Sitting in a new Railway at Rodley
We’ve popped into our favourite pub, The Railway to see what all the fuss is about with its makeover. We find we like it!
I heard a while ago that the Railway in Rodley, one of my favourite pubs, has changed hands again. The previous landlord Martin had really turned the place around: there were frequent interesting events, the beer was good and he was a warm and welcoming chap. We’d not heard good things about the makeover the pub has received, so we’ve popped down for a nosey.
First impressions aren’t too bad. The walls are a lighter, cleaner colour but all the local historical pictures are still on the walls. A few new nicknacks have joined them, particularly a couple of nice clocks. There are cushions and candles. The beer garden has been tidied up too. It’s not a trendy makeover, rather a sympathetic modernisation. We like it. The real fire still burns with an acrid smoke - one of my favourite features!
The Deuchars is still here and tastes OK, if a little flat and ‘thin’. The music is a little imposing.
But as we sit here on the cushions we can’t help but feel there’s something missing. It’s not seven o’clock yet but still, there’s hardly anyone here. Martin’s legendary warm welcome and banter has been replaced with blunt efficiency. I felt that my attempts to engage in conversation were deflected somewhat.
I really really want The Railway to succeed. I’m glad it’s nowhere near as bad as I was led to believe, but the buzz needs to be brought back. I’m sure it will, but right now, Hannah and I don’t feel as welcome here as in months gone by.
For those of you who are curious, Martin can now be found working at the pleasant Abbey Inn in Bramley. He’s hoping to find a new venture soon. We’ll pop down soon because it’s been a while since we visited the Abbey.
But back to The Railway. Good luck Carole and Graham, I hope it all works out for you both: look after my favourite pub! 
A comment by Michael
March 19th, 2007, 9.04am
Hi guys,
I’ve really enjoyed perusing your website and reading about the many pubs I used to frequent and many others, new and old. I migrated to Australia in 1987 and next week I will be back in Pudsey for the first time in almmost a decade. Look forward to checking out some of your recommendations - where is the Abbey exactly? Near Kirkstall Abbey, I presume?
A comment by Barman
March 19th, 2007, 6.32pm
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your comment. It’s really good to see people using the site!
I hope you enjoy your trip back to Pudsey next week. Please let us know how you get on visiting your old pubs.
The Abbey is down by the canal and is reached down Pollard Lane from Leeds and Bradford Road in Bramley.
Here’s a map to help you:
Location of The Abbey
A comment by The Railway Guy
March 26th, 2007, 12.02am
Thank you for your posts!
I don’t get the input I was once used to with the previous landlords, but keep the comment coming thick and fast and I’ll try to push them in the right direction!
Failing that, approach the new owners and suggest ways to keep the ale fresh and tasty. Not being a real ale drinker myself I’m not too sure on what is best for the customers in that respect. Graham and Carol are really friendly and they will more than welcome any advice/changes you would like to see.
Thanks again for your posts, I’m sure we will get the buzz back over summer!
A comment by Allan
November 29th, 2007, 7.14pm
I found the customer-friendly service, the standard of baguette and my pint all top value. More pubs should be like this. Well done to the new landlords.
A comment by Mike
November 29th, 2007, 7.48pm
Hi Allan,
I must confess that I have still not tried the food at The Railway. However, it’s still my local and it’s still the pub that’s closest to my heart.
Changes have been afoot once again. When I was there last Friday, we spotted the new living flame gas fires that have replaced the open fires that used to belch forth acrid black smoke into the room. This was one of Richard and my favourite Railway features, but I concede that this latest development is probably a good thing!
As an aside, I opted for the old favourite Black Sheep on my last visit, and it was faultless!
A comment by Mark wallis
January 15th, 2008, 3.06pm
My first impression was that the new occupants at the railway were a little tough to strike up a conversation with.However i was not put off by this as i understood that not everyone (even pub landlords) are natural converstionalists.Things have improved though,the food is good quality if a little pricey and the beer remains as good as ever.The railway needs the support of its local community so come on spread the word and give it a try,after all a good local is a dying breed.
A comment by Nicki
April 3rd, 2008, 7.54am
I love the Railway - Its our local and we are there pretty often! We used to love Martin, and missed him when he left, but the new landlords are great and have made the Railway as welcoming as it always was! Value for money is also great, even for a nice valentines meal! -