The Draughtsman Alehouse, Doncaster

Finally found myself with sufficient time between trains to call in here for a half. It's a very nice room, well presented and interesting, with technical drawings of steam locomotives the principal adornments. Three hand pumps on the bar with Abbeydale Black Mass 6.66%, Tiny Rebel Cwtch and James and Kirkman Tha's Northern. This gave me a dilemma, as I had already had too many halves on my cycle ride to indulge in a Black Mass, I can't stand Cwtch and I normally resist drinking beers with stupid names. However, the latter proved to be a very drinkable brown ale so I'm glad I didn't let my prejudice affect me too much. A few people were drinking in the enclosed area on the platform, and it must be a licensing condition that only non-glass drinking vessels can be used there, as the barman asked everyone if they were drinking inside or out, which must get a bit tedious over the course of a long day. A small gripe of my own - all the beers were priced at 10p more for a half than half the price of a pint. Thus Black Mass was £3.90 but £2.05 for a half. A bit petty, you say? But then it's a petty policy to be applying, I'd reply. And all of the beers here were more expensive than in the Corner Pin, which is only a five minute walk away.

The Draughtsman is so called because a local architect who used the station regularly was very keen that the room now housing the pub be converted as long ago as the seventies. A fitting tribute to a noble aim. It has been beautifully done with the lovely green original tiles painstakingly exposed by removing layers of paint and then polishing them up to their current condition, high ceiling, marble fireplace and chunky wood floor, bar and fittings. A chat with the governor's delightful mother, who was thoroughly enjoying her Plum Porter, revealed that a huge amount of work had gone into the refurbishment and that upon opening a steam train, the Flying Scotsmen I think, came through and blew it's whistle as the doors were opened. A lovely gesture and one which I hope bodes well for The Draughtsman. It's a small space but has been cleverly designed making the very best of what's there and helped by a small, well defined, seating area on the platform. The three handpumps offered J & K Maid Marian, Titanic Plum Porter and Hilltop American Pale Ale, the latter two of which were in great shape. That's a good selection for only three offers and is supplemented by 5 keg taps to the left behind the bar with all choices listed on a blackboard at the back of the bar. In addition to train travellers it's also attracting custom from town and does now get busy on Friday and Saturday evenings. The first place I'd head to in Donny whether arriving by train or not.

Official site of The Draughtsman Alehouse - www.thedraughtsmanalehouse.co.uk