Inside the UK’s smallest pub that was once a train station signalling box – with just enough space for six people
THE world’s smallest pub is right here in the UK – on the edge of a miniature railway in Lincolnshire.
Located in Cleethorpes, The Signal Box Inn measures just 8ft by 8ft (2.4m x 2.4m)… but it does have a beer garden that can fit up to 200 punters.
Despite only being able to accommodate six people inside – 4 drinkers and two bar staff – the tiny pub packs a punch, serving a range of real ales, lagers and ciders.
The former train station Signal Box was moved from Scunthorpe Steelworks to Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway in 1995 before being transformed in to a pub in 2006.
Jordan Blake who is the Assistant Commercial Manager of Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway told Sun Online Travel: “The Signal Box opened in 2006, in an attempt to draw more tourists in to visit the railway.
“Inside the pub, there are just four small bar stools and once they are all in use it becomes quite a squeeze.
“But our outdoor beer garden has a capacity for a couple of hundred people.”
The tiny boozer serves a range of drinks from local breweries like Docks Beer and Horncastle Ales, with over 100 different ales featured this year alone.
They also claim to be the only pub in Grimsby and Cleethorpes with Jeremy Clarkson‘s Hawkstone Lager on tap.
Jordan added: “We do see a large number of tourists throughout the summer coming to visit the smallest pub because they love a photo opportunity. We also have a fantastic core of regulars.”
There are other attractions in Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway to keep visitors entertained like its miniature railway.
In use since 1948, the miniature railway takes visitors from Lakeside Station (the railway’s main terminus) to Kingsway Station next to Cleethorpes Promenade.
It takes 30 minutes to complete the two mile return journey, with passengers taken along the seafront path with views overlooking the Lincolnshire Coast before winding in-land over a viaduct.
The trains are hauled by a fleet of heritage coal-fired steam and diesel locomotives, all running on 15-inch gauge narrow gauge track.
Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway is also home to a nine-hole Crazy Golf Course, with entry for £3 per person, and there’s plenty to do away from the railway too.
Jordan said: “If you’re for visiting Cleethorpes, neighbouring Grimsby is renowned for its docks and fishing industry, which in turn means the area offers a cracking fish and chips.
“Ernie becketts in Cleethorpes is certainly a favourite. And there’s a great selection of other pubs in the area, including Willy’s, The Old Vic & Smugglers.”
While there may be some other local boozers in the area, it’s the Signal Box Inn that’s won praise with visitors on TripAdvisor.
One person wrote: “Quite frankly, it’s the must-do place in Cleethorpes.
“It literally is the smallest pub, only fitting in three people at a squeeze.”
Another added: “A great little pub, it was really busy when we went but we were served very quickly”.
Other pubs that claim to be the smallest in the UK
THERE are thought to be over 46,000 pubs in the UK with a couple of other also claiming to be the smallest in the UK.
The Nutshell
Located in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, the Nutshell actually holds the title of smallest pub in Britain, which has been confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records. Despite holding down this accoldate, its dimensions measure 15ft by 5ft, making it bigger than the Signal Box Inn.
The Little Prince
Set in the trendy seaside town of Margate, the Little Prince measures 11ft by 6.6ft also making it one of the smallest pubs in the UK. There’s space for just six punters inside, with extra seating outside.