A new pub has opened its doors at Lancaster station following works by a local brewery, Avanti West Coast and Network Rail to restore a space which remained unused for more than 40 years
Tite & Locke, a cask and keg beer emporium owned by Lancaster Brewery, is now located on platform three in what was previously the station’s old storeroom.
Lancaster Brewery, Avanti West Coast, Network Rail and The Railway Heritage Trust joined forces to carefully transform part of the Grade II Listed building. The work has uncovered an original fireplace and tiled floor, which have been hidden for many years.
The pub’s name celebrates two men who played a key part in Lancaster’s railway – architect, William Tite, who designed Lancaster station in the 1800s; and engineer, Joseph Locke, whose greatest legacy is the West Coast Main Line.
Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Lancaster, said: “We want to champion local businesses, so it has been great to work with Lancaster Brewery who shared our aspiration to transform this beautiful building and celebrate the region’s railway heritage.
“We’re delighted to see Tite & Locke open its doors and are proud to have played our part in bringing a new lease of life to this area of the station. We’re sure this unique space will be enjoyed by the local community and those travelling to and from Lancaster by train for many years to come.”
Efforts to give the space a new lease of life is part of the intercity operator’s commitment to work with local SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) and make its stations part of the communities they serve.
Tite & Locke is a first of its kind for Lancaster Brewery – offering customers the chance to spot trains and sample its showcase beer cellar.
Phil Simpson, Director of Lancaster Brewery, said: “It’s really been a long-haul involving years of discussion, work and worry but it’s clear all the pain has been worthwhile. It’s a beautiful little pub, in a fascinating location with a uniquely diverse customer base. Our thanks to Avanti West Coast and Network Rail who have proven to be insightful, encouraging, and inspirational partners.”
Rory Kingdon, Senior Sponsor at Network Rail, said: “The design of the new public house at Lancaster station is not only sympathetic to the historic nature of the building, but it also delivers a new leisure facility for passengers, making this key West Coast Main Line transport hub an even more welcoming place to be.
“With the rail network bustling again, we’re calling on businesses, health care providers, charities and community groups, to make use of the rooms within rail stations and the high footfall of people they bring, to develop their potential.”
Image credit: Avanti West Coast
