About
The Station Inn in Andover is a building steeped in history. Originally dating back to the 18th century, it began life as a traditional coaching inn, serving travellers long before the advent of railways. Its location was key—situated close to the centre of town and just across from what was once the busy canal wharf built in 1796 for the Andover–Redbridge Canal. This canal was an important transport link at the time, and the inn would have seen a steady flow of canal workers, traders, and travellers.
Over the years, the inn was known by a variety of names that reflected local history. It began as the Four Bells, and with the installation of additional bells in the nearby parish church of St Michael and All Angels, the name changed to Five Bells, then Six Bells, and finally Eight Bells. Eventually, with the arrival of the Andover–Southampton Railway in the mid-19th century—affectionately called the “Sprat and Winkle Line”—the inn adopted its current name: The Station Inn. Its new name reflected its proximity to the railway station and the shift in travel from canals and carriages to trains.
Architecturally, the building is a fine example of period construction, featuring painted Flemish-bond brickwork and Victorian sash windows under a low-pitched slate roof. A standout feature is its Tuscan-style porch which adds to its classical charm. To the rear of the inn lies a historic stable block built from flint and red brick—once used for storing hay and housing horses, this structure is a rare and well-preserved piece of 19th-century craftsmanship. Both the main inn and stable block are now Grade II listed, recognising their historical and architectural significance.
Today, the Station Inn is a warm and welcoming public house that blends its rich history with a lively, modern atmosphere. It offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation with seven en-suite rooms, two bars, and a games area. A rear patio garden provides a relaxed setting during warmer months. The inn is well known for its live music nights, which take place most Saturdays, and it proudly hosts a monthly blues jam that draws musicians and fans from across the region.
Locals still fondly recall the inn in earlier days, including when it was known as The Station Hotel. One memory shared is of a group of friends trying to squeeze between the front door columns—a small detail that reflects the pub’s place in the town’s collective memory. It’s also a regular stop on local history walks, where its various names and connections to Andover’s canal, railway, and coaching heritage are brought to life for visitors.
The Station Inn continues to be an important part of the community—a place where the past is respected and the present is celebrated with good food, great music, and a friendly atmosphere.