Irwell Valley - Real Ale Trail by Rail
Overview
A fantastic opportunity to enjoy some of the local drinking establishments of the East Lancashire Railway whilst absorbing the breath taking scenery of the Irwell Valley as we travel by steam train and in part a Heritage Diesel train. Whilst all the bars will have a host of real ales they also offer a variety of refreshments to cater for all taste buds.
Meet at 10:00 hours Bolton Street Railway Station, Bury BL9 0EY at the Trackside Bar, Platform 2.
*Please note we intend catching the train departing from Bolton Street Railway Station Bury at 10:40 hours*
We depart on board a steam train which will run along a stunning 12 mile journey, carving through rich landscapes with plumes of smoke billowing in its wake. We will be transported through tunnels, over viaducts and past the scenery and greenery of the Irwell Valley.
You may wish to bring your own refreshments for the outward bound train journey (40 minutes duration).
From the train stations to the public houses it is between 5-10 minutes walk.
* Please note whilst Tanya will be the volunteer co-ordinator for this event, it is the individual’s responsibility to ensure that they board and get off the trains at the relevant stations as it may not be possible to keep everyone together on board the train. Also if you miss the 10:40 hours train, you will have to purchase another rail ticket to Rawtenstall.
Dogs: this event is Dog friendly (Tanya will be taking her lovely border collie Ozzy).
Includes
- The services of a Spice volunteer host
- A ticket for the rail trail
- A main course meal including service charge at the end of the journey
Extras
- All drinks purchased on the day
- Any additonal food purchased on the day
Location & Itinerary
- Departing Bolton Street Railway Station Bury at 10:40 hours
- Our first stop will be Rawtenstall where we will visit Boho Ale House, Casked Ale House and the station also has its very own Buffer Stops Bar.
- Departing 14.30 hours Rawtenstall - we board again alighting at Ramsbottom where we will visit Irwell Works Brewery
- Departing 15:45 hours Ramsbottom - we are back on the train to Bury where we will participate in some much needed food at the Racconto Lounge, 4 Clerke Street, The Rock, Bury, BL9 0PN (booked for 16.20 hours)
Choose from:
- Birria Tacos with Spicy Brisket & Birria Dip: folded soft tacos with melted cheese, sweetcorn & cheddar fritters, tortilla chips, guacamole and tomato salsa
- Birria Tacos, Black Bean, Sweetcorn & Spicy Tomato: folded soft tacos with melted cheese, sweetcorn & cheddar fritters, tortilla chips, guacamole and tomato salsa
- Louisiana Fried Chicken with Chipotle Mayo: lightly spiced chicken tenders with house slaw and fries
- Louisiana Fried Chicken with Maple BBQ Sauce: lightly spiced chicken tenders with house slaw and fries
- Nasi Goreng: Malaysian-style fried rice with chicken and king prawns, red chilli, spring onion, sesame seeds and chilli sauce, topped with a fried egg
- Panang Curry with Thai Marinated Chicken: (V) Spicy aromatic coconut Thai curry with coriander rice, sesame seeds and Thai marinated chicken
- Panang Curry with Roasted Sweet Potato & Chick Peas: (V) Spicy aromatic coconut Thai curry with coriander rice, sesame seeds, roasted sweet potato & chickpeas
- Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Salad: Grilled herby chicken, smoked bacon, avocado, red onion, mixed leaves and cherry tomatoes with toasted seeds, aged Italian cheese and Caesar dressing
- Lounge Burger: British beef patty, lettuce, tomato, red onion, gherkin and burger sauce in a brioche bun served with house slaw & fries
- Chicken, Bacon & Avocado Burger: Grilled herby chicken, smoked streaky bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, red onion, roasted garlic mayo and burger sauce in a brioche bun served with house slaw & fries
- Halloumi Burger: Crispy crumbed halloumi, sweet potato fritter, chipotle mayo, roasted peppers, pickled red onion, chilli jam in a brioche bun and served with house slaw & fries
- Chicken Shawarma Mezze Bowl: Sesame hummus, ezme tomato salsa, pickled red cabbage, carrot, red onion & cucumber salad, green chilli sauce, golden giant couscous and mint
- Lambe Kofte Mezze Bowl: Sesame hummus, ezme tomato salsa, pickled red cabbage, carrot, red onion & cucumber salad, green chilli sauce, golden giant couscous and mint
- Grilled Halloumi Mezze Bowl: Sesame hummus, ezme tomato salsa, pickled red cabbage, carrot, red onion & cucumber salad, green chilli sauce, golden giant couscous and mint
Please refer to the East Lancs Railway website 'Getting Here' page for details of how to get to Bolton Street Station, Bury

