Hop on a train for hops on a train

Virgin Trains has created a new ale christened Hop on Board, available on east coast routes. To coincide with its launch, Virgin is trialling a brand new glass – the Hoptimist pint glass -- that is forever “half full” to celebrate the new beer’s arrival.

The glass has been hand blown by craftsmen so that it always appears that it’s half full. It will mean that customers travelling on Virgin Trains routes between London King’s Cross, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh will be able to sit back and enjoy a full-bodied ale as they watch the landscape whisk by.

The ale has been created exclusively for Virgin Trains, who expect to sell more than 55,000 bottles this year. Hop on Board combines traits of both a bitter and a pale ale with the expectation that it will excite both seasoned ale drinkers and the growing number of pale ale fans.

The name Hop on Board was chosen by Virgin Trains staff and created by York based Rudgate Brewery and Virgin Trains. The partnership celebrates the city of York as the home of both businesses, but shows the commitment of Virgin Trains to work and engage with local businesses across the network.

To celebrate the Hoptimist pint glass, Virgin Trains will be giving a limited number of the glasses away to customers via social media during the next few days.

Alison Watson, Director of Customer Experience at Virgin Trains, said: ‘’We’re hoptimistic here at Virgin Trains and passionate about our customer’s experience. 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.’’

Craig Lee from Rudgate Brewery said: ‘’It’s hugely exciting to be working with Virgin Trains to provide their customers with an exclusive beer. We have created a brew that perfectly complements the picturesque scenery customers experience when travelling with Virgin Trains.’’

Tom Stainer at the Campaign For Real Ale (CAMRA) said, ‘’We’re seeing thousands of British consumers turning to premium ales, so Virgin Trains supporting another of our great British real ale brewers can only be a good thing.’’

Hop on Board will be available from the Foodbar and trolley service on all east coast services from 21 October 2015 priced at £4. .