Oldest purpose-built railway pub is given Grade II listing

At first, it seems as if the pub is remarkable because it is so traditional: serving beers, wines, spirits, crisps (four flavours), nuts (salted or dry roasted), and if you want any cooked food, you will be politely told to try elsewhere.

- Mark Brown North of England correspondent

But the railway prints, maps and giant mural of the Locomotion No 1 steam engine on the wall of the snug hint at something truly remarkable about the Cleveland Bay: it is the oldest purpose-built railway pub in the world and, according to Historic England, deserves to be celebrated and protected.

The heritage organisation is announcing seven new Grade II listings today to mark 200 years since the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, opened on 27 September 1825.