Locomotive-lovers, ale-aficionados, and anybody who finds the prospect of chugging around a pub garden on a tiny train as exciting as I do; we’ve found a spot that’s sure to be right up your street miniature railway track.
An east London boozer has kindly combined two of the things we Londoners love the most (public transport and al-fresco drinking, of course) to create one of the most unique pub garden experiences in the capital: the Holly Tree Railway.
Forest Gate is where you’ll need to head to if you wish to hop aboard the miniature railway in question. Nestled within the Holly Tree pub’s rather hefty tropical beer garden, you’ll find the fully-functional 7¾ train, that can whizz up to three passengers around the track at a time.
The Holly Tree is part of the Remarkable Pubs group, who own and operate a collection of carefully-restored, traditional London pubs. The Holly Tree underwent a rather gargantuan glow-up back in 2019, when the Holly Tree Railway was installed. And – to our delight – it’s still happily chugging along six years later.
Although, of course, the railway is perhaps the pub’s most unique feature; the Holly Tree has plenty of other things to boast about. It’s home to some classic and oh-so cosy interiors (complete with stained-glass windows and a real, roaring fire), an impressive food and drink offering (including 25 rotating craft beers on tap and a seasonal menu full of hearty pub grub), and a super-spacious, beautifully-landscaped, tropical beer garden. What more could you ask for, really?
The Holly Tree Railway usually runs on Saturdays and Sundays, between 1pm and 4pm. But throughout the summer, it’s also available to ride on Thursdays and Fridays, too. And you might be rather relieved to hear that the responsibility of actually driving the train lies solely with an experienced pub employee – and not just a random punter (who may well be as steaming as the train itself). Phew.
All aboard the Holly Tree Railway. Next stop? The bar, of course.
The Holly Tree Railway will be running from 1pm-4pm on Thursdays-Sundays throughout the holidays (weather dependent). Find out more and plan your visit here.
📍You’ll find the Holly Tree at 141 Dames Road, E7 0DZ.
