The European Beer Consumers Union (EBCU) has recently revealed the results of its European Travel Beer Survey, celebrating the best places to enjoy a quality beer while in transit: Sheffield secured the best rail station title.
Across Europe, Sheffield has the best rail station for beer – thanks to the Sheffield Tap, a beautifully restored Edwardian pub on platform 1B. With both an on-site brewery and an impressive range of both local and international beers (including ten cask beers), it’s a must-visit.
The old First Class Refreshment Room was originally built by the Midland Railway as part of their 1905 station extension and adorned inside with Minton tiled walls and fine ornamented bar- fittings. The rooms were disused in the 1960s and became a waiting room in the 1970s before closure in 1975. The listed interior was left to decay until 2008 when restoration began. The Tap opened in 2009, with the on-site, Tapped Brewery, following in 2013. The pub is of outstanding historic importance, it is rated at Three Stars on CAMRA’s National Inventory of important historic pub interiors.
Honourable ECBU mentions included York for its nearby pubs and beer-friendly atmosphere. Brussels Central and Munich Hauptbahnhof were both praised for their easy access to excellent beer venues just outside the station. The best airport for beer was Copenhagen, with the Mikkeller Bar frequently mentioned. Also praised were Munich Airport, home to Airbräu, Europe’s first airport-based brewery. London Heathrow was also appreciated for its decent pub-style venues.
Respondents also described disappointing experiences like being served warm, bland lager at major transit hubs or finding themselves in terminals with no beer at all.
On a more positive note, the survey also unearthed some hidden gems, including praise for the nearby Stalybridge Buffet Bar and many smaller bars tucked just outside major train stations in multiple cities.
“We launched this survey to shine a light on how beer culture can thrive even in places of transit,” said EBCU chairman André Brunnsberg. “Copenhagen and Sheffield show what’s possible when quality and locality are put first. These aren’t just places to wait for your flight or train: they’re places worth arriving early for.”
The European Beer Consumers Union (EBCU) represents beer drinkers in over a dozen countries, promoting consumer rights, access to quality beer, and the preservation of local beer traditions. They hope these results will inspire more airports and railway stations across Europe to raise the bar for beer drinking travellers.
Well deserved
Absolute no brainer!!