especially the veg. beer is good though
anonymous - 12 Jul 2007 14:20 |
totally agree with localyyocal - the unfriendly service from the miserable landlord means that many local people (including myself) who regularly visited in the past will never return.
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I would say the key word in localyocal's review is "seemingly". Patrick is a good guy, but can appear a little cheesed-off. Once you've been in there a few times you realise its just the way he is. Beer selection is great, usually 5 on, and a new one almost every week. Food has not been sampled as yet, but I should as everyone says it is great. Top place!
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A lovely pub, great food, beer the only minus is the seemingly misserable landlord
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Beer is good, seems to be lively enough now that it is surrounded by residential developments.
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A bit of an old man's pub but the beer is good and there is always something going on there, whether it be a quiz or fancy dress.
Charlotte - 2 Sep 2004 16:05 |
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