The Railway Tavern (EHER 40458)

This mid 19th century hotel was purpose-built in 1865 by the Saffron Walden Railway Company to serve the Railway Station and its customers. It shares much of its architectural detailing with the nearby railway station (EHER 15906). Following the closure of the railway line, it became a public house.

Contemporary with and sharing many of the same architectural traits and corporate styling as the main railway station, the Railway Tavern was purpose-built to serve the station and its customers, benefiting from its relative isolation away from rival hostelries within the towns centre to the north. Built to a slightly over square plan the two-storey basemented gault brick building, has brick quoins, horned sash windows and a shallow hipped slate covered roof with wide overhanging eaves. Moulded cavetto floor and eaves bands decorate the main elevations. Original courtyard boundary walls and contemporary stabling, trap house and outbuildings remain around courtyard to the east. A recent refurbishment removed the original public bar/lounge bar divisions, horse shoe bar and a small off-sales hatch adjacent to the main entrance. Current use: Remains in use a public house and is a well maintained business premises.