Location: Doncaster, UK | Find them: The Draughtsman Alehouse
Doncaster train station holds special meaning to us – it’s where we met in person for the first time way back in 2009. And, as non-drivers, we do a lot of train travel and have had many a wait at Doncaster station. But despite numerous visits to Doncaster station over the years, it has taken us until now to pay a visit to The Draughtsman Alehouse which is located on platform 3b. Had we known just what a little gem of a bar this is, we’d have definitely visited much sooner and will likely be visiting whenever we get chance in the future.
What we loved
The Draughtsman was formerly a Victorian buffet room. Prior to its restoration, it stood empty for 18 years. It has since been lovingly restored to show off many of its original features.
The Draughtsman has a small bar with a limited amount of seating. There were several people in the bar when we arrived, but we managed to get a seat. The staff were friendly and clearly the owners are passionate about stocking quality beer, offering a great selection of beers on draught and cask and in cans and bottles.
We were pleasantly surprised by the selection of beers on offer, and despite only planning on having one quick half before our train, we ended up treating ourselves to a second brew.
Well, how could we resist when we saw that they had three Tynt Meadow beers on tap? Tynt Meadow is the UK’s only authentic Trappist brewery and we haven’t seen their beer on tap anywhere else before now.
What we drank
Sugar & Spice by Thornbridge: Chai Latte Stout 6%
We were quite excited when we saw this Chai Latte Stout on cask. We’ve had some lovely beers from Thornbridge, we love stout and we’re always up for trying something a little bit different. It looked and smelt great, but unfortunately, I didn’t love it. It did taste like chai latte, but I’m not sure that was a good thing as it felt a little bit confused. Not dreadful, but we wouldn’t rush out to try it again.
Brewer’s note: We wanted to bring together all things nice in our Chai Latte Stout, the mouthfeel is silky and velvety ensconcing a kaleidoscope of spices. With cardamon, cinnamon and a range of other flavours you’ll experience a rich spicy, sweetness with woody, toasty hints and floral dashes. From the first sip, Sugar & Spice will take you on a full flavour journey.
Brewer’s website: Thornbridge Brewery Online Shop
3 Rules by Tynt Meadow: Belgian Dubbel 7.4%
We were super excited when we spotted Tynt Meadow on tap (we missed it when we arrived as we went straight for the cask beers). Tynt Meadow is the only Trappist brewery in the UK and we’ve never seen their beer on tap before (we do have a bottle of their original Tynt Meadow in the fridge).
There are only 10 official Trappist breweries in the world – six in Belgium, two in the Netherlands, one in Austria and one in the UK.
3 Rules is a collab between Tynt Meadow (UK) and the two Dutch Trappist Breweries, La Trappe and Zundert. As it was a collab, we guessed it wasn’t going to be permanently available. And as we only had time for one more beer, we decided we couldn’t risk missing out. We already had a bottle of the original Tynt Meadow in the fridge and we bought a bottle of the blond to take home so although we didn’t get to try all three while we were in The Draughtsman, we will get to try all three.
3 Rules was excellent. Beautifully balanced, complex flavour – a wonderful beer that should be savoured. I can’t wait to try the other two Tynt Meadow beers.
Brewer’s note: Trappist breweries Tynt Meadow, La Trappe, and Zundert proudly present an extraordinary new beer: Three Rules of Authentic Trappist. After months of collaboration in the deepest secrecy, the three Trappist abbeys have crafted a distinctive Dubbel. As a result, Three Rules of Authentic Trappist pays tribute to the three authentic rules by which Trappist breweries are governed. Proceeds from this special Trappist beer will help plant 14,000 trees with Trees for All.
Brewer’s website: Tynt Meadow
Visiting
The Draughtsman Alehouse is located inside Doncaster train station on platform 3b.
Find them: The Draughtsman Alehouse
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