With more than three decades in hospitality and experience spanning Spain to the Midlands, Tom McCann shares the journey, inspiration and passion behind the kitchen at The Railway, Hinckley.
From training in Spain to serving much-loved pub classics in Hinckley, Tom has spent more than three decades perfecting his craft. Becoming a chef wasn’t always part of the plan. “When I left school, I became a carpenter,” he says. “I never thought I’d ever become a chef.”
Life had other ideas, and after moving to Spain, Tom trained professionally before spending many years working in a variety of kitchens. Returning to England, he continued his career in Great Glen before becoming chef at The White Horse in Atherstone. Two years later he took on The Railway in Hinckley, running both pubs for a year before deciding to focus solely on The Railway.
Tom doesn’t like to put a label on his cooking style. “I wouldn’t say I have one,” he explains. “I just love cooking all types of food.” For him, great cooking is refreshingly straightforward: start with fresh ingredients, present the dish well and make sure it reaches the table piping hot.
Travel plays a big part in shaping his menus. Whether it’s trying local dishes abroad or watching other chefs on television, Tom is always picking up new ideas. “You can always be inspired by others,” he says.
Regulars at The Railway know exactly what they’re coming back for. Traditional Sunday roasts remain the biggest draw, alongside tagliatelle and the pub’s popular beer-battered fish and chips. His signature recommendation is the seabass, served with buttered baby potatoes, steamed vegetables and homemade parsley sauce.
The dish he enjoys making most might surprise you. “I love making pizzas,” he says. “Using fresh dough, topping them with fresh ingredients and cooking them in the stone-baked pizza oven.”
Quality ingredients are non-negotiable, with much of the meat, salad and vegetables sourced from Wales. And while many chefs shy away from the pressure of a packed service, Tom embraces it. “The busier and more chaotic it is, the more I thrive,” he says.
What keeps that passion alive after all these years is hearing customers say they’ve just enjoyed one of the best meals they’ve had in a long time. At the end of the day, that’s exactly what Tom hopes people take away from The Railway: delicious food, a warm welcome, friendly service and an experience that leaves them looking forward to their next visit.
Located opposite Hinckley Train Station, The Railway is also dog friendly. To book, call 01455 697418 or visit the website below.
