A popular Featherstone pub has reopened its doors after a £272,797 transformation, bringing a revamped bar, new darts boards and an upgraded outdoor space to the community.

The Railway, on Station Lane, officially reopened on Wednesday, October 21, following the major investment by Proper Pubs, the community-focused division of Admiral Taverns.

At the heart of the relaunch is operator Diane Perry, who is marking her 20th anniversary behind the bar at The Railway in the same week as the reopening.

Diane said: “I am so thrilled to be re-opening the doors of The Railway and have loved seeing the refurbishment come to life over the past few weeks.

placeholder image — The Railway is now open for business

“It’s made it an even better community place to meet – the garden means people can use it all year round and the new darts boards will encourage more people to play.

"We are already a big family at the Railway, but this will create an even warmer community feel. The pub is already looking amazing, and I cannot wait to welcome back customers, both old and new.”

For sports and games fans, two new darts boards have been installed, with regular competitions planned.

Outside, the pub’s garden has been transformed into an all-year-round space, with improved seating, additional heating for colder months, a refurbished covered stage and a larger outdoor TV for major sporting events.

The Railway has been turned into an all-year-round garden, with improved seating areas and more heating for the winter months, a refurbished outdoor stage including a roof, and a larger external TV to watch all important sports games.

A packed programme of events is planned to mark the pub’s return.

The celebrations began with a VIP soft launch for local businesses and a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring True Blue Revival Group, the supporters-led organisation formed to help save and resurrect Featherstone Rovers rugby league club.

The programme also includes:

Thursday, October 22: ‘Killer Darts’ competition showcasing the new boards.

Friday, October 23: ‘Nosey Friday’, giving locals the chance to look around the revamped pub while celebrating Diane’s 20 years at The Railway.

Saturday, October 24: The Grand Opening, featuring a drag artist, DJ, food van and competitions, alongside a showcase of the revamped garden.

The pub will also host regular live music, sports screenings, darts and pool teams, games club sessions, karaoke and quiz nights.

Diane is also planning to make community support a key part of the pub’s future, including collecting food for the local foodbank and supporting causes such as the Prince of Wales Hospice.