A ‘rail ale’ has been created for passengers using Virgin Trains’ east coast routes.
The ‘Hop on Board’ brand has been devised by York-based Rudgate Brewery in conjunction with the train operator.
Virgin Trains expects to sell more than 55,000 bottles at £4 each from yesterday (Wednesday) to passengers travelling on routes between London King’s Cross, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh.
The name ‘Hop on Board’ was chosen by Virgin Trains staff.
The company will be giving away a limited number of special beer glasses away to customers via social media during the next few days. The ‘Hoptimist’ pint glass always appears to be half full.
Virgin Trains customer experience director, Alison Watson, said: “‘Hop on Board’ is an exciting step in revamping our on board offering, embracing the craft beer revolution and delivering the best journey possible time and time again.
“Working alongside the Rudgate Brewery, we have created an ale full of flavour and charisma that epitomises the Virgin Trains spirit and the ‘hoptimist’s’ outlook on life – with us the glass is always half full.”