Historical version 17 of Tap On The Line, TW9 3PZ (view current version)

Pub right next to Kew Gardens Station. It was acquired by Fuller's in 2009, and in late-2013 was given an overhaul and renamed from The Railway, its original name photo. The comments below pre-date these changes.

The main part of the pub is quite dimly lit, but there's also a conservatory with exposed brickwork, a worn tiled floor, a huge arched ornate skylight photo, and floor-to-ceiling picture windows looking directly onto the eastbound platform of the station. There's some outside seating too, some of which is covered with a large parasol/umbrella.

There are four handpumps in the bar, which on a July 2013 visit had Fuller's ESB, London Pride, and Summer Ale; they also had Honey Dew and Aspall's cider on tap. A pint of lime and soda was £1.90.

On Kake's Wednesday early evening visit in August 2008, there were a fair number of customers and most of the outside seats were taken, but I had no problem getting a table in the conservatory. Background music was playing, pretty bland but not loud enough to be annoying. Ewan had no trouble getting a table on a rainy Saturday in November 2008 either, though the conservatory was rather draughty and cold. Sport was on the TV, with the sound on in the inside area by the bar. On a Friday lunchtime in July 2013, there were a few people in around noon but plenty of space both inside and outside.

A sign seen outside in July 2008 advertised breakfast, food served all day, free wireless, and fairtrade coffee. A menu seen in August 2008 said food served noon-9pm daily (so not sure where breakfast comes in).

In July 2013, Kake's brie and tomato sandwich on granary bread (£5.50 including tortilla chips and salad garnish) photo was pretty good; the bread was firmly-textured, almost sourdough-like, and the fillings were generous and fresh. The tortilla chips were also a generous portion. The salad was properly dressed with a reasonable vinaigrette, but unfortunately some of the leaves seemed a bit bashed-about.

Child-friendliness: A sign seen in August 2008 said children are welcome in the conservatory until 7pm. As of July 2013 there's a children's menu photo with an activity sheet (puzzles and colouring-in) as well as at least two highchairs (without trays).

Accessibility: One step at both entrances. Step-free to bar and seating once you're in. Toilets are in the basement, down a straight flight of stairs with a sturdy handrail on both sides. The cubicles in the ladies' are a bit of a squeeze to get into.

See also:

Last visited by Kake, July 2013.
OS X co-ord: 519196 OS Y co-ord: 176764 (Latitude: 51.476776 Longitude: -0.283444)
This is version 17 (as of 2013-12-03 05:34:05). View current version. List all versions.