Calling all train-enthusiasts, beer garden-lovers, and – well – pretty much anybody in the city that finds the idea of whizzing around a pub garden on a miniature train as exciting as I do. The Holly Tree pub have kindly combined two of the things we Londoners love the most, allowing visitors to hop aboard the Holly Tree Railway and happily chug along in between happily chugging pints.
Courtesy of Remarkable Pubs (who are known for their careful restoration of local London pubs), the Holly Tree had a serious glow up back in 2019. As a result of the makeover; the lovely Leytonstone spot can now proudly boast about being the only beer garden with a miniature railway in the UK.
Credit: @thehollytree_e7 via Instagram
Although the railway is the main event, there are certainly plenty of other things that the Holly Tree have to brag about. We’re talking classic and cosy interiors (complete with a real fire), a super-spacious and perfectly-landscaped beer garden, and a delicious food and drink menu. Oh, and it’s dog friendly. What more could you possibly want?
The Holly Tree Railway runs (weather dependently) between 1pm and 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. And, fear not: the responsibility of driving the train is left solely to a pub employee, and not a punter who’s as steaming as the train itself – phew.
Credit: @thehollytree_e7 via Instagram
So, if you find yourself wandering around East London, fancying a beer and mini train ride (because surely we’ve all been in that position before, right?) – the Holly Tree will be right up your street train track. All aboard the Holly Tree Railway, next stop: the bar.
You’ll find the Holly Tree at 141 Dames Road, E7 0DZ.
Nearest stations are Forest Gate and Wanstead Park.