The Railway Hotel in Fordingbridge first customers — The Railway Hotel in Fordingbridge has reopened. Picture: The Railway Hotel.

Business Food & Drink News Wiltshire Magazine

“Exciting new beginning” for Fordingbridge pub and restaurant

Jamie JonesAugust 11, 20260 Comment0

A “NEW ERA” dawns for a heritage hotel in Fordingbridge as a well known pub landlord takes the reins.

Experienced local publican Jason Schinkel took over at The Railway Hotel on Wednesday (August 5) after previously running The Three Lions in the town and the popular Horse and Groom in Woodgreen.

One of Fordingbridge’s most recognisable landmarks and steeped in history and character, The Railway Hotel has stood for more than 160 years.

With Jason’s expertise behind the bar and in the kitchen, it is hoped the venue will become a real destination for locals and visitors alike, with Jason saying he couldn’t be more ready to get going.

He said: “We will be serving a selection of tasty meals and lighter bites to suit all appetites. We are focusing on the pub and dining initially, but accommodation will be available to book if people are looking for a place to stay in the Fordingbridge area.”

Experienced local publican Jason Schinkel has taken the reins at newly refurbished The Railway Hotel in Fordingbridge. The Railway Hotel.

Behind the building’s new chapter lies an extensive refurbishment and a significant investment. Larasian’s of The Railway Hotel was a labour of love, taking around two years to bring the building back to its full glory.

Built in the 1860s by Dorchester brewer Eldridge Pope, it was originally established to serve passengers using Fordingbridge Railway Station, once a stop on the Salisbury and Dorset Railway. The line itself closed back in 1964, but the building has stood ever since as a proud reminder of the town’s railway heritage.

That heritage was at the heart of every decision made during the refurbishment which includes five individually designed en-suite guest rooms, each named after legendary trains including the Orient Express, Bournemouth Belle and Flying Scotsman, with interiors capturing the romance and glamour of their famous namesakes.

Jason Schinkel The Railway Hotel Fordingbridge

The Railway Hotel has reopened under the stewardship of experienced local publican Jason Schinkel. Picture: The Railway Hotel

There’s also a self-contained two-bedroom cottage, accessible guest facilities and dining spaces designed to transport guests back to the golden age of railway travel.

Barry Robbins, CEO at Larasian, said: “We are delighted that Jason and his team are in place at The Railway Hotel. We wish them all the very best with their next venture.”

The Railway Hotel will be open Wednesday to Friday from noon, with the kitchen being open from 12-3pm and 5-9pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 12-9pm. To book a table or find out more about the menus, call The Railway Hotel on 01425 653388.