Ale lovers and trains are the perfect storm, and the centre of the Venn diagram connecting the two has grown larger in recent years. However, with other, more traditional Real Ale Trails starting to be overrun with hen and stag parties, Titanic Brewery have taken things into their own hands. One of the country’s most respected, premier breweries, Titanic was founded in 1985 and has gone from strength to strength ever since. For the weekend of 13 and 14 July, they commandeer a five-mile stretch of the Churnet Valley Railways system, turning two trains into moving craft beer bars and making over 100 ales and ciders available at seven pubs across the three stations (Kingsley & Froghall, Cheddleton and Consall). British Rail might’ve stopped using the line back in 1988, but this heritage track still knows how to throw a good drinking session – the Froghall stop is even having its own special bar installed, with special brews, live folk music and a barbecue across the two days. Given the railways is officially off the grid, getting to it by public transport can usually prove a bit of a challenge – but thankfully, there will be a free shuttle bus running from The Roebuck pub in Leek town through to Cheddleton station all weekend long.
Sat 13 – Sun 14 Jul, Churnet Valley Railway, Kingsley & Frogall Station, Froghall, ST10 2HA, 10.30am – 9.30pm Sat, 10.30am – 5.30pm Sun, FREE with train ticket, www.churnet-valley-railway.co.uk
For shuttle bus: The Roebuck Pub, 18 Derby Street, Leek, St13 5AB
- Words:
- Matthew Britton
- Published on:
- Tue 25 Jun 2013
