Railway Tavern, Woodford Green — Restaurant in London

It’s a pub. The ‘local’ as the locals call it. I live in Canada and finally crossed the pond a few years ago to visit a friend - sorry, me mate (Johnny G) who lives just a few blocks from this pub. Ya, it’s not a white-collar establishment. Which for the area, makes a lot of sense. Anyway, I went in June for a week. The same week Team England was playing in Euro Cup! The atmosphere was electric. As for this pub, I had some good chats over several pints and Bulmers. That’s right, Bulmers Berry Cider. I couldn’t get enough of it. So refreshing, tasty and gave me a nice glow. Great warmup for JD doubles and closer pints.

I watched the England-Italy match at the Railway Tavern and it’s a good thing I was flying back to Canada (Kingston, 2 hours south of Ottawa) because all the hype and cheer just died after Italy scored the 3rd goal. It reminded me of how Toronto Maple Leaf fans must feel every time the Leafs make the Playoffs and then just get shut down. It’s hard to watch the collective dream of a nation die. Rooney couldn’t do it all by himself ya know! I don’t think he even scored that match. Anyway, that was it. And I drank more cider, whisky and beer at the Railway, and chatted with the locals and the nice bartender who seemed like she actually enjoyed her job. Smoked cigarettes at the picnic tables outside where I’d chat with a fellow smoker, normally an Ocean apart. And the Railway helped me & my old mate get where we needed to be. Then we headed for home. So if you’re Canadian or a fellow (mindful) traveller and you’re in the area, by all means, enjoy a quick pint or go 3 sheets here at the Railway Tavern. It’s not fancy or even all that interesting. But in a snap, it could become the place to be once you and your mates get there, am I right? Doesn’t matter where you go, if you’re out for a good time you’ll find it here at the Railway. So if you live close by, go there now and have a pint and enjoy the fact you have a decent public you can stagger home from.

Thanks for the good times and look forward to being a patron there...

Upon entering this place you're greeted with your nostrils being frazzled by the overwhelming stench of disinfectant. Get past that and you've essentially got a square room with a U-shaped bar in the middle, a not particularly happy barmaid and a mediocre selection of lagers (no real ale). Apparently this place does food, but based on the smell of the whole bar and the completely miserable atmosphere inside I'd take my...

This is a proper local. Not much in the way of selection of ales but decent enough if you live nearby. (There aren't many options for pubs in Woodford Green.) I wouldn't go out of my way to visit it but will absolutely drop in next time I'm passing. When you get to know the regulars, I'm sure it's a good pub...