Virgin Trains creates permanently half full glass to launch new ‘Hop on Board’ ale

To coincide with its launch, Virgin is trialling a brand new glass – the ‘Hoptimist’ pint glass - that is forever “half full” to celebrate the new beer’s arrival.

The glass has been hand blown by craftsmen so that it always appears that it’s half full. It will mean that customers travelling on Virgin Trains routes between London King’s Cross, Leeds, York, Newcastle and Edinburgh will be able to sit back and enjoy a full-bodied ale as they watch the landscape whisk by.

The ale has been created exclusively for Virgin Trains, who expect to sell more than 55,000 bottles this year. ‘Hop on Board’ combines traits of both a bitter and a pale ale with the company expecting it will excite both seasoned ale drinkers and the growing number of pale ale fans.

The name ‘Hop on Board’ was chosen by Virgin Trains staff and created by York based Rudgate Brewery and Virgin Trains.

To celebrate the ‘Hoptimist’ pint glass, Virgin Trains will be giving a limited number of the glasses away to customers via social media during the next few days.

Alison Watson, director of customer experience at Virgin Trains, said: “We’re ‘hoptimistic’ here at Virgin Trains and passionate about our customer’s experience. ‘Hop on Board’ is an exciting step in revamping our on board offering, embracing the craft beer revolution and delivering the best journey possible time and time again. Working alongside the Rudgate Brewery, we have created an ale full of flavour and charisma that epitomises the Virgin Trains spirit and the ‘hoptimist’s’ outlook on life – with us the glass is always half full.”

Tom Stainer at Campaign For Real Ale added: “We’re seeing thousands of UK consumers turning to premium ales, so Virgin Trains supporting another of our Great British real ale brewers can only be a good thing.”

‘Hop on Board’ will be available from the Foodbar and trolley service on all east coast services, priced at £4.