Steel City on right track

The European Beer Consumers Union (EBCU) has revealed the results of its European Travel Beer Survey, celebrating the best places to enjoy a quality beer while in transit, with Sheffield securing the best rail station title.

Sheffield was declared the best rail station for beer thanks to the much-loved Sheffield Tap, a beautifully restored Edwardian pub directly on the platform. With an impressive range of both local and international beers, it’s a must-visit for any beer enthusiast traveling through northern England.

Honourable mentions included:

York, known for its nearby pubs and beer-friendly atmosphere. Brussels Central, Belgium and Munich Hauptbahnhof, Germany were both praised for their easy access to excellent beer venues just outside the station – proof that great beer is often just a short stroll away.

The best airport for beer was Copenhagen, Denmark which was praised for its dedication to local and independent craft beer. The Mikkeller Bar was frequently mentioned as a standout destination for its rotating tap list and modern design. Respondents also highlighted the ÅBEN bar, located landside, as another excellent option for travellers seeking quality beer before take-off. Together, these venues have helped turn Copenhagen airport into a genuine beer destination rather than just a place to pass through.

Also praised were:

Munich Airport, Germany, home to Airbräu, Europe’s first airport-based brewery, serving fresh Bavarian beer in a classic beer-garden setting. London Heathrow was also appreciated for its decent pub-style venues where travellers can still enjoy a proper pint before flying.

Respondents also shared anecdotes, with some admitting to paying as much as €15 for a single beer at airports in Scandinavia or Switzerland. Others described disappointing experiences like being served warm, bland lager at major transit hubs or finding themselves in terminals with no beer at all.

On a more positive note, the survey also unearthed some hidden gems, including praise for the Stalybridge Buffet Bar in the UK, smaller bars tucked just outside major train stations in multiple cities and Lumen Craft, a brewery located inside Chisinau airport in Moldova.

“We launched this survey to shine a light on how beer culture can thrive even in places of transit,” said EBCU chairman André Brunnsberg. “Copenhagen and Sheffield show what’s possible when quality and locality are put first. These aren’t just places to wait for your flight or train — they’re places worth arriving early for.”

EBCU hopes the results will inspire more airports and railway stations across Europe to raise the bar for beer drinking travellers.