Forget the rest ^ the Signalbox Caf^'s bestA little caf^ which operates from an old signal box at Bodmin Parkway station has been judged the best retail outlet on the
UK▸ rail network.
The Signalbox Caf^ which is run by Wan Ho Chadwick and is operated by the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, has been awarded the Best Station/On Train Retail Outlet in this year's National Community Rail Awards.
On track - Signalbox cafe manageress Wan Ho Chadwick with the top awardThe Signalbox Caf^ beat off competition from similar outlets in Derbyshire, Hertfordshire and on the Isle of Wight to take the title, recognising establishments that provide outstanding service on or near a railway station.
The local railway company was presented with a glass trophy and ^250 by Mark Hopwood, managing director of First Great Western at a gala dinner held at the Steam Museum in Swindon.
The caf^ is located in the former signalbox which was closed by British Rail in 1983.
Richard Jones, general manager of the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, said:" The award is a fitting tribute to the manageress of the station's caf^, Wan Ho Chadwick, who presents a professional and caring image to our customers.
"Ho in particular works incredibly hard to ensure the caf^ is the success that it undoubtedly is and the award, which is richly deserved, is testimony to this hard work.
"The caf^ serves a wide variety of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, cakes and sweets, and provides a very valuable service to both travellers on the national railway network, local people, visitors to the area, as well as our own customers.
"It is a very popular place and Ho's home-made cakes are a joy to behold," said Mr Jones.
The Signalbox Caf^ was nominated for the award by both the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership and First Great Western.
