Sadness is in the air as Judy Dodson announces that she and Mike Jesset will soon leave The Railway Tavern in North Street.
Judy announced the departure on 1st April 2026 – exactly 12 years after she signed up as landlady, and nearly 15 years in total serving behind the bar. Mike joined just two years after her.
The garden at The Railway Tavern was a joy to behold and was well-tended by Judy.
She would also put a lot of effort into decorating the pub on special occasions, such as during the Queen’s Jubilee.
Often, there would be a huge poppy on the front of the building for Remembrance Day. Philip Potter wrote on Facebook: “I’ve got to say, in my years of drinking in pubs, you are both by far the best and friendliest publicans I know. We will miss you, especially the Remembrance Day celebrations you always put on, going that extra mile.”
New licensees will be announced in due course.
Photo copyright: Main image, Judy holding an A4 print courtesy of Lazystuff.com
