UK's St Pancras station turns 150, passengers treated to slice of history

London's iconic St Pancras railway station, a Victorian Gothic wonder built literally over beer vaults and which was saved from demolition by a spirited campaign from a noted poet, turned 150 on Monday amid big celebrations.

It was on this day in 1868 at 4:20 am, the first train from Leeds had arrived at St Pancras, according to information shared by station authorities.

HS1 Ltd, owner of the St Pancras International is marking the landmark day with a five-foot bespoke cake created by prestigious Parisian cookery school 'Le Cordon Bleu', showcased on the station's Grand Terrace.

The showstopper depicts the station's architecture and 150-year history in edible detail - from the Pullman steam trains, which first embarked from the station, to the original vaults, previously used to store beer barrels along with other goods transported to the capital, which can still be seen at the station today, along with its famous Barlow Shed roof.

A Grade I listed building, and terminal station for Eurostar continental services, it offers a wealth of stylish and premium shops, boutiques, bars and restaurants all under one iconic roof, but its history is quite a brew, literally, with a slant 'India' connect.

In celebration of the 150th anniversary, a beer festival is being organised in October, where visitors can taste a whole range of beers and real ales, including the specially brewed St. Pancras IPA (India Pale Ale), authorities said.

The festival marks a tribute to the station's brewing heritage. The Midland Railway Company played a crucial role in changing Londoners' drinking habits through access to the brewers and beer of Burton-upon-Trent and "literally built the station on beer barrels".

David Turner, Associate Lecturer in railway studies with the University of York in the UK, said the station is a world-class icon, and its journey of 150 years is as fascinating as its history.

"The vaults under the station were used as stores for numerous Burton Brewers, and they did indeed sell what was called India Pale Ale (IPA)," Turner told PTI.

The term 'pale ale' originally denoted an ale brewed from pale malt. Many brewers exported