The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is pleased to announce the launch of a new leaflet for residents and visitors, ‘Rail Ale’.
 
Rail Ale is a handy guide of recommended real ale pubs within easy reach of the Isle of Man’s heritage railways. As well as a description about each pub, the leaflet contains useful information such as disabled access, contact numbers, directions and availability of food; as well as what real ales are available.
 
Hon. Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Community, Culture and Leisure commented: ‘This new leaflet is a great guide for residents and visitors. It will be an especially useful companion for those taking advantage of the increased services, including the additional evening trains and trams this year.’
 
Based on the success of earlier Rail Ale events, the leaflet is an initiative by Isle of Man Railways, working closely with CAMRA, Bushy’s and Heron and Brearley.
 
Clive Alford from CAMRA Isle of Man commented: ‘CAMRA would like to congratulate Isle of Man Railways for the highly professional Rail Ale leaflet produced, the quality of which more than matches those of a similar type in the U.K. In particular, the leaflet has been an outstanding example of cooperation by Okell’s and Bushy’s, along with the hospitality industry and Isle of Man Railways. As a result we feel this is a valuable tool in promoting our high quality pubs and the on Island brewing industry to both tourists and the local population alike. Enjoy the real ales! CAMRA Isle of Man.’
 
Martin Brunnschweiler from Bushy’s Brewery added: ‘I think this is a great initiative which, as far as I know, is the first time that both brewers’ activities are being promoted alongside each other. I'm certain it will enhance the experience for both Railway fans and beer lovers alike and I think Isle of Man Railways should be congratulated for making it happen.’
 
Stephen Robinson, Head of Operations at Heron & Brearley commented: ‘As a brewery we take Real Ale seriously and are proud to promote our local ales brewed under the Manx purity laws offering visitors and residents alike a taste of Manx heritage. The railway is a great way to see the Island and linking this to the fantastic pubs on route serving a range of cask ales and food, make for a great day out.’
 
This brochure precedes an upcoming Real Ale Festival, held at the Falcon’s Nest in Port Erin (4th to 7th May) where regular trains and buses will be travelling to and from the festival. On Sunday and Monday the 2pm steam train departure from Douglas will include an on board bar, so passengers can sample some real ales on the way. For those travelling by rail, tickets include free entrance into the festival and free bus travel home if you miss the last train.

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