A long-standing pub beside Doncaster railway station is set to reopen after a restoration by the family behind The Draughtsman Alehouse.
The Railway Alehouse on West Street is due to open to the public on Wednesday 23 September following a VIP preview attended by local pub writer Scott Spencer.
Russ and Luke Thompson, who run The Draughtsman on platform 3b at Doncaster station, have brought the former Railway Hotel back into use while retaining details connected to the building and the city’s railway heritage.
Original features uncovered during restoration
Mr Spencer, of Micropub Adventures, said the work had revealed a patterned tiled floor that was already part of the pub. The front of the bar has been stripped back to expose its timber, while a section of genuine railway rail has been fitted around the base.
The railway theme continues through the rooms. Plans of the Railway Hotel dating from 1931 are displayed alongside old luggage, railway photographs and other items connected to the building’s past.
Inside, the restored pub includes fireplaces, dark beams, parquet flooring, leather chairs, bench seating and separate areas intended to retain the feel of a traditional public house.
Scott Spencer said: “The Railway Alehouse feels like a pub that respects its past while starting a new chapter, and I think it’s going to be a great addition to Doncaster.”
Cask ale and a wider drinks range
Four cask ales were available during the soft opening, alongside a larger selection of keg beer. A board beside the bar listed measures and prices, including pints, halves and thirds.
The refrigerators also carried a selection of British craft beer and Belgian and continental bottles and cans. The range observed at the preview may change after the public opening.
Mr Spencer said the new venue had not simply copied The Draughtsman. While the station alehouse is known for its unusual platform setting, the Railway Alehouse has more room and several distinct seating areas.
Close to Doncaster station
The Railway Alehouse is at West Street, Doncaster, DN1 3AA, immediately beside the railway station and transport interchange.
The Campaign for Real Ale lists the premises under its former names of the Railway and Railway Hotel. Its venue information describes a street-corner pub with a public bar, snug and upstairs function room, and says the building is around half a minute’s walk from the station.
The opening creates a second Doncaster venue for the Thompson family. The Draughtsman Alehouse opened in a restored Victorian buffet room at the station in 2017 and is run by Russ Thompson with his son Luke.
Visitors planning a trip should check the venue’s own latest information for opening hours and availability before travelling.
This report is based on a first-hand account and original photographs supplied by Scott Spencer of Micropub Adventures. Mr Spencer confirmed that the photographs are his own and may be used by Local Gazette. Address and venue-history details were checked against CAMRA’s Doncaster listing.
