The Railway Inn Calverley review: I visited a canalside Leeds pub enjoying a new lease of life

The Railway Inn has always been a charming boozer.

Nestled between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, it serves up a countryside feel without actually taking you out of the city.

I moved to West Leeds four years ago and it became one of my locals, one I have only been too happy to wander into midway through a walk down the canal.

However, there used to be some mixed feelings. I loved the pub, but would often find it eerily quiet on evenings there should have been a steady flow of punters.

I found it lacked a buzz - but this no longer seems to be the case. I went along recently on a Sunday afternoon, midway through a wander that was only ever going to result in me veering off-course and through The Railway’s doors.

The atmosphere was fantastic - families, couples, dog-walkers, cyclists and more all enjoying an afternoon drink. Many were ordering from the food menu, which I noticed features Pieminister pies.

There has clearly been a conscious effort to give the pub a new lease of life and it very much appears to be working. The intense heat we had earlier in the summer was gone, yet visitors were spread across the vast majority of the beer garden benches.

Staff routinely made their way through the premises, tidying up plates and glasses to ensure busy did not equal messy. They could not have been friendlier - nor could the staff behind the bar.

The interior has retained its charm, nodding to the history of the building, yet nostalgia is not leaned upon too heavily. It was incredibly tidy and presentable.

As for the drink selection, it is varied, with all tastes catered for. Cask aficionados will be happy, as will Guinness fans, lager lovers, cider drinks and enjoyers of wines and spirits.

Pints are priced reasonably too, with a Stella Artois lager and an Inch’s cider coming at a combined cost of £10.15.

To quote Field of Dreams, if you build it, they will come. The Railway have built a real warmth and I was not particularly surprised to see punters continue to stroll in as the afternoon progressed.

The beauty of such a charming pub is that once you are in, you do not really want to leave. I have always enjoyed my trips to The Railway, but my most recent one was undeniably my favourite.

Factfile

Address: Calverley Bridge, Calverley, Leeds, LS13 1NR

Telephone: 0113 819 7181

Opening hours: Sunday-Tuesday: 12-8pm, Wednesday-Saturday: 12-11pm

Website: N/A

Scores

Drinks: 9/10

Value: 9/10

Atmosphere: 10/10

Service: 9/10

Total: 9.25/10