There should always be a pub at a train station. It’s a great way to while away the time, whether due to delays or between trains. The National Railway Heritage Awards’ Urban Heritage Award was jointly won by Northern, Network Rail and craft brewery owners Gorilla Brothers for their work to rejuvenate Knaresborough Station. The new Knaresborough Station craft beer bar is set to be the new hotspot of the popular market town.
Many Yorkshire stations have redundant buildings due to changes in travel, and the wonderful people saw the potential at the Knaresborough station for a gin and real ale bar. Gorilla Brothers, a Yorkshire brewery has made the station a place to reason to visit the beautiful town’s railway station.
And, The National Railway Heritage Awards, which aim to recognise, acknowledge and reward, for the public benefit, the very best in restoration, conservation and re-use of our historic railway infrastructure, has recognised the effort they’ve gone to.
Orignally built in 1851 it is a Grade II listed building that has been given a well-deserved new lease of life. The Knaresborough conversion was praised as being a ‘real community asset’ with visitor flows throughout the day rather than people due to travel or arrive via trains.
The owners of Gorilla Brothers who converted an old waiting room into a ‘station tap’ called The Track & Sleeper, which will ensure visitors enjoy their time in Knaresborough from the moment they step off the train.
Northern’s regional director Tony Baxter said: “We are delighted with the new-look Knaresborough and the super facilities that have been delivered as part of the investment programme.
“The award is great recognition for the team’s vision of transforming disused buildings into busy and active businesses.
“The station now offers more than just trains and it is great to see the community embracing all the facilities provided.”
Gorilla Brothers co-founder Jason White said: “We had been looking for a second venue for our growing business and fell in love with Knaresborough Station when we first saw it.
“Its Victorian facade and mix of Hercule Poirot and the Orient Express look and feel was exactly the right vibe for us.
“It has been great to work with Northern and Network Rail and together we have transformed the disused space into a really smart and contemporary bar.
“It looks fantastic, and I’m delighted that since we opened in June we have been really popular both with commuters and residents of Knaresborough. I’d urge everyone to come down and enjoy a relaxed drink with us in a unique venue.”
Feature Image Credit: cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Richard Croft – geograph.org.uk/p/6065528
