The Railway Bell, affectionately known as “The Dip” and located just east of Hampton railway station, has remained closed since the death of popular licensee Seamus in April 2024.
With no temporary operator brought in, the doors have stayed shut for almost 12 months, leaving locals worried it may never reopen.
The pub has recently been advertised online by Stonegate Group with an ingoing cost of £9,525 and an annual rent of £35,000, under a fixed-term tenancy agreement.
The listing outlines a forecast annual turnover of £451,422 and a guide rent of £673 per week.
Stonegate describes the Railway Bell as a “classic double-fronted traditional pub” with an extensive patio area to the front offers up to 40 covers and includes a designated smoking area.
The patio is described in the listing as a “natural sun trap”, where customers have spent many hours relaxing and chatting with friends.
Inside, the trading space is arranged in a two-room layout including a traditional lounge where food is served, and a bar area with seating around a horseshoe-shaped bar.
The pub features an extensive range of cask ales and lagers, and includes a trade kitchen, allowing for the delivery of a classic pub menu.
The listing says the site “occupies a unique location” and remains a focal point for the area and local community.
Stonegate is seeking “a passionate, competent operator” with good communication skills, describing the pub as being “at the heart of the community.”
The company promotes the tenancy as an opportunity for self-employment, with ongoing support from regional managers and a network of experienced publicans.
The deal includes access to industry resources, such as free membership to the British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), and claims to offer “flexible tenancy agreements” that give new operators control over how the business is run.
Now that the pub has remained closed almost a year, there’s been a lot of unease in the community about whether the pub will reopen at all.
With several other pubs in the area already gone — including the Windmill in Hampton Hill, the Jenny Lind, and the Duke’s Head — the uncertainty around the Railway Bell is being met with growing anxiety.
The Railway Bell has long served as a key social space in Hampton, and many locals say they are hoping it can return to its former role as a vibrant community hub.
