The Engine Shed, Kirkby Stephen

Will Larter left this review about The Engine Shed

Situated at a caravan and camping park on the edge of Kirkby Stephen, this barn-like building is quite clearly part of what used to be Kirkby Stephen East, the old railway station that is now the privately run Stainmore Railway. It's used by people staying at the site - which incidentally has an area for backpackers doing the Coast to Coast Walk, with a kitchen as well as excellent toilet and shower facilities - but I've also seen locals walking back into town after a few drinks here, and it's included in a local pub crawl that I've seen depicted in one of the pubs in town. I walked in at 9:30 on a Sunday evening just in time for a last drink before closing. There's one hand pump on the bar, but nothing to suggest it ever gets used, so I had a glass of brandy for a change. There were still a few people hanging around the small bar counter, which is in a sort of foyer outside the main engine shed, and a few more on the benches outside that are fairly well sheltered from the rain. Inside it was deserted, although there were signs that it might be quite lively and festive at times. As well as the drinks bar at the front there's a food bar half way along the right hand wall, though this was long since closed at the time of my visit. I almost went in here on the Thursday night when I also stayed at the site, but it was a bit too noisy for me. Not my sort of place, but clearly some people like it.

On 27^th June 2023 - rating: 5
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