The booklet invites people to explore each of the twelve stations and seek out the best pubs and beer within easy walking distance

The Hertford Loop Line with (inset left) The King's Head near Winchmore Hill Station and (inset right) The Old Wheatsheaf near Enfield Chase Station — The Hertford Loop Line with (inset left) The King’s Head near Winchmore Hill Station and (inset right) The Old Wheatsheaf near Enfield Chase Station

A new “rail ale” guidebook has been launched to help users of the Hertford Loop Line locate the best watering holes within walking distance of the route’s stations.

Commissioned by Friends of Gordon Hill Station and Enfield Chase Station Partners, the free 24-page, pocket-size booklet takes passengers on a trip along the Hertford Loop between Alexandra Palace and Watton-at-Stone stations, passing through Haringey, Enfield and Hertfordshire along the way.

The booklet invites people to explore each of the twelve stations and seek out the best pubs and beer within easy walking distance. It concentrates on ‘real ale’ establishments but also includes historic pubs, breweries, taprooms and other local outlets.

The booklet includes a map of each location to help drinkers find each pub easily and explore the area further. It is beautifully illustrated throughout by Enfield-based educator and illustrator Kremena Dimitrova. Her other local work includes the large mural on platform two of Enfield Chase Station.

The project was conceived by John Cole after a long coffee break in Hertford last June with Katie Goldthorpe, the community rail partnership officer at Herts County Council who had created a similar booklet for the New River Line. Dave Cockle, chair of The Enfield Society and volunteer lead at Enfield Chase Station Partners, provided support and advice.

John said: “This guide is a celebration of community, heritage, and good beer. We hope it encourages people to explore the Hertford Loop Line in a new way—supporting local pubs, travelling sustainably by train, and appreciating the creativity and culture around our stations.”

Dave added: “The Hertford Loop Line Rail Ale Trail is a brilliant example of what happens when local volunteers, artists, and rail partners come together. It’s more than just a pub guide—it’s a journey through the places, stories, and people that make our communities unique.”

The completely independent pub listings were devised by Stephen Gaines of Winchmore Hill Residents’ Association with the help of the Enfield and Barnet branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra). Help was also offered by Michael Hodgkinson and Neil Littman, a local freelance graphic designer.

Kremena said: “It was a joy to bring this guide to life through illustration. It is a visual invitation to discover the character and charm of these local stations and pubs, with a touch of storytelling on every page.”

Stephen added: “We’ve carefully selected each venue to showcase the best of real ale and local hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned ale drinker or just curious, the trail offers something for everyone—served with warmth and welcome.”

Funding for the project was provided by Community Rail Network. The printing was paid for by Great Northern and “topped up” by McMullen and Sons, the famous Hertford brewery company.

The Hertford Loop Line Rail Ale Trail booklet is free to pick up at most, if not all, participating stations and pubs or via Enfield and Barnet Camra and The Enfield Society. A digital version will be made available in the near future.

A launch event for the guide (and pub crawl) is taking place on Saturday, 7th June, starting with a departure from Alexandra Palace Station at 11.35am.

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