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The Great Central Beer, Cider & Gin Festival

Join us for our annual Beer, Cider & Gin Festival, a celebration perfect for drink enthusiasts and families alike! This year, we're expanding the festivities with the introduction of a Gin bar at Quorn & Woodhouse, offering a delightful range of gin, rum, and cocktails alongside our wide selection of beers and ciders.

FREE ENTRY!⭐

That’s right – no tickets needed! Join us from 19th – 22nd September at the Great Central Railway and enjoy 125 beers, live music, and great vibes all weekend long. Bring your friends and family and celebrate with us! 🚂🥳 Trains tickets are available to purchase online.

Multiple Locations

There will be 3 bars, located at Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, and Rothley stations. Enjoy select beers and ciders aboard our A set.

125 Beers for 125 years

Raise a glass to the Great Central Railway’s 125th anniversary! With 125 Beers for the 125 years, explore an extensive range of beers, including 18 vegan-friendly and 14 gluten-free options. Making it the biggest beer festival in Leicestershire.

New Gin, Rum & Cocktail Bar at Quorn

This year, we’re bringing a new twist to the Beer, Cider & Gin Festival with our Gin, Rum & Cocktail Bar at Quorn & Woodhouse! Enjoy a great selection of craft gins, rums, and delicious cocktails.

Live Music

Experience live music at Quorn & Woodhouse. Friday 1700-1845 - Zarakan - Blues/Blues Rock Friday 2030-2245 - Heart of Oak - Acoustic covers from the 60's to today! Saturday - 1700-1845 - Ruthie Woods - Local vocalist with a wide mix of covers! Saturday - 2030-2230 - Analogue Haze - 80’s Best Hits!

Food Stalls

Savor delicious bites with food stalls offering wood-fired pizzas, hotdogs, loaded fries, cheese & onion cobs, pork pies, sausage rolls, and more across our stations.

Train Services

Regular train services will be available until the bars close (excluding Thursday). The timetable will include extended passenger trains on Friday and Saturday.

Charity Raffle

Don’t miss our Charity Raffle at the Beer, Cider & Gin Festival! Tickets are just £2 each, and with over £300 worth of prizes up for grabs, it’s a great chance to win something special while supporting a good cause. All funds raised will go towards the beginning of the overhaul fund for the 04 Locomotive 63601

Bar Operating Hours

Thursday: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Loughborough only) Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Loughborough, Quorn & Rothley) Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Loughborough, Quorn & Rothley)

Heritage Services

There’s one last chance to travel behind visiting locomotive Class 31 31108 before it returns home to the Midland Railway Butterley. 108 is rostered on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd September as part of our Beer Festival line up! The departure times from Loughborough can be seen on the timetables above.

Ticketing & Parking

Standard fares apply throughout the event, with an event programme available featuring Beer & Cider lists and local taxi services. Normal parking arrangements at all locations, including disabled parking at Quorn.

The List Of Beers & Ciders 😍

Beers and Ciders at Loughborough

Beers and Ciders at Loughborough

No Brewery Beer Name ABV Style Category Ve GF Description
1BramptonBrampton Best4.2%CASKBest BitterOur standard session bitter brewed using only traditional and classically English malt and hop combinations.
2BramptonCurse of the Bambino4.4%CASKAmerican IPAA modern classic American IPA. Dark golden in colour and packed brimful with lip-smackin' American citrus aroma hops.
3BramptonMount Washington4.5%CASKJuicy Hazy PaleYA juicy hazy pale ale. It's styled on a New England IPA and blends classic American citrus hops with a new tropical UK variety to give a unique flavour.
4BramptonTudor Rose4.6%CASKPaleA well balanced and creamy pale ale. Dominated by new world citrus hops Tudor Rose is built upon a clever combination of pale malt varieties.
5BramptonBrampton Mild4.9%CASKPremium MildDark roasted and jam packed full of flavour. Actually it's very difficult to describe as the characteristics change so much.
6BrentwoodBlonde4.0%CASKBlondeYA light blonde session bitter with full fruit flavours and a crisp finish from Styrian Golding hops.
7BrentwoodBest4.2%CASKBitterYOur best bitter made with a good dose of Challenger and EKG hops giving a well rounded flavour and aroma. Light copper in colour this beer is a firm favourite with our regulars.
8BrunswickRailway Porter4.3%CASKPorterA classic English black porter lightly hopped and smooth on the palette with roasted coffee flavours.
9BrunswickThe Usual4.2%CASKBitterA traditional copper coloured best bitter finely balanced with toffee flavours imparted by use of Crystal malt.
10BrunswickRocket4.7%CASKIPAA pale IPA style beer heavily hopped with a multitude of Australian and US hops to give pleasant citrus and apricot flavours.
11BrunswickBlack Sabbath6.0%CASKDarkThis multi award winning strong ale is as dark as the name suggests! Dangerously quaffable with smooth liquorice flavours.
12Castle RockOur House3.4%CASKExtra PaleDelicate and refreshing EPA with a lower alcohol level. Easy drinking with subtle notes of tropical fruit citrus and pine on the nose. Brewed using Ekuanot and Citra hops.
13Castle RockBlack Gold3.8%CASKMildAn award winning well balanced dark mild with some bitterness full bodied but not overly sweet. This beer delivers a light fresh taste to one of the more traditional of beer styles.
14Castle RockStatic Energy4.0%CASKHazy PaleYYFloral and Pine aromas come from Loral & Talus hops with delicate mnage peach and pineapple flavours with a cereal sweetness and understated bitterness.
15Castle RockSoft Focus4.5%CASKHazy PaleYYThis hazy zesty session pale is full of aromas of lemon sherbet. The first sip gives flavours of fresh lemon and juicy lime then backed by subtle pine with a soft creamy mouthfeel. Brewed using Motueka & Lemondrop hops.
16Castle RockOatmeal Stout4.6%CASKStoutYRich rounded and full of aromas of dried fruit and marmalade followed by deep coffee caramel and chocolate flavours. Brewed with Phoenix hops. Gold winner in bottles in 2022.
17Dancing DuckBrown Clough4.0%CASKRed/BrownWhichever end of the A52 you live this 4% brown ale is a well-balanced mix of malt and zesty New Zealand hops. Easy drinking and very moorish.We’re not saying it’s the best beer in the world but...
18Dancing DuckBeaky Blinder4.5%CASKHazy GoldenYAn unfined golden ale with a blend of hops from the USA and UK. With a complex character it’s a bold bad ass beer that will leave you desperate for more.
19HoldensSummer Buzz4.2%CASKGolden (Honey)Straw coloured ale finished with locally sourced honey to create that perfect summer taste.
20HoldensGolden Glow4.4%CASKGoldenA golden ale with subtle yet fragrant hop aromas a moreish gentle sweetness and an almost citrus like pleasant bitter finish. Brewed using English Maris Otter malts and choicest Fuggles.
21Lymestone7 Stone Weakling4.2%CASKBitterEnglish traditional hoppy ale brewed specially for the Olympics.
22NottinghamRobin Hood3.9%CASKBitterAn easy drinking and well balanced bitter although slightly hoppier than the other beer in the core range.
23NottinghamCock & Hoop4.4%CASKRed/BrownA tawny well balanced ale style beer with a well rounded palate and a zesty finish.
24NottinghamSupreme5.2%CASKGoldenA champion among premium beers. Light in colour and hop balance giving a strong ale that commands respect.
25NottinghamBullion4.7%CASKGoldenGold in its purest form! 24 carat single malt with a multi faceted triple hop finish.
26ShipstonesOriginal Bitter3.8%CASKBitterShipstone’s Original is brewed from a blend of Fuggles and Goldings hops and tastes better than ever. It is dry clean and has a wonderful malty body with a traditional bitterness.
27ShipstonesI.P.A5.5%CASKIPAA true English IPA more golden than its counterparts full-bodied and well balanced.
28SilhillGoldstar3.9%CASKGoldenFour different grains finest Goldings hops and the sweet kiss of honey from our local bee hives make this classic beer that’s light crisp and dry.
29SilhillWOW4.0%CASKIPAPrepare to be WOWED by this Zesty IPA with citrus and floral aromas that will send your taste buds a wakey wakey rise & shine message.
304T'sElvis Peachley4.6%CASKIPAA Peach infused IPA.
31NottinghamRock Bitter3.8%BOTTLEBitterA pale ale first brewed by Nottingham Brewery in the 19th century as a refreshing quaffing ale for workers of the city.
32NottinghamLegend4.0%BOTTLEBitterTraditional amber session ale flavoursome ale character and a hoppy finish. A beer that will be talked about for generations.
C1Farmer Jim's CiderStrawberry & Kiwi4.0%BOXDryA light fruity cider with added Strawberry juice and sharp kiwi extract.
C2GwatkinsSilly Ewe4.5%BOXDrySilly ewe Dry cider is very light brown in colour with oak and apples in aroma. Packed full of rich apple flavours that provide a dry tannic aftertaste.
C3Broadoak CiderKB7.5%BOXDryA dry full bodied copper coloured cider made from west country apples including the famous Kingston Black variety.
C4Cotswold Cider CoFreak Show4.5%BOXMediumTwisted kicks of bittersweet cider apple give this medium cider that freaky feel. Through the depths of cloudy apple goodness the freak reveals itself to the echoes of a distant past to real cider's glory days. Medium cloudy freaky!
C5Sting CiderTuck's Tipple4.7%BOXMediumA medium cider sessionable just right for a long night or to complement a good meal.
C6Thistly CrossScottish Fruits3.4%BOXSweetHandpicked strawberries elderflowers and blackcurrants make this cider blush. Its floral fruity and Scottish to the core.
C7Duddas TunSalted Caramel4.0%BOXSweetA perfect marriage of fresh apples and caramel with just a hint of salt.
C8Farmer Jim's CiderFarmyard Fruits4.0%BOXSweetA pale refreshingly fruity blended cider full of the joys of summer!
C9SnailsbankRhubarb4.0%BOXSweetA real apple cider infused with tart Rhubarb and blended with vanilla for a smooth session cider.
C10Cockeyed CiderCockbird5.0%BOXSweetTraditional Sweet Cider from traditional Westcountry Cider apples.
Beers and Ciders at Quorn

Beers and Ciders at Quorn

No Brewery Beer Name ABV Style Category Ve GF Description
33CharnwoodTipping Point4.2%CASKRed/BrownSix different grains harvest a wonderful light red coloured beer. American and New Zealand hops provide just the right balance to this early autumnal ale.
34CharnwoodSteam Train4.5%CASKGoldenEnjoy a nostalgic ride with this smooth deep golden ale. Subtle English hops and sweet crystal malt bring a fresh honeyed character to this easy drinking beer.
35CharnwoodBy George4.6%CASKBitterA traditional English ruby coloured premium bitter. A combination of pale crystal and chocolate malts give an upfront sweetness tempered by the late addition of spicy hops.
36BrentwoodGalaxy4.4%CASKPaleYAn Australian Pale ale which is out of this world (sorry) hopped with galaxy for a stone fruit finish.
37BrentwoodLumberjack5.2%CASKAmberYOur strong slightly sweet full bodied bitter is brewed using traditional English Fuggles and EKG hops to give a round hoppy finish.
38MilestoneNorth Rock4.0%CASKRed/BrownA session ale with a crisp hop and caramel flavour.
39MilestoneLoxley4.2%CASKBitterTraditional bitter infused with honey and a crisp finish.
40MilestoneBlack Pearl4.3%CASKIrish StoutAuthentic Irish Stout full bodied with a dry bitter finish.
41Hollow StoneSchluss4.0%CASKGoldenYYA full on Munich Malt ale golden amber in colour and has a variety of hops thrown in to give it a great bite and plenty of flavour.
42Hollow StoneFrasassi4.8%CASKHazy PaleYYA light and easy drinking pale with a crisp base of extra pale wheat and oats. It has fresh citrus and grapefruit on the nose with low bitterness and a clean finish.
43ShinyAffinity4.6%CASKPaleYYA multi award winning beer. A strong golden bitter with lots and lots of fruity Citra hops!
44ShinyCentennial4.1%CASKPaleYYWe’re spinnin’ those single hop Centennial Type Beats full of grapefruity tangerine and piney notes.
45Blue MonkeyPrimate4.0%CASKBitterA traditional amber bitter with a smooth creamy head. Aroma of mellow chocolate and caramel a quaffable session ale with a soft lingering bitterness to finish.
46Blue MonkeyMango IPA4.6%CASKIPAOur Mango IPA is brewed with Citra along with mango to deliver a perfectly fruity refreshing pint over the summer period!
47Blue MonkeyCinder Toffee5.0%CASKStoutYA rich full bodied stout with huge toffee aromas and delicious caramel undertones lingering nicely on the tongue a crunchie in a glass!
48LeatherbritchesA Kind of Magic4.0%CASKGoldenBRAND NEW record collection beer. Pale golden in colour with Jester Citra & Chinook hops for a truly magical blend.
49LeatherbritchesDovedale4.4%CASKBitterTraditional deep brown bitter.
50LeatherbritchesHairy Tosser4.7%CASKSpiced GoldFull bodied pale blonde ale with the addition of elderflower and ginger.
51LeatherbritchesBlack Forest Bock4.9%CASKCherry BockA dark bock infused with cherries for a fruity German style beer.
52LeatherbritchesBohemian Pilsner4.9%CASKPilsnerA subtly hopped true pilsner.
53LeatherbritchesBerry Dangerous5.2%CASKFruity DarkRich with red berries this dark fruity favourite is a taste sensation.
54Lenton LanePale Moonlight3.7%CASKPaleA crisp refreshing session pale ale.
55Lenton LaneCloudburst4.6%CASKIPAYAn unfined session IPA its packed with a trio of New World hops Summit Centennial & Amarillo for a big juicy hop profile.
56Lenton LaneEscape5.0%CASKIPAChampion beer of Nottingham 2024! A collaboration between Lenton & Adventure expect fruit flavours and tropical undertones from the lashings of US hops.
57Lenton LaneBananas No Pyjamas8.4%CASKFruity Belgian PaleYA lush smooth Belgian Pale with subtle hints of bananas. This year's strongest festival beer!
58BeermatsHazmat4.0%CASKSession IPARefreshing session IPA bursting with mango flavour and tropical aroma finished with a crisp citrus aftertaste.
59BeermatsMatterhorn4.5%CASKStoutA perfectly balanced dry stout infused with hints of raspberry and white chocolate.
60BeermatsAutomaton4.8%CASKAmerican BlondeA happy refreshing American blonde beer.
61TorrsideRacing to Lose4.0%CASKBitterYSatisfying amber bitter brewed with Australian hops.
62TorrsideYellow Peak4.2%CASKAPAYLight fruity APA brewed with Amarillo Summit and Mosaic.
63TorrsideCandlewick4.0%CASKStoutYA silky smooth pitch-black stout with a rich dark chocolate finish.
64EyamCoolstone Pale3.4%CASKPaleA straw coloured dry pale ale dry hopped to give a citrus sherbet finish.
65EyamEyam Best Bitter4.1%CASKBitterA light copper coloured beer an easy drinking bitter with a late hop addition to give a floral hint to the bitter base.
66EyamRing O Roses IPA4.1%CASKIPAA pale base with a noticeable bittering hop addition with dry hopping to add a complex hop aroma from a United Nations blend of hops.
67EyamHope Vally Haze NEIPA5.4%KEGIPAKEG Beer. Using El Dorado Citra and Mosaic hops to give a big soft tropical fruit aroma. Oats and wheat give it a cloudy appearance.
68EyamBeer with no name4.2%KEGFruity PaleNEW! Genuinely that new it doesn't actually have a name yet. A refreshing light pale ale with tropical soft and citrus fruit aromas.
69CharnwoodMasquerade0.5%BOTTLEGoldenLOW ALCOHOL. A combination of Barley wheat and oats create the base for this low alcohol beer. Four American hops give a wonderful hoppy aroma and taste.
70Mount Saint BernardTM English Trappist Blond5.0%BOTTLETrappist AleSimilar in style to that of the trappist ale but lighter in colour and slightly weaker in strength but with all the taste! Brewed in the Charnwood Forest!
71TorrsideWill of the people5.0%BOTTLEPorterA Classic English porter no messing.
72Blue MonkeyInfinity +15.6%BOTTLEGolden IPAA punchy strong IPA based on our award winning Infinity IPA. Brewed with British and wheat malts with an amplified flavour by dry hopping with masses of Citra. Infinitely satisfying!
C11Broadoak CiderPheasant Plucker4.5%BOXDryA traditional cloudy Somerset dry cider with a full bodied flavour obtained from handpicked bitter sweet west country apples.
C12Charnwood CiderSomerset Redstreak Dry5.6%BOXDryA classic and much used bittersweet cider apple with soft tannins.
C13Celtic MarchesSlack Alice4.6%BOXMedium DrySlack by name but not in flavour. A medium dry balanced blend of homegrown cider apples creates a moreish sharpness. At the drier end of the range but is still smooth and mellow.
C14Charnwood CiderDnB Medium5.6%BOXMediumA balanced blend of Dabinett a classic bittersweet and Brown's apple a classic bittersharp and easy going moreish cider.
C15Charnwood CiderDabinett Single6.5%BOXMediumSoft and smooth a great cider for those who like them dry!
C16Lilley's CiderBee Sting Perry6.8%BOXMediumSweet but incredibly refreshing with a glorious fresh tasting pear flavour and a wonderful pear aroma.
C17Lilley's CiderColider3.4%BOXSweetThis is a fantastic collision between our crisp Somerset Cider and our very own premium cola. Its smooth and very refreshing with hints of caramel. Contains Caffeine.
C18Lilley's CiderWinter Fruits3.4%BOXSweetNEW! We have expertly blended our crisp Somerset cider with Apple and Blackberry juice to create this wonderfully fruity sweet drink. Just like an apple and blackberry crumble!
C19Lilley's CiderWoo Woo3.4%BOXSweetOur fruity playful take on this classic cocktail. Luscious peach and tangy cranberry are combined with crisp Somerset cider making this a sweet lively joy.
C20Broadoak CiderPurple Haze4.0%BOXSweetRed and black fruits blended with our cloudy cider to produce a unique refreshing fruit medley bursting with flavour. Slightly cloudy.
C21SnailsbankRaspberry Ripple4.0%BOXSweetSweet but gently tangy raspberry rippled with a dash of vanilla.
C22Lilley's CiderMango Zero0.0%BOXSweetZERO ALCOHOL. All the flavour of the Mango cider but with no alcohol! An aromatic sweet cider expertly blended with exotic mango to create a mouth watering tropical flavour.
Beers and Ciders at Rothley

Beers and Ciders at Rothley

No Brewery Beer Name ABV Style Category Ve GF Description
73New Buildings BreweryWindmill Best Bitter4.1%CASKBitterWith a blend of the finest malts and hops this windmill is guaranteed to generate a delicious best bitter.
74New Buildings BreweryTreehouse Marmalade IPA4.2%CASKIPAAn IPA with citrus bursts from Amarillo hops with an orange twist from marmalade added in the brewing. There is a slight natural haze.
75New Buildings BreweryCruck House4.5%CASKRed/BrownA sturdy framed mahogany ale with a crossbeam supporting autumnal flavours and a fresh aroma.
76New Buildings BrewerySummerhouse Pale Ale5.5%CASKPaleThis premium pale ale with a spicy citrus nose from Amarillo and Mosaic hops. Citrus Pale.
77Shiny4 Wood4.5%CASKBitterYYTastes of sweet malt, red fruits, a dab of chocolate and tangy plum skins with a nutty woody background and a fairly dry finish.
78ShinyRocky4.1%CASKPaleYYA solid and highly drinkable ale brewed with Cascade and Mosaic for their fruity and citrus qualities with a bit of Zeus for added edge!
79ShinyBru-1 Type Beats4.1%CASKPaleYYWe’re back baby Shiny spinnin’ those Bru-1 Type Beats. Bright floral with pineapple as the star.
80Hollow StoneOligo Nunk4.0%CASKHazy PaleYYA session pale ale with a fresh aroma and a slight citrus finish. It has notes of passionfruit and hints of the tropics.
81ParishFruits of the Parish3.9%CASKAmberA refreshing amber session ale. Distinctive fruity aroma with hints of black cherry, strawberry, raspberry and blackberry. Mild hop bitterness giving way to a lovely lingering berry fruit finish.
82ParishParish Gold4.2%CASKGoldenA golden bitter with a medium soft vibrant mouthfeel. The hop combination gives a satisfying level of bitterness along with subtle hints of ginger and lemon leaving a refreshing smooth aftertaste.
83CollyfobbleBob On3.8%CASKBitterA well balanced best bitter with notes of toast and toffee supported by a crisp bitterness.
84CollyfobbleSup Wiyo4.3%CASKPaleAn easy drinking pale ale with floral notes complimented by a smooth gentle bitterness. Brewed with Admiral and Cascade hops.
85Black HoleCosmic4.2%CASKBitterAn amber bitter with an initial malt aroma that combines with English hops to give lingering tastes of nuts, fruit, and a dry hoppy finish.
86Mr Grundy's19145.0%CASKStoutA dark stout style beer with a hint of blackcurrant. This beer has a balance of dark malts and a hint of sweetness.
87Little EatonDelver's drop IPA4.8%CASKIPAElderberry flavours jump out in this punch IPA and are balanced by a dry and crisp finish.
88BeermatsPrismatic4.5%BOX 10PaleNEW! A single malt and single hop beer made using extra pale malt and Simcoe hops giving a highly refreshing beer with grapefruit, passionfruit, pine, and berry flavours.
89BeermatsTeammates3.9%BOXStraw PaleA pale ale with citrus aroma and a hoppy finish. Supporting the Alzheimer's society with each beer drunk!
90EyamRiley Gold4.2%BOTTLEGoldenA golden ale with a good amount of honey added in the fermenter and hopped to give a light blossomy finish.
91Mount Saint BernardTM English Trappist Ale7.4%BOTTLETrappist AleA mahogany-coloured ale. The beer is full-bodied yet lightly balances the taste of dark chocolate, roast coffee, pepper, hazelnut, and fig. Brewed in the Charnwood Forest!
C23Sting CiderTipsy Marian6.9%BOXDryA strong dry cider made for the connoisseur.
C24Thistly CrossWhiskey Cask6.7%BOXMedium DryA flavoursome cider made potent in the oak of a Glen Moray whiskey cask with a good few lingering tastes to be savoured on the tongue.
C25Gwynt Y DdraigHappy Daze4.5%BOXMediumWho can resist a light bright fruity glass of Happy Daze? It’s got a smooth and fresh tasting finish. A light and easy to drink medium cider.
C26Lilley's CiderPassion Fruit Martini3.4%BOXSweetA modern classic with a crowd-pleasing combination of Vanilla and Passionfruit with a hint of lime mixed with Somerset cider.
C27Lilley's CiderMango4.0%BOXSweetAn aromatic sweet cider expertly blended with exotic mango to create a mouth-watering tropical flavour.
C28Lilley's CiderTropical4.0%BOXSweetOur Somerset cider blended with an explosion of Pink Grapefruit, pineapple, mango and lime which all combine to make this a succulent thirst quencher.
Beers and Ciders on the Trains

Beers and Ciders on the Trains

No Brewery Beer Name ABV Style Category Ve GF Description
92BeermatsMatador5.2%BOXRed IPAA red IPA highly aromatic hoppy ale with intense tropical fruity notes.
93CharnwoodSalvation3.8%BOXPaleA light refreshing golden beer with tropical fruit, citrus and floral flavours. American cascade and Amarillo hops create a citrus aroma and crisp clean bitterness on the finish.
94CharnwoodVixen4.0%BOXCopper bitterA well balanced copper coloured best bitter with subtle hints of honey, spice and hedgerow fruits. Late added Pacific Gem hops deliver a fruity nose and finish.
C29Dorset NectarSweet Maiden5.0%BOXSweetA smooth farmhouse sweet cider blend ripe with natural sweetness & intriguing velvety finish. British Champion Farmhouse cider cup winner 2017!
C30SnailsbankAppley Dappley5.2%BOXSweetA sweet lively cider that blends traditional Bittersweet apples with a more contemporary Russet apple to make a light refreshing quaffable cider.
95BeermatsSummat Exotic4.4%BOX 10PaleA dramatic golden ale with citrus fruits and a twisted lemon and lime aftertaste.
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