All aboard for real ale
FORMER WAITING ROOM TO WET THE WHISTLE OF TRAIN TRAVELLERS
A new alehouse which has breathed new life into a former train station waiting room is on the right track for success.
The former ladies’ firstclass waiting room at Durham station has been transformed into an appropriately-named pub, The Waiting Room, with the help of Virgin Trains.
The Waiting Room, located on platform 2, opened its doors after undergoing extensive renovation work, including restoring many original features such as two Victorian fireplaces that had been boarded up and caked in several layers of paint.
The train provider helped to bring the building, dating back to 1872, back to its former glory, paying for the original stonework to be scrubbed down and the structure to be made watertight.
A five-figure grant was also provided by the Railway Heritage Trust to help the historic room enter its new chapter.
Owner Graeme Robinson has stocked the bar with regional ales from breweries such as Durham, Allendale and Hadrian Border.
He said: “Regular commuters and locals have embraced it and we look forward to the development of the outside seating area ready for the summer.”
Chris Cunningham, general manager for Virgin Trains east coast, said: “We’re proud to be playing a part in celebrating the long history of Durham station with the opening of The Waiting Room.”