A new operator has been secured for the Railway Hotel Southend, with contract negotiations underway.

J Foster, the current operator of The Old Garrison in Shoeburyness, is proceeding with discussions to take on the city’s bohemian live music venue.

The Friends of The Railway Hotel welcome this development and wish any new operator the very best.

From 2007 until its closure in 2020, the Railway Hotel stood as the vibrant heart of Southend’s live music, cultural, and artistic scenes. With a loyal customer base numbering in the thousands and an international reputation, it was a shining beacon for the city’s creative community.

As one of the last remaining mid-Victorian pubs in Southend, the Railway was officially recognised as an Asset of Community Value in October 2022, thanks to a campaign led by the Friends of the Railway Hotel and supported by thousands of residents who petitioned the City Council to designate the pub as a community asset and to protect the pub against redevelopment.

We will closely review any proposed refurbishment plans to ensure the original 19th-century architecture and distinctive Charrington heritage fittings are properly preserved. We remain hopeful that the new operator will appreciate and protect the unique features that make this venue such a vital part of Southend’s hospitality and heritage landscape.

It has now been 1,693 days since the Railway Hotel was last open to the public.