A new heritage pub has steamed into life at Carlisle railway station, promising to galvanise Cumbria’s independent brewery scene.

The Scott & Brassey officially opened on 25 February on Platform 4, with the first pint pulled in a venue transformed from a former First Class waiting room into a characterful celebration of railway history.

The careful £400,000 renovation was delivered by Network Rail, backed by Avanti West Coast, which manages the station, and the Railway Heritage Trust.

Named after novelist Sir Walter Scott and Victorian railway pioneer Thomas Brassey, the pub pairs period features with high-quality furnishings. It launches as work continues on the £27m Station Gateway Project, and following a further £13.5m in Government funding to improve accessibility.

Operated by Lancaster Brewery, the venue is its 14th site and sister to The Tite & Locke at Lancaster station. Drinkers can choose from seven cask ales, a cask cider, eight keg lines and a 12-tap craft wall spotlighting local, regional and national producers, one of the largest selections in Cumbria.

 “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.”

Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of The Railway Heritage Trust.

“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.”

Kathryn O’Brien, Customer Experience Director at Avanti West Coast.