please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Antic pub, so mismatched furniture in abundance. Usually quite busy. Interesting selection of ales always sold but usually you don't get much change for a £5 note.
Never tried the food but always people there eating. Opposite Bromley North bus station, so useful stop off before heading home after shopping at the weekend.
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Like having a beer in your nan's front room. Except I suspect there's an underlying irony about the tatty old chairs.
Very good range of beer and decent service. Bonus points for the presence of morris men and the sound of Fats Domino in the pub.
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A re-tick for me as pub number 3 of a small crawl in Bromley on a Tuesday evening.
5 ales on during my visit. My pint of Thwaites Straw Poll @ 3.9% was interesting, a nicely kept and poured pint.
Only one other punter in apart from the 2 of us and 2 bar staff.
The weather was good so we went and sat in the garden.
As with all of the Antic pubs the Railway has that “semi demolished / half built” feel but it actually works better here and is part of it’s charm.
I really like the Railway and will continue to visit here when in Bromley.
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Friday early evening & it’s pretty busy as I enter for my 1st visit since it’s been reopened under the Antic banner.
The Railway was also a large pub that seemed to be on it’s downers. During my visits here over the years it’s been a biker’s pub, an old man’s pub and now it’s shabby chic with the decor as you have come to expect from Antic.
4 cask ales on the pumps with all ales served in dimpled jugs. I opted for a pint of Duchars IPA as my first choice of Brains SA Gold had just run out.
I only stayed for 1 pint but the Railway on this visit was quirky, busy, with good friendly service and decent ales.....keep up the good work and I will return in the not too distant.
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CLOSED
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Just a quick update. The useless mug that bought the Railway has gone and took his useless business partner with him. There are now new people running, two women and one fella. They were really nice when I went in there last Friday. They have even given the pub a makeover so it looks much better. A lot of the old staff have now gone as well. The groups are still being booked and you can actually get a bottle of beer all night! If I were you Detritus, i'd try it again now the idiot you mentioned has left.
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I used to frequent this pub in the early 90's and it was always a pretty decent crowd, with reasonable beer and decor. Although the same biker types and drunken labourers still drink here now, the beer selection was very poor, Fosters or Kronenbourg (the worst pint of kronies i've ever had), the bar gantries and original windows are now gone to give the place a spit and sawdust look. The landlord also thought it a good idea to shout F**k off in the face of one of my colleagues because he complained about being short changed by him (he should know he's an accountant). I have fond memories of old times in this pub but I will be going elsewhere in future.
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Over the last couple of months I've gone into the Railway to have a beer and listen to the groups as usual. As you know from my previous write-up I really love this pub and the people in it. This leads me neatly on to how it is now. Every time I've gone in there the new owner has got absolutely no bottled beers of any sort and a very limited range of anything else. I know lots of people that also cannot use it any more because they no longer stock what they drink. Why the hell do you take over a pub and then decide to piss everyone off by not stocking up properly. From the feedback I'm getting the new owner was in no position to take this on. He clearly is having an issue with the brewery or simply a lack of money to do it properly. He is driving away scores of loyal regulars. O'neill's just up the road is now doing live music as well most weekends, when is he going to wake up and smell the coffee? They must be rubbing their hands when they see the railways regulars starting to drift in. I know it's not the same sort of music but at least you can get something other than a pint of lager. Please sell it and piss off if you can't do it properly. I'm going in there this weekend to listen to the SKA'd for life set because the DJ is great and well worth a listen. How long I last with a shitty pint of lager as my only choice remains to be seen.
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needs cleaning up and buy some beer and wines
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still not sure about this pub. seems to change hands once a year. What happend to the stocky balding owner with tattoos ? he was funny.
Still has good music and good people and staff.
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Well what can i say this used to be a great place to have a drink and meet people.now it seems your lucky to get a drink in here the place is always running out of beer and spirits even on a busy night when there is a band on the other saturday they actually ran out of kronenberg and fosters on a saturday night now that is not good,myself and many other regulars now drink in the Swan and Mitre where we can get a drink.....shame on the new owner of The Railway,another great pub going down hill very fast.
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h
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As a regular user of the Railway I can safely say it's the only pub in bromley where there is always a friendly atmosphere and great regulars. Granted, if you don't know the place or the people it must look like a very daunting place when it's busy. It's full of real people which is why it's unfamiliar territory in Bromley. If you want regular live music its nearest rival is the Dirty South in Lee. There is a great variety of music on offer nearly every week. It ranges from heavy metal to Ska and dub. Brilliant bar staff and sensible people make it my favourite pub in bromley. And no, i'm not a metal head!
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Great place to be now that the new owner steve has made his mark on the place.Terry proving to be a great manager very welcoming and he has a great team of staff,overall a great friendly no attitude pub where everyone is welcome.And some great bands playing here
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This pub has recently changed hands and a few detail improvements have been made.
spexx - 17 Sep 2010 20:11 |
Unfortunately this is quite an undesirable pub to drink in and the clientele equally undesirable. I found the pub to be dirty and the toilets could not have had a proper clean for a good week or so. Extremely loud music is played at most times so much so that the speakers distort when playing music.
The beer costs normal Bromley prices but the environment in which it is served certainly dose not reflect its high cost. I did not try the food as I had concerns regarding the general hygiene practices being used in the Pub.
However I have been passing when there has been a band playing rock or Indi music and they have been quite good, so from that aspect I�m sure that one could have a good time. With a pub such as this, use illicit substances is most probably high so not a place to bring children.
Overall I would not recommend this pub
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This pub has good rock bands playing live at the weekend. friendly, never any trouble and not a bad pint.
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I attempted to visit the pub just for one pint last night. Just as I was about to step inside I was approached by a very rude man who told me to
"go away" and that the pub "wasn't open for me" even though i could clearly see people inside. I had always thought that that the railway hotel looked like a nice friendly pub, but i now know better since being refused entry for no apparent reason. The pub seemed to be full of your typical punk rockers which may suggest I was discriminated against. Never again would I dare to gain entry to this lowlife disrespectful pub. It seems if your not a regular then your not welcome.
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Hi everyone,
We have taken over The Railway as a management couple under the new owners of Justin and Anu. If people aren't aware, we have live music every weekend and an open mic night on Thursdays. We have also started a Pool Competition on Tuesdays and fingers crossed food to come very soon.
Thanks for the kind reviews.
Adam & Katie
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I haven't been to the Railway for years but walking past it from the station it looks like the pub is making an effort to distinguish itself as the 'rock' pub in Bromley. The great thing is that there is background music to the street seating area. what a great idea.
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Under New Management! This boozer has been blighted by the chav element over the last year or two but now there is a new broom sweeping through. The Thursday night Jam is a real good warm up for the weekend, featuring various talented muso's and a younger than before lively crowd. Look out for a change to the norm on Saturday nights as the new guvnor is planning to vary the themes (inc. Funky house!). Also look out for a special 'Glammerween' night, end of Oct. Should be fun. The website will also be updated soon.
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Vastly over-rated in the BITE reviews. This pub is shabby, dirty, and so full of cigarette smoke that one can hardly breathe. Customers are a wierd-looking bunch who give one really scary stares.
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Popped in the otehr day for the first time in a while. It really has been much improved and looks and smells much cleaner than ever before. Give it a go if you haven't been for a while the staff were friendly.
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OK really...only one hand pump on (Speckled Hen) but the pub was OK !
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in a word... nasty. That applies to the beer, the customers and the staff.
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I often frequent this bar and bar staff are very pleasant, warm and welcoming. Not a massive fan of rock, but a great stopping point for a bevy before the entertainment.
Still a long way to go to make it tip top - however improvements are great and it has a warmer feel to place.
anonymous - 30 Jul 2006 14:50 |
I'm a 23 year old female that drinks in the railway. I hate to think that females were put off from going because of certain reveiws. Never have i felt so safe and looked after in a pub in bromley. The bikers are just dads and mums wearing leather that enjoy motorcycles there not monsters! The music is good and if theres songs you want to hear ask. The changes to the pub look fab with new wooden flooring. The beer is always a good standard which is the most important thing! Jam nights are amazing with varied music and so much talent. Please don't paint everyone with the same brush. Biker enjoy a trouble free zones AND A GIN AND TONIC!! Not a pub for narrow minded people. It's a pub for an enjoyable, friendly and safe night out.
slate - 22 Jun 2006 00:32 |
Actually the 3 Compasses never went bust due to usage. It was due to Police and council bringing pressure to bear on the Brewery. I must also point out that quite a lot of females now use this venue!!�
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You shouldn't judge people by appearance. Some of the nicest people I know dress in black leather and have tattoos / piercings. If you want to go and drink in some nice poncey wine bar with smartly dressed toffs feel free to do so, I know the kind of people I'd rather hang out with and see frequenting the Railway,
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The owners have posted obvious adverts on this site claiming that the pub has gone upmarket, while at the same time, they have quite deliberately taken it in the opposite direction. Expect to see neon signs, posters stuck up on the walls with tape, adverts for tattooists and motorcycle rallies etc. Hardly likely to attract the gin and tonic set. The Three Compasses went bust, why try and recreate it? Typical male customer - black leather waistcoat and tattoos. Typical female customer - non existent.
anonymous - 1 Jun 2006 05:06 |
Thanks for the details about the web address. Love the live music and the idea of a jam night. My only criticism would be to play a more varied selection of music other than heavy metal & rock, it's not only bikers & rockers than visit your pub! Would attract more girlies also, especially with the hot weather approaching.
anonymous - 22 May 2006 21:21 |
Under new management, staff are pleasant and friendly, decor changing slowly and looks fantastic compared to before. Toilets cleaner and almost finished to a better standard.
It's a great little pub for a few drinks
anonymous - 1 May 2006 19:08 |
It's great to see a live music venue back in the area and the quality of the bands so far has been the business. It would be ideal if they had a website advertising the next gig and what type of band were playing.
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Find it amusing that someone goes on about 'anonymous' bleatings then posts under the name EarlJHickey. Perhaps they are making amends for previous misdemeanours?
The pub is greatly improved on the decor front, the staff have always been friendly and quick (even before the new management).
Variety is the spice of life and the simple fact is that there isn't as much heavy metal or punk and too much emphasis on bluesy stuff.
This pub is great as it's a chav free zone and doesn't need bouncers on the weekend which is as rare as rocking horse s##t in Bromley. Long may it continue as somewhere for people who aren't trendy posers to drink.
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Please disregard all previous negative comments, (especially the 'anonymous' bleatings about 'whatever happened to my rock n' roll'). This great little bar/hotel has been under new management since just before Christmas 2005. Of course - improvements/new ideas take some time to implement. Already the decor has changed - now a smart but comfortable style with an emphasis intended to please music lovers. Every Saturday night there are Dj's (with a good sound system) playing modern and classic rock and blues (if you have a request, ask!) It's free too. Also Every Thursday they have live bands (original and covers) which are improving each week and every third monday night there is a lively jam which attracts some real good players. The bar staff are friendly and quick, the girls toilets are now refurbished to a good standard and the juke box is crammed with fine tunes. This bar/hotel will keep improving. Check it out folks.
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Does Jim Coombes still drink here does anyone know ????
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This pub is brilliant - my local. The staff there are great and remember you from the first look. It is rarely overcrowded and the transision from quaint lunchtime drink drop in to the lively evening buzz is smooth.
You can sometimes find local no-gooders boozing the day away in there, but the staff treat them with distain if they're anything by orderly which is reassuring.
Recently there has been inprovements regarding entertainment with weekly live music on a Thursday.
Definatley recommend this place!
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Whatever happened to my rock and roll ?! Whilst the pub is greatly improved on the beer and decor front, the once great Sataurday nite has now become a colossal yawn. The rock/punk/metal has gone to be replaced by homogeneous, turgid blues rock. All very nice for a Sunday afternoon pint as background music but it ain't Saturday party music.
Nice to see more live music though, not enough of this in pubs thesedays.
anonymous - 28 Dec 2005 08:41 |
New management recently taken over, great ideas planned inc much needed change of decor, definately a pub to watch over the next few months. GIRLS, this is certainly the place to go for a freindly welcome, good music and check out the new management team x3 WOW! You'll definately return for more...
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Dirty bar and toilets complimented perfectly by offensive alkie locals - girls stay away!
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You can away with pretty much anything in this pub.
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yes great pub friendly and a nice place to drink in.
go i n on a friday night most of the time dont go and other the staff are great and friendly aswell
swifty - 10 Nov 2004 12:39 |
If your in Bromley and want a more Traditional Pub, away from the wine bars and Music Pubs, this is the place to come. With it's broad mix of drinkers, young to old, trendy to metal, everyone is welcome. Along with it's freindly staff and well priced drinks, it's the place for a good night out.
Gareth - 28 Mar 2004 14:36 |
Fair prices, good beer, great music. Bad points overcrowded and lack of females.
Peter - 27 Mar 2004 16:43 |
This pub is now a great Rock Venue on Saturday Nights. Full of the more sensible people in the area not for the teenies therefore a great weekend pub.
Bert - 21 Mar 2004 20:36 |
Well as far as I know it's kinda gone full circle used to be a "metal" pub in the early nineties now it's gone back that way. The staff are great, the management are also really nice people and run a good ship so to speak. If you want a proper pub in bromley and not some pointless p!ss hole decorated by IKEA then check it out.
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An Oasis in the desert of teen pubs in bromley !!
A place for anyone over the age of 20 to drink without seeing clientel that shouldn't even be allowed to use the fag machine let alone buy a drink
Friendly staff give the traditional old english pub a welcoming atmosphere.
Add to this cheap drinks and good pub grub you know your on to a winner !!
Bobby Ball - 13 Mar 2004 18:44 |
This is a real pub with proper dirty carpets, proper crap toilets and proper red decor. I think the thing that makes it different in Bromley is, without doubt, no delusions of grandiour. When I go to a pub I wanna know I'm in a PUB not some wannabe club-pub or plub if you will. No one could mistake this for anything other than a place for monkeys to swing about without incurring the wrath of some moronic, brain-dead, fat bouncer. Make mine a lettuce!
a - 3 Feb 2004 00:32 |
I would agree with the previous users comments (marcus) that this pub's prices are excellent and make it very hard not to have your say on the beer! Friendly staff and laid back atmosphere make it a enjoyable night without the worries of a wazzock causing you some grief. Lacks some eye candy however, still the bikers and rockers dont care!
andy - 18 Jan 2004 16:41 |
What the hell is going on with this pub. Then it went Gay? That didn’t work so it went back to the old way to my great delight now its gone Heavy Metal. The decor hasn’t changed, well apart from lowing the wattages in the lights, but all of a sudden it’s absolutely rammed in there on a Friday and Saturday, it is quite a small pub though. Still I’d rather hang out with the Metal kids then the Burberry Bromley Boys and Girl that pack the majority of the pubs in the centre. The other bonus is that the drinks are always on special offer. It is a fact you can buy a double of sprit and mixer for less money then a single and some beers in there are less the �2. Now that is worth listen to a bit of Metal for surely. I reckon it still the best pub in Bromley a real gem.
marcus - 17 Jan 2004 17:20 |
A pub's pub. More ups and downs than Jordon. One time great student pi$$ hole during the, late 80's, early 90's, now more of a squirting, embarrasing prolapse. But I believe great days will come again! It is on a great site opposite Bromley North station and far enough away from the awful, awful pubs in around Market Square (Bell, Panthillion) where 1001 pre-pubescent louts knock chunks out of each other every Friday and Saturday night. I will still have the odd pint in there to see what is a foot and await its climb back unto glory!! RAILWAYARMY!!! ps: great pub football team too!! Even though we have been banned - ahem ahem...
David - 11 Dec 2003 22:18 |
