The Station Buffet Part Six

If SSP and others make careful deliberations before deciding to take over a refreshment room space on a station, it follows that where such opportunities still exist, they may be regarded as marginally viable. An independent small business may choose to step in, but must surely suspect that these sites are vacant because they are risky options. They might have to rely on being able to attract customers that would have walked past a corporate alternative and then hope that word of mouth recommendations will bring more people in.

Within our home county of Nottinghamshire, both former independent operators found the going tough recently. Carriages at Newark Castle closed during 2022, and in April 2023, the “To Let” signs over the windows at Worksop’s highly regarded station café had already been there for some months. That is two of the five Nottinghamshire stations cafes gone, the remaining ones being the chains, represented by Costa at Newark Northgate, Pumpkin at Nottingham and Gourmet Coffee Bar and Kitchen at East Midlands Parkway.

In the A to Z of British Railway stations, details are sparse about exactly how refreshment facilities at stations are organised where they are advertised as being present. There is no indication, for example, if coffee is available from a shop, kiosk, vending machine, or café. Waiting rooms may also have self-service machines within their walls or nearby. Basic information can be accessed via the National Rail website and directly from some of the Train Operating Companies, including South West Trains and Grand Central. Some TOCs run the refreshment services at stations on their routes, whereas open-access operators do not.

However, the buffet still offers a focal point for social activity on stations today. As well as sustenance, it provides a place for solitary reflection and to gather one’s thoughts, a leisurely chat to fellow travellers or an opportunity to check travel plans. Have I got this right? The right train from the right platform, at the right time, and does it stop at such-and-such and do I have to change there, or is it straight through? Though modern video display units and public address systems mean that immediate travel information is much better than it used to be, some people are no doubt outside of their comfort zone on a big station and not everyone is a seasoned rail user who knows the ropes. Then the railway can throw at you its own discrepancies - cancellations, late running and last-minute platform alterations - all matters to be discussed across the tables in the station buffet.

So, what do I look for in my own ideal station buffet? It is located on the main network as the heritage railways provide their own unique leisure experience for their visitors. It stands on the station itself rather than adjoining it, adjacent to it, or just nearby. Platform stalls and kiosks are not included. It is an indoor area with seating - though that may spill outside, al fresco style, where space permits. It serves a range of hot and cold food and drinks and may well be licensed to sell alcohol. Interior design and notable physical characteristics are significant features to look out for in my refreshment room. It is likely to occupy part of the original Victorian station building, so there is often plenty to take in, once I’ve settled into my seat. I’m particularly intrigued by surviving independent operators that provide alternatives to the corporate dominance found elsewhere. From my seat, I wonder what has become of the early railway companies’ original and strategically placed refreshment rooms. Does unbroken service continue there or did the lights go out many years ago? 

Station cafes at Newark Castle and Worksop, both closed since these visits.