12-05-2025
'It still feels like it isn't real' : Pub owner's delight after opening
The owner of an east Suffolk pub has said "it still feels like it isn't real" after turning the place around in just two weeks.
The Railway Inn, in Aldeburgh, was bought by Tanya Steadman after she ran The Crown, in Leiston, as a 'try before you buy'.
After working as a nurse throughout lockdown, Ms Steadman retired and started rescuing dogs from Turkey before trying her hand at pubs.
READ MORE: Suffolk and Essex Business News
She said: "Covid was just horrendous for nurses, and I decided that was it for me.
"I never expected to take over The Railway Inn, I mean, I knew the pub very well and people knew me, but it still feels like it isn't real.
"After getting the keys and closing on the offers, we got to work.
"I knew I didn't want the pub to be closed for long so we shut for two weeks in March and opened in April.
"The pub always looked closed so I sorted the lighting, put a stage in, renovated and added decorations that make it feel like the local it is."
The pub has undergone a revamp to make it feel more like its namesake (Image: Tanya Steadman)READ MORE: Aldeburgh News
As a nod to its namesake, the pub now displays railway memorabilia and photos, along with Ms Steadman's long-standing collection of bowler hats.
She continued: "It's become a community again.
"I want to listen to what people need, I've brought in gins for the ladies and can bring in other drinks for the locals.
"It really is a bit of a village, people knew me as a customer and I was often asked to look at broken fingers or hear about colds.
"I am surprised it has happened, especially The Railway, but opening night was good fun and I'm excited for other people."
A stage has been put in to encourage local acts to get involved (Image: Tanya Steadman) The Railway Inn has started on renovating the upstairs rooms, giving each an en-suite, the kitchen will begin food and the pub hopes to be able to put on drag brunches soon.
