New brew marks 20 years of the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership

The Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership (CRP) is celebrating its 20th anniverary with a unique collaboration that brings together rail heritage, wildlife, and local craft brewing.

The CRP has teamed up with Pope’s Yard Brewery in North Watford to commission a special guest beer, inspired by the Abbey Flyer – the affectionate nickname for the branch line running from Watford Junction to St Albans Abbey Station. The beer also pays tribute to the Peregrine falcons nesting atop St Albans Cathedral – the true Abbey Flyers.

The beer’s artwork, designed by Nick Thompson from Lemondrop Creative, channels the elegance of the 1920s and 30s, reflecting the golden age of rail travel and the soaring grace of the Peregrines. The brew will debut at the St Albans Beer and Cider Festival, held from Wednesday to Saturday September 24-27.

Festival visitors can meet the Abbey Line CRP at their stand, where they’ll be raising awareness of the Abbey Line railway and also celebrating the work of Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust and local conservation efforts supporting the cathedral’s resident Peregrines.

This initiative marks the beginning of a deeper collaboration between the CRP and Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, with the shared goal of promoting biodiversity along the Abbey Line.

Abbey Line CRP chair Steve Cavinder said: “This beer is a toast to 20 years of community rail and a future where sustainable transport and biodiversity go hand in hand.”

Emma Norrington, from Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, said: “The Peregrines are a powerful symbol of urban wildlife. We’re excited to work with the CRP to promote wildlife conservation along the Abbey Line.”

John Tubridy, St Albans Beer and Cider Festival organiser, added: “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to debut this exciting new beer at our event, and play our part in a great local and national celebration.”

The Abbey Line CRP is funded by London Northwestern Railway, which runs the branch line between St Albans Abbey and Watford, offering connections to London and the North.