QHA_March 2018_Electronic_s

COMPASS
RAILWAY HOTEL
The railway line that prompted the construction of
the pub no longer exists, but the pub still does. Like
its twin the Imperial Hotel, the Railway Hotel has
stood proudly in the town since 1902 and is made of
locally made brick. It’s popular with visitors as much
for its historic splendour as for its cold beer, steak
sandwiches and warm hospitality.
Recently under new ownership, the Railway has also
seen its fair share of changes over the years. In 1988
it underwent extensive renovation. The verandas were
repaired, the building was painted, a hydraulic lift was
installed to bring supplies from an old cellar below the
footpath, and the front of the old bar was incorporated
into a new bar. Furniture throughout the building was
restored and the bedrooms were furnished. Further
work was done on the building when a grant was
made by the Department of Environment in 1996 to
allow brick piers to be repaired.
However, encounters with ghosts seem comparatively
rare down this end of the street.
QHA REVIEW | 52