15 Liverpool Street,
London,
EC2M 7NX
0872 148 0861
The ViewLondon Review
The Railway Tavern is a Victorian pub located across the road from Liverpool Street station, popular with city bods from the mature member of staff who needs a pint before the journey home or the slightly younger whipper-snapper who’s looking for a watering hole to occupy before heading to a club with similarly dressed colleagues.The VenueThe Railway Tavern is a large venue that has a spacious ground floor and a tattered, winding staircase leading to a dining area. There is also a space taken up by sofas for those relaxed, end-of-the-week-style moments. The main space caters for big groups and is ideal for watching sporting events on the big screens. A number of stools are placed underneath a long bar by a row of windows, which look out onto the station, perfect for a spot of people-watching at rush hour. The feel of the place is very basic and traditional with ornate furnishings and warm light shimmering from floral wall lamps.
The AtmosphereThere is little ambience on the ground floor, given that it feels a little like a railway waiting room rather than a railway tavern. People come and go seemingly in time with the departures and arrivals of the trains opposite. However, the bar staff are very friendly and accommodating, which certainly helps this venue as it does falls short of a genuine buzz. It’s advisable that, if you’re looking to stick around, you should travel upstairs to the relaxed area where there is a more comfortable, cosy vibe.
The DrinkThere is a fine range of beers and ales available, including the legendary Abbots Ale, the delightfully hoppy and clean-tasting Greene King IPA, and Morland Bitter. A rewarding wine list is also on offer, ideal for taking up to the next floor and sharing with someone on the sofa during a romantic interlude.
The FoodThere used to be a recognisable pizza establishment above the pub, tied in as the official restaurant. This has now disappeared in favour of a more traditional restaurant, serving reliable British pub fare such as steaks, sandwiches and wraps, making the place very popular at lunchtimes.
The Last WordIf you’ve just missed the 18.02 and the next one won’t be along until 18.32, then pop into the Railway Tavern for a quick beverage before it arrives.