“Closed permanently” the sign reads but the story of The Railway Bell is still worth telling. This was once a local landmark. It stood here since early Victorian times.
The Railway Bell was built shortly after the 1850 arrival of the Great Northern Railway line. Can you imagine the excitement? The railway changed everything.
The Railway Bell helped refresh travelers. They were using the new railway station close by. Barnet station was its original name. It stood in what had been mostly meadowland. That was about a mile from the center of High Barnet.
The area around the railway station developed quickly. In 1884, the station was renamed New Barnet. The Railway Bell was part of this general development.
Think about the changes this area has seen. The arrival of the railway brought growth. By 1881, the population reached 3972. Rapid development followed in the 20th century. The population grew from 18600 to 34400 in the 1930s.
Look at old photos of this area. They show Station Approach and Parsloes Bus at New Barnet station. Boer War troops were leaving for South Africa. You can see the Railway Bell in the background. It stood proudly on the right.
East Barnet Road looked different around 1908. Lytton Road in New Barnet had its own charm around 1905. The Railway Bell watched these changes unfold.
This classic pub had a double-fronted traditional design. It was near the railway bridge and Hampton Railway station. The Railway Bell occupied a unique location. It became a focal point for the area. It was a hub for the local community.
The Railway Bell offered an extensive patio area. It could accommodate up to 40 people. It was a sun trap. Customers enjoyed relaxing and chatting with friends here.
Inside, The Railway Bell had a two-room layout. There was a traditional lounge for food service. There was also a bar area. Seating was arranged around a horseshoe bar.
The Railway Bell is more than just a building. It represents a time of great change. The railway transformed this area. The Railway Bell provided a place for people to connect. It was a witness to history. It offered a place to rest.