The first pint has been pulled in a new pub at Carlisle station set to galvanise the region’s independent brewery scene.
The Scott & Brassey opened on Wednesday 25 February on Platform 4 following an extensive renovation of the premises by Network Rail, with support from Avanti West Coast, which manages the station, and the Railway Heritage Trust.
Boasting one of the largest selections of beers and spirits in Cumbria, the venue will support a wide range of independent local producers.
The pub opening comes as work is underway on the £27 million council-led Station Gateway Project, which will deliver a new, pedestrian-friendly frontage to the historic station. It also follows the announcement of £13.5 million Government funding to improve accessibility at the station.
The Scott & Brassey is the 14th venue designed by Lancaster Brewery, which also operates the Tite & Locke at Lancaster station that opened in April 2022.
The name is taken from Sir Walter Scott, the 19th century author who set many of his stories in Carlisle, and Thomas Brassey, one of the great Victorian railway builders who oversaw construction of the Lancaster and Carlisle railway in the 1840s.
Speaking after serving local dignitaries gathered to celebrate the pub’s opening on Wednesday, Phil Simpson, owner of Lancaster Brewery, paid tribute to the huge effort by teams of specialist tradespeople working overtime and weekends to get the pub ready.
He said: “Carlisle is an amazing station with a fascinating history. Our aim was to deliver a bar with character and quality that fits with this historic location and gives customers somewhere that feels welcoming and a little bit special.”
Hannah Clarke, Network Rail sponsor, added: “It’s always incredible to see these historic stations which have served their communities for so many years being restored to their best. It’s been great to work with Lancaster Brewery on this project, and we would love to hear from other local business owners with ideas on how to make these station spaces work for passengers and the community.”
The Scott & Brassey premises, which used to house a First Class waiting room, has been fitted out by Network Rail with £350,000 funding from the Department for Transport and a further £50,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust.
The renovation has seen high quality furnishings fitted, making the most of period features that celebrate the station’s history.
Tim Hedley-Jones, executive director of The Railway Heritage Trust said: “We are pleased to have supported the creation of the Scott and Brassey bar with two grants, one to Network Rail and one to the Lancaster Brewery. This is a great project which has restored a significant part of this historic station, and which celebrates Thomas Brassey, Engineer for the construction of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway constructed in 1844.”
The work to transform the space is part of Avanti West Coast’s commitment to partner with local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and help its stations play an active role in the community.
Lancaster Brewery has one of the North West’s leading regional cask breweries and The Lancaster Spirits Company.
Kathryn O’Brien, customer experience director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Lancaster Brewery has established a reputation for high quality venues built within heritage locations and we’re delighted to host this latest venture by them which we know will be valued by our customers and residents in Carlisle alike.”
The Scott & Brassey will see seven cask ales on hand pull, five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local cask brewers, plus one cask cider. There will also be eight keg lines, as well as a 12-tap craft keg wall showcasing local, regional and national producers.
The craft wall will rotate regularly, with a continued focus on showcasing local brewers wherever possible.
Image credit: Avanti West Coast
