The 100% electric, UK-based train operator Lumo has partnered with Leith-based Donzoko Brewing Company for its first ‘Train Beer’.
The ‘Train Beer’ offers a vegan-friendly, dry-hopped pale ale, served in an eco-friendly printed 330ml sleek can, complementing Lumo’s environmental efforts and joining the 50% of plant-based food and drink available on its trains.
Reece Hugill, founder and Managing Director at Donzoko Brewing Company said: “’Train Beer’ is a delicious crisp pale ale, designed for enjoying onboard Lumo trains, while looking out the window at the amazing views of the East Coast. It’s dry-hopped, with notes of peach, pine, and gooseberry which I’m sure passengers will enjoy, grabbing a cold one from the at-seat service!”
To celebrate the launch of its very own IPA, Lumo is hosting a ‘LumAle Trail’ – a walking tour route from Newcastle Central Station, which will promote and celebrate some of the best independent craft beer bars and bottle shops, including Mosaic Tap, Axis and CAMRA regional pub of the year, Microbus, in and around the company’s home city.
Martijn Gilbert, Lumo’s Managing Director, said: “Sustainability is at the heart of what we stand for at Lumo and is a key part of great value train service between Edinburgh, Newcastle and London.
“In our new offering of a locally brewed and great tasting beer with added low carbon credentials, we’re adding to our sustainable values. The LumAle Trail will also be a fantastic way to support many independent businesses local to our community.”
Lumo will also be onboarding another North East brew in the form of tea and coffee institution, Ringtons.
Martijn continued: “We’re really excited to begin serving Ringtons Tea and Coffee onboard also. A proud Newcastle company, with a 115-year history in the region, Ringtons are a North East institution that will provide our customers with great tasting refreshments.”
John Broad, Head of Beverages at Ringtons, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Lumo, a fellow North East-based company. I’m sure that Lumo travellers will be pleased to see a local brand that they know, and trust, being served on their travels. We look forward to seeing Ringtons brews onboard!”
The partnerships, managed by Rail Catering supply chain partner Rail Gourmet, will see the small batch beer loaded onto Lumo trains direct from where Donzoko now brews in Leith, Edinburgh, through its Waverley station service centre. The result is a short brewery-to-train journey, helping the supply of beer fresh and low in carbon due to the miles travelled. Ringtons Tea and Coffee will also be available to purchase from the Lumo Eats at-seat trolley service onboard all Lumo trains.
Andy Webb, Managing Director of Rail Gourmet, said: “We’re pleased to continue working with Lumo and helping them deliver their new onboard beer option. This new offering shows our continued focus on partnering with trusted, unique and independent food and drinks producers to deliver a unique, localised experience to passengers across the UK rail network.”
All new products will be available on Lumo trains from Sunday 21 May. ‘Train beer’ East Coast IPA will also be available to buy direct from the Donzoko Brewing Company website.
