England’s railway stations are home to some unique pubs, where history and hospitality meet. From repurposed ticket offices to old waiting rooms, these establishments offer architectural charm and a genuine slice of rail history. Here’s a roundup of some of the finest station pubs around England, each with its own distinctive character and offerings.
Old Ticket Office, Cambridge
Located in Cambridge, the Old Ticket Office captures a reimagined travel experience with its high ceilings and locomotive-green walls. The pub, which is temporarily closed for roof repairs but expected to reopen by the end of October, features booths resembling train carriages and outdoor seating on Station Square. Patrons can enjoy five handpulled ales, a spritz menu from Young’s, and a variety of light bites and pizzas. The presence of a live departure board ensures visitors keep track of their trains, and a canning machine allows patrons to take their favourite draughts home.
Tap on the Line, Kew, London
This historic pub forms part of London’s Kew Gardens tube station. Originally a timber steaming hall when the station opened in 1869, it was later transformed into buffet rooms and then a pub. Fuller’s acquired and refurbished the property in 2012, and it reopened in 2013. With its high oak beams and a glass atrium, the place offers two Fuller’s ales, a guest ale, an extensive food menu, and live sports viewing.
Stalybridge Buffet Bar, near Manchester
Located on platform 4 at Stalybridge station, this Victorian buffet bar dates back to 1885, retaining its original features like a marble bar top and fireplace. Offering up to 10 rotating real ales and traditional snacks like hot pork scratchings, it’s a spot for local delights such as corned beef hash and black peas. The establishment hosts a weekly quiz, folk music sessions, and periodic beer festivals. It is part of the Beerhouses group, known for its presence on the TransPennine Real Ale Trail.
Sheffield Tap, South Yorkshire
This pub in Sheffield station was once an Edwardian first-class refreshment room. It was restored in 2009, preserving original features like the mahogany bar top and terrazzo floors. In 2013, a microbrewery was added. The pub features 11 cask and 14 keg beers, as well as a selection of bottled options. Although the food choice is limited, the locally made pork pies and sausage rolls complement the extensive drink offerings.
Draughtsman Alehouse, Doncaster, South Yorkshire
The Draughtsman Alehouse is a charming spot on platform 3b of Doncaster station. This intimate venue opened in 2017 within a former Victorian station buffet bar, vacant for 18 years. Decorated with draughtsman’s drawings and original tiles, it serves real ales from Yorkshire breweries and Harrogate-distilled gin. The pub’s exceptional restoration has earned it recognition from Camra.
Scott & Brassey, Carlisle, Cumbria
On the site of the former 301 Miles From London pub at Carlisle station, Scott & Brassey launched in February 2023. Occupying a Grade II-listed waiting room from 1848, it retains features like the original platform 4 entrance lobby and stone fireplaces. Offering eight handpumps, a variety of keg beers, and platform-side seating, this modern pub retains its historic charm.
The Centurion, Newcastle upon Tyne
Sitting inside a Grade I-listed space, The Centurion occupies what was once an opulent first-class waiting lounge designed by John Dobson in 1893. Transformed into a pub in 2002, it is famed for its Burmantofts Pottery tiling, valued at £3.8 million. The pub now serves a range of beverages and offers live music on Fridays, alongside its all-day food menu and a gigantic screen showing live sports.
The King’s Head and the Head of Steam, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
In Huddersfield station, the King’s Head and Head of Steam are situated on either side of the station’s neoclassical entrance. The King’s Head, with its traditional features, offers a dozen cask ales and live music on Sundays. Nearby, the Head of Steam, housed in what used to be the station’s ticket office, offers 14 cask ales and an array of Pieminister pies.
Steamworks, Seaford, East Sussex
Opened in 2017 within Seaford station’s waiting room from 1864, Steamworks is a micropub featuring rotating Sussex real ales and live music events. After its success, a second location opened at Glynde station. The pub is among numerous micropubs that have emerged in historical station premises, adding to the beverage landscape of these unique venues.
Codsall station, Staffordshire
Once a waiting room and stationmaster’s house at Codsall station, this space was converted into a pub in 1997. Recognised by Camra for its outstanding restoration, the venue features multiple spaces including a conservatory and a cosy snug. It serves beers from Holden’s brewery and offers simple eats like cobs and pork pies, with occasional events such as pizza pop-ups and live music performances.
Reporting based on coverage first published by theguardian.com.