Railway, Glenfield

This 19th century pub was owned by Thomas Salt & Co Ltd of Burton-upon-Trent, until that brewery's takeover by Bass in 1927. Until 2021, the pub had a prominent RAILWAY HOTEL panel on the frontage, but this has been obscured by a modern sign.

The pub was once close to the long gone Glenfield Railway Station which was the first station from Leicester West Bridge on the Leicester and Swannington Railway (L&SR) opened on 17 July 1832 as the world's third steam railway. Before reaching the station the line passed through Glenfield Tunnel, which at 1 mile 36 yards long was at the time the world's longest railway tunnel. The entrance to the tunnel can be viewed by walking along Stephenson Court (nearly opposite), and there are occasional open days when escorted public can walk into the tunnel. The tunnel is celebrated by a set of buffers alongside Stephenson Court, and this tourist attraction is also marked by a Blaby Fox statuette. Passenger trains to Leicester ended in September 1928, although coal and oil traffic continued until 29 April 1966.

The former railway line at the back of the Railway Inn is now a popular public footpath and bridleway following Rothley Brook to Brookside Meadows and linking with paths to Ratby, Groby and Kirby Muxloe.