TonyK
Global Moderator
Hero Member
Posts: 6594
The artist formerly known as Four Track, Now!
|
 |
« on: December 08, 2017, 15:44:30 » |
|
We have a thread for hotels near stations, but how about food and drink, close to stations? I mention this after almost accidentally taking refreshments with Mrs FT, N! when dropping her at Tiverton Parkway. We had intended to try out the farm shop and café on the left as you enter the approach road, but it was closed. Coming out of the car park, we noticed that the café in the golf driving range is open to the general public.
It proved to serve a decent cup of coffee and very acceptable snacks and cake at a good price.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Now, please!
|
|
|
|
eightf48544
|
|
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2017, 17:03:30 » |
|
The Great Western by the closed Wolverhampton Low Level, short walk from back entrance to High Level famous for its grey peas and bacon.
Black Lion Consal Forge Churnet Valley only easily accessible by Churnet Valley Railway or Caldon Canal.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
broadgage
|
|
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2017, 00:37:27 » |
|
As one or two members might have guessed, my preferred alternative to the station buffet is the one on the train, or better still a full restaurant service.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
A proper intercity train has a minimum of 8 coaches, gangwayed throughout, with first at one end, and a full sized buffet car between first and standard.
It has space for cycles, surfboards,luggage etc.
A 5 car DMU▸ is not a proper inter-city train. The 5+5 and 9 car DMUs are almost as bad.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LiskeardRich
|
|
« Reply #5 on: December 10, 2017, 20:25:05 » |
|
Sullivan’s at Penzance.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
All posts are my own personal believes, opinions and understandings!
|
|
|
|
Chris from Nailsea
|
|
« Reply #6 on: December 10, 2017, 21:25:25 » |
|
The Railway Inn at Yatton. Patronised, and approved, by myself, bobm and bignosemac, on various occasions.  Also at Yatton - the Strawberry Line Cafe. Both within just a few steps of the platform (one on each side).  |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
William Huskisson MP▸ was the first person to be killed by a train while crossing the tracks, in 1830. Many more have died in the same way since then. Don't take a chance: stop, look, listen.
"Level crossings are safe, unless they are used in an unsafe manner." Discuss.
|
|
|
|
froome
|
|
« Reply #7 on: December 11, 2017, 07:43:35 » |
|
Has anyone used The Platform on the station approach road at Frome? It is very small and isolated away from virtually everything else in the town, and easily missed if you come out of the station, so I'm somewhat amazed it is surviving. I can't imagine that Frome has enough train users to keep it going.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
grahame
|
|
« Reply #8 on: December 11, 2017, 07:59:13 » |
|
Has anyone used The Platform on the station approach road at Frome? It is very small and isolated away from virtually everything else in the town, and easily missed if you come out of the station, so I'm somewhat amazed it is surviving. I can't imagine that Frome has enough train users to keep it going.
Oh wow - I must make a point of taking a look at that; so often, Frome compares to Melksham and we've got interest there in a cafe (and station assistance point) in the somewhat isolated area around the station. I think you may be surprised how much "neighbour" rather than rail business such places generate, and the two elements together can make them viable. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
Coffee Shop Admin, Chair of Melksham Rail User Group, TravelWatch SouthWest Board Member
|
|
|
|
rogerw
|
|
« Reply #9 on: December 11, 2017, 08:45:21 » |
|
I bought a coffee there whilst waiting for the Minehead special earlier this year. It is very small and seems to have a regular patronage of locals. Reasonable prices and friendly service with everything prepared to order.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
I like to travel. It lets me feel I'm getting somewhere.
|
|
|
|
froome
|
|
« Reply #10 on: December 11, 2017, 09:20:37 » |
|
Has anyone used The Platform on the station approach road at Frome? It is very small and isolated away from virtually everything else in the town, and easily missed if you come out of the station, so I'm somewhat amazed it is surviving. I can't imagine that Frome has enough train users to keep it going.
Oh wow - I must make a point of taking a look at that; so often, Frome compares to Melksham and we've got interest there in a cafe (and station assistance point) in the somewhat isolated area around the station. I think you may be surprised how much "neighbour" rather than rail business such places generate, and the two elements together can make them viable. There is a small trading estate next to it, so I assume that generates a little business. The nearest housing is across the main road, which is very difficult to cross, so i would be surprised if many locals call in, though there are no other cafes in that small part of the town. |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
BandHcommuter
|
|
« Reply #11 on: December 11, 2017, 09:32:41 » |
|
Has anyone used The Platform on the station approach road at Frome? It is very small and isolated away from virtually everything else in the town, and easily missed if you come out of the station, so I'm somewhat amazed it is surviving. I can't imagine that Frome has enough train users to keep it going.
The cafe outside Frome Station gets plenty of trade from local trading units. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to open until after 8am, so they miss out on the trade from the 100+ rail passengers who use the departures between 0605 and 0802. They could probably get a bit of trade from those on the 1015, which often has 50+ passengers waiting on the platform (and more on Saturday for the 1007). |
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
chuffed
|
|
« Reply #12 on: December 11, 2017, 09:47:31 » |
|
I must recommend the little cafe (used to only be open for taxi drivers) by the 8/9 bus stops at Temple Meads. I've known it open at 8pm even in the winter. The bacon sandwiches are heartily recommended. At the opposite extreme is Harts bakery in the arches underneath the incline. An artisanal bakery where you can watch the bakers at work. All their products are extremely tasty and of award winning standards. To get to it, come out of the station, turn left, go down the flight of steps, and walk in front of the Bristol and Exeter building. The smell of the goodies will waft you there !
|
|
|
|
« Last Edit: December 11, 2017, 17:44:22 by chuffed »
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
JayMac
|
|
« Reply #13 on: December 11, 2017, 11:00:21 » |
|
A few years ago, during a Bristol Food Festival, Hart's Bakery was used by FGW▸ as a pop up restaurant, to showcase their Pullman Dining. A team came up from Plymouth and took over the bakery kitchen for the evening.
Myself and bobm, with our lady friends, had a most enjoyable meal.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
"A clear conscience laughs at a false accusation."
"Treat everyone the same until you find out they're an idiot."
"Moral indignation is a technique used to endow the idiot with dignity."
|
|
|
|
WSW Frome
|
|
« Reply #14 on: December 11, 2017, 11:55:59 » |
|
"The Platform" café outside Frome Station (and close to the ticket office) was originally opened (with new buildings etc) about 4-5? years ago with artisan and upper market credentials and I believe early opening. Unfortunately that model did not appear successful and the café closed for some period.
It has been under new management for perhaps 3 years with a more standard provision for travellers, taxi drivers and local businesses. It operates on fairly normal daytime opening hours. Clearly the business should be encouraged and there could be some potential for traveller information and support to the rail service. Frome ticket office is open Mo-Sa on the full morning shift to around 12.00.
|
|
|
|
|
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
