Category: Pubs and Cafes

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The Most Unique UKDB Boards: From Pubs to Pop Culture

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If you think a train departure board is just for stations, think again. UK Departure Boards have been popping up in all sorts of unexpected places, from bustling pubs to TV shows and even in the hands of station legends. Here’s a look at some of the most unique boards we’ve loved seeing in action. 

1. Station Legends at Home

Some of our favourite boards have gone to people who’ve dedicated their lives to the railway. Take John Cass, for example, a Nottingham Station legend who’s trained generations of dispatchers. His board isn’t just decorative; it’s a working tribute to his years on the railway. Check out the full story here.

2. Pubs & Cafés Near Stations

We’ve seen our boards bring a little station magic to bars and cafés across the UK. Whether it’s the Oxford Road Tap in Manchester or The Euston Tap in London, live boards make waiting for your train, or just enjoying a pint, a bit more fun. They also give pubs a unique talking point and keep customers coming back.

Read more about our pub and café features and see why they’re so popular.

3. TV & Pop Culture Appearances

One of our proudest moments was when a Pro Departure Board featured in Doctor Who! We even wrote custom firmware for a “scramble” effect and a remote trigger, making it fully interactive on set. You can catch the episode here.

4. Creative Office Spaces

Boards aren’t just for home or pubs, they make fantastic office installations too. From railway-themed startups to quirky open-plan offices, a live train departure board adds personality, nostalgia, and a touch of fun to any workspace.

5. Custom Gifts That Wow

We’ve had boards go to all kinds of enthusiasts as gifts, from railway fans to collectors and hobbyists. A live departures board is more than just a gift, it’s a conversation starter, a piece of railway art, and a reminder of your favourite stations every day.

Check out our gift-focused blog for more ideas: Father’s Day and special occasions.

Why We Love Seeing Boards in Unique Spaces

Every installation tells a story. From pubs and offices to TV sets and legendary rail fans’ homes, our boards bring a little bit of station magic into everyday life. And the best part? They’re all powered by real-time data, so every train departure you see is accurate and up-to-date.

If you’ve got an unusual idea for a train departure board or want to see how one could work in your space, head over to our store and explore the possibilities.

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Pubs with UK Departure Boards: A Pint & A Train to Catch

There’s something quintessentially British about enjoying a pint or coffee while keeping an eye on your train. At UK Departure Boards, we’ve seen our displays pop up in some brilliant pubs and cafés around the UK, helping customers relax, enjoy their visit, and stay just a little longer.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite spots that have installed one of our live departure boards. They’re not just great places for a drink, they’re now smart, functional waiting spots for travellers too.

Oxford Road Tap, Manchester

Right outside Oxford Road Station, this craft beer haven offers a rotating selection of real ales, lagers and ciders on tap. With a UK Departure Board mounted inside, it’s a perfect place to enjoy a drink while keeping tabs on departures a few steps away.

Manchester Tap

Located just a stone’s throw from Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Tap is a buzzing spot for commuters and craft beer lovers alike. It’s busy, lively, and made even better with a live departure board that helps guests time their dash back to the platform.

Railway Tavern, Colchester

A cosy pub near Colchester Station, the Railway Tavern is all about hearty food, good beer and welcoming vibes. The addition of a UK Departure Board makes it an ideal pre-train pit stop.

Piccadilly Tap, Manchester

This Manchester favourite is known for its impressive range of beers and stylish, railway-themed interiors. Having a live departure board on the wall just adds to the travel charm.

Euston Tap, London

Located in a pair of old gatehouses right outside Euston Station, the Euston Tap is a must-visit for London-bound beer lovers. Now with a UK Departure Board in place, it’s the ideal spot to pause and enjoy a pint before hopping on a train.

Little Green Dragon Ale House, Enfield

A multi-award-winning micropub that champions local brews, conversation and community. Their departure board is a brilliant bonus for anyone popping in before catching a train from nearby stations.

The Sugar Loaf, Little Chalfont

Tucked away in Little Chalfont, this welcoming pub is loved for its friendly staff, quiz nights, and now, a live departure board helping guests stay on track.

The Three Lions, Bristol

A local gem in Bedminster, this pub is a firm favourite for Bristol City fans and beer drinkers alike. With a departure board installed, it’s a handy hangout for anyone making their way to Parson Street Station.

The Bricklayers Arms, Beckenham

Classic pub charm meets modern tech in this community favourite. The Bricklayers Arms now sports a UK Departure Board, perfect for helping guests keep an eye on the next train from nearby Beckenham Junction.

Microbus, Cheltenham

Microbus is a friendly, contemporary bar just outside Cheltenham Spa station. Known for its wide range of independent beers and relaxed vibe, its live departure board makes it an even better pre-train pitstop.

The Tamworth Tap

A beautiful micropub with character in every corner, The Tamworth Tap is regularly praised for its unique decor and brilliant drinks menu. With a UK Departure Board now in place, you can enjoy your time here without worrying about missing your train.

Own a pub or café near a station?

If you’d like to give your guests a great reason to stay a little longer, a live departure board could be just the thing. Get in touch with us to find out how easy it is to install one.

Or better yet, pop into one of the spots above and see the difference for yourself!