Category Archives: Railway Station

21/02/25 – Wolverhampton and Codsall

The Great Western in Wolverhampton started out as an ale house back in 1849 and has seen quite the transformation thanks to railway growth. Now, it’s a Grade II-listed pub celebrated for its deep history and great cask ales. Other standout spots include The Lych Gate Tavern, which boasts beautiful Georgian architecture, and The Posada, a Victorian gem filled with original décor and historical importance. The Crown in Codsall, with over 180 years of history, has been revamped to blend modern vibes with its classic roots. Plus, micropubs like Hail to the Ale and Keg & Comfort bring their own unique flair and a variety of ales, making the pub scene in Wolverhampton and Codsall even more lively.

15/02/25 – CAMRA Winter Beer Festival, Doncaster, Mexborough and Moorthorpe

The Draughtsman Alehouse, opened in April 2017, is located on Platform 3b and honours the late Barry Thompson, a draughtsman for train engines. The pub features charming décor, a great selection of locally sourced beers and spirits, and delicious pork pies. The Great British Beer Festival Winter 2025 was hosted at Magna Science Adventure Centre, showcasing a rich steel history and various breweries. Gorilla Brewing Co. opened in 2020, with a spacious taproom and a lovely beer garden. The Imperial Music Venue, home to Imperial Brewery, offers music events and a quirky atmosphere. The Mallard pub, opened in May 2023, celebrates local history in a revived railway station setting.

04/01/25 – Doncaster, Sandtoft and Goole

This blog takes you on a fun tour of pubs and breweries around Doncaster and North Lincolnshire, showcasing the local drinking scene. It kicks off at Don Valley Brewery Tap, famous for its sleek brewing setup and awesome beer choices. It then dives into spots like The Leopard and The Little Plough, sharing their interesting backstories, cool architecture, and lively vibes. I taste a bunch of local ales, highlighting how much the community values quality craft beer. The adventure wraps up at Goole’s Tom Pudding micropub, which paints a picture of a cosy, welcoming atmosphere among the patrons.

15/11/24 – The Coast: Whitley Bay, Tynemouth and Monkseaton

I provide a detailed exploration of various pubs and breweries in Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Tynemouth, highlighting their unique histories, décor, and beer selections. Starting with Whitley Bay Brewing Co, which features local ales, I move through several establishments, including Cafe Amsterdam, The Dog and Rabbit, and others, each offering distinctive atmospheres and delightful craft beers. Highlights include Platform 2’s transformation from a coffee shop to a craft beer hub and the welcoming vibe of newer spots like The Crafty Cold Well. Overall, I capture the local brewing culture and community spirit in these lively establishments.

31/08/24 – Huddersfield and Brighouse

The day commenced in Huddersfield, the birthplace of British Prime Minister Harold Wilson, where a statue commemorating him stands prominently at the Railway Station. This town is also renowned for its pivotal role in the establishment of Rugby League in 1895 and its significant textile industry. Today, I participated in the “Huddopoly” event, which highlights independent venues across Huddersfield, and I explored a few additional locations. On my return journey, I made a stop in Brighouse, celebrated for the Brighouse and Rastrick Brass Band, one of the most distinguished brass bands in the United Kingdom. During my visit, I explored four venues, enjoying a diverse array of pubs, taprooms, café bars, and micropubs throughout the day.

17/08/24 – Stalybridge, Ashton-Under-Lyne and Droylsden

My day commenced in Stalybridge, a town renowned for its historical significance as one of the pioneering centres of textile production during the Industrial Revolution, notably with the establishment of a water-powered cotton mill in 1776. In 1995, it earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records for hosting both the longest pub name, “The Old Thirteenth Cheshire Astley Volunteer Rifleman Corps Inn,” and the shortest, “Q” Inn. I explored three pubs in Stalybridge before proceeding to the nearby town of Ashton-Under-Lyne. Once primarily recognized as a mill town, Ashton-Under-Lyne has transformed into a vibrant market town, where I visited five distinct pubs. I concluded my day in Droylsden, where I enjoyed my final two pub visits.

11/05/24 – Nottingham (Outskirts)

My day today takes me over to Nottingham to visit some out of town Micropubs that I have not managed to visit in the past. Started the day in the Basford area of Nottingham visiting “Black Iris Brewery” for a look around the brewery and a drink in their taproom, and heading next door to “The Lion”. Over to Sherwood next to visit “Doctor’s Orders” and “Kraft Werks”. Onto Mapperley to visit “Blues Dawg”, Daybrook for “The Abdication”, Bestwood for “The Butchers Pencil” and finishing at “Brew Tavern” next to Nottingham Railway Station.

29/03/24 and 31/03/24 – Tutbury & Hatton to Stoke-on-Trent by Train

My day today takes me out to Tutbury & Hatton by train from Stoke/on-Trent and working back calling off at Uttoxeter, Blythe Bridge and Longton. Started the day at Stoke-On-Trent visiting “bod” which is located on the Railway Station. 3 pubs in Tutbury, “The Hourglass”, “Cask & Pottle” and “New Inn”. Uttoxeter started with visiting “Night Inn” run by Uttoxeter Brewery, and onto Micropub “Horse & Dove”. Onto Blythe Bridge to visit “Crossways Micropub”, the tap for Peakstone Rocks Brewery. Longton next to visit “The Strand” and a bus out to nearby Meir to visit “Swiftys”.

23/03/24 – Rawtenstall and Burnley

My day today takes me to Rawtenstall and Burnley. Meeting up with both “Bearded Biker on Beer” and Sean and Ruth from “Brid’s Cross Brewing”, and Kinsey joining us later on. After a train journey to Burnley Manchester a short bus ride to Rawtenstall, at the centre of the Rossendale Valley. Visiting 5 awesome Micropubs, Craft Bars and Brewery Taps in this town before heading slightly out to nearby Waterfoot to visit “Whitewell”. From here I took the short bus journey back into Burnley which was famous for its Mill-Engines and the Burnley Loom was recognised as one of the best in the world. Here I visited another 4 brilliant Micropubs and Craft Bars.