First Pint Pulled at Carlisle Station’s New Heritage Pub

A new station pub has opened its doors at Carlisle, with its backers hoping it will provide a boost to Cumbria’s independent brewing scene while breathing new life into a historic railway space.

The Scott & Brassey welcomed its first customers on Tuesday 25 February on Platform 4, following an extensive refurbishment led by Network Rail. The project was delivered with support from Avanti West Coast, which manages the station, and the Railway Heritage Trust. The venue occupies a former First Class waiting room that has been transformed with £350,000 from the Department for Transport and an additional £50,000 grant from the Railway Heritage Trust.

The opening comes at a time of wider change for the station. A £27 million council-led Station Gateway Project is currently underway to create a more pedestrian-friendly entrance, while £13.5 million in Government funding has been confirmed to improve accessibility.

Designed and operated by Lancaster Brewery, the pub is the company’s 14th venue and follows the launch of Tite & Locke at Lancaster station in April 2022. The name pays tribute to Sir Walter Scott, whose 19th century writings were often set in Carlisle, and Thomas Brassey, the Victorian engineer who oversaw construction of the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in the 1840s.

Inside, the focus is firmly on independent producers. The Scott & Brassey offers seven cask ales on hand pull — five from Lancaster Brewery and two from local brewers — alongside one cask cider. Customers can also choose from eight keg lines and a 12-tap craft keg wall that will rotate regularly, showcasing local, regional and national breweries, with an emphasis on producers close to Carlisle.

Phil Simpson, owner of Lancaster Brewery, 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."

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.”

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.”

Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, said:

“For Network Rail and Lancaster Brewery to come together to support this innovative project—reimagining historic spaces to create the Scott and Brassey Pub, is truly amazing. We ask all residents and visitors to, of course, drink responsibly, but also to enjoy this new gem at the station.”

Julie Minns, MP for Carlisle and North Cumbria, said:

“The opening of this bar is a further sign of the confidence in Carlisle’s future and perfectly complements the significant government investment in the Station Gateway project. Together, these developments are transforming the station into a modern and welcoming entrance to our city that reflects the pride we all share. Alongside the Citadels campus and the Market Square and Greenmarket revamp, we are seeing a total transformation of our city centre into a destination we can all be proud of. By featuring at least three cask ales from breweries within 20 miles of Carlisle, the bar is showcasing the very best of our local producers to everyone arriving in our city.”

Image: Avanti