IT WAS once a pub and hotel, feeding, watering and housing rail workers as far back as in the 1800s.

Fast-track to 2018 and The Railway Inn, at Curdridge, near Botley, has found a new ticket to success.

It is now a popular family-run watering hole, with a highly-recommended food offering of homemade meals and popular pub classics.

The Greene King pub was taken over by the Blackman family three years ago after their mother Kay had a stint behind the bar.

Supported by sons Robbie, the pub manager, George, her marketing guru, and daughter Alice, her HR boss, she’s helped get the pub on the right track.

George said: “People know her (Kay) from her time working here.

“Some people come just to see her and my auntie.

“We also get commuters and people passing by in cars.

“It also seems to be a favourite with the locals.”

Friendly and familiar faces aren’t the only reason that keep people keep coming back to the handily-located pub.

The homemade food is also a hit, according to the Blackmans and their punters.

George said: “The restaurant is probably the most important part of the business.

“Our head chef is American and he’s brought lots of international food with him.

“It’s all homemade and there are always 10, 11 or 12 specials on the menu.”

Alongside English classics, which include the pub’s most popular dish, fish and chips, come a wide array of tasty treats – including both sweet and savoury.

Its new menu, out this week, includes pan fried seabass fillet with potatoes, spinach and sun dried tomato butter, a garlic and rosemary marinated lamb rump with chive mash, and dry-rubbed slow cooked baby back ribs with skinny fries.

The pub’s ample food menu is also matched by an equally long drinks list.

Behind it’s new bar, fitted as part of a recent £25,000 revamp, are 18 different gins, 17 vodkas and 15 whiskies.

But, according to George, the favourite drink is the aptly named Railway Ale.