8th January 2025

The premises are literally attached to one of the platforms at Oakham Station, although you need to exit the station for the entrance to the building, which is a former Victorian grain store which backs onto the two track railway.

A lot of heavy freight trains pass through, so be prepared for occasional rumbling and vibrations as one passes.

It was derelict in 1994 when the business was founded, with the brewery utilising the top floors and part of the ground floor, with one of the original founders being a former Head Brewer for Ruddles.

Current brewing capacity is up to 60 barrels per week. Brewery Tours can be booked in advance with three levels of packages with varying amounts of samples and food included. The Tours run on Saturdays and Sundays normally starting at 3pm.

The Tap occupies the majority of the Ground floor with one long bar. 10 handpumps were in use for Real Ale in two banks of five with the same beers on, plus one further handpump for their Cider (5.2%).

All five Real Ales were tried and as you would expect were all fresh and in excellent condition and full of flavour; those available were as follows.

Three Kings (4.5%) a seasonal ruby red, Rutland Osprey (4%) a permanent brew golden ale, Ten Fifty (5%) a permanent brew dark beer, Zahara (4.2%) a permanent pale with their first use of American hops and Cooking (3.6%) a permanent golden bitter.

There were also plenty of keg choices too, an own brew 4% lager Purus, Orchard Pig reveller cider, Leffe Blond, San Miguel, Madri, Carling, Hoegaarden, just some of the options.

Traditional pub games are available for use plus there are regular live music events, Open Mic nights, Comedy nights, Quiz nights and periodic festivals. For regular visitors there is also a Loyalty Points scheme.

Important Information:

Grainstore Brewery & Tap, Station Approach, Oakham, Rutland LE15 6RE.
Tel: 01572 770065. Web: grainstorebrewery.com.

Open: Monday: 12.00–22.00; Tuesday–Thursday: 12.00–22.30; Friday: 12.00-23.00;
Saturday: 09.00–23.00; Sunday: 09.00–19.00

Food: Monday-Friday: 12.00–14.45, 17.30–20.45pm; Saturday: 09.00–11.15 (Breakfast), 12.00–15.00 (Lunch), 17.30–20.45 (Evening Meals); Sunday: 09.00–11.15 (Breakfast), 12.00–16.00 (Lunch).

Oakham station adjoins the premises, where there is normally an hourly Cross Country trains service between Stansted Airport or Cambridge and Birmingham New Street on Mondays to Saturdays with a less frequent service on Sundays. Bus routes 185 and R1 call at the station but are infrequent.