NEW pub landlords next door to Kemble train station have dubbed themselves the best railway waiting room in the country.

With faceless ticket machines taking over from human ticket officers at rural railway stations, commuters will now only have the briefest of encounters with an actual person as they race to catch their train.

But new landlords at The Tavern, Phil and Ann Basford, are keen to warmly welcome commuters face to face, as they hop off the train after a long journey.

They have now started inviting passengers into their pub for a drink or some food.

“We found that we started welcoming people from around 4pm in the afternoon, when they got off the train and fancied a quick pint before they went home, or while waiting for people or connections," said Phil. "We’re as close to the station as some station waiting rooms and commuters are very welcome, as they mix well with our regulars."

Arkells is also investing in a brand new £20,000 kitchen for the pub so Phil and Ann can boost their food offer to meet demand.

Brewery director George Arkell said he was delighted to welcome Phil and Ann to The Tavern.

"They’ve got 30 years of experience running pubs," he said. "If the classic 1945 film Brief Encounter was made today, the infamous tryst between the lovers in the platform teashop might just have had a different, happier ending if it was filmed in The Tavern pub, over a pint of Arkell’s ale rather than a pot of tea."