Spa Valley Railway, West Station, Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN2 5QY
Telephone: 01892 537715
Email enquiries@spavalleyrailway.co.uk

Catering

There are a number of places to eat out along the route of the Spa Valley Railway. These are the Old West Station, inside the former station building, opposite our engine shed, the High Rocks Inn, with the station platform at the bottom of its Beer Garden, or the Junction Inn, which can be found outside the station at Groombridge. All of these establishments offer a range of cooked meals.

Alternatively the railway offers a number of refreshment options to passengers. These include our static buffet car and our award winning Bar Car 'Kate'. 

Our static buffet at Tunbridge Wells West, can be found at the front of our site and is normally open on most running days. The vehicle which is from a former Southern Region electric multiple unit, has been restored and fitted out in our shed prior to entering service. The inside, which retains its original layout, has been given a 60s theme with many pictures and adverts from the period. Refreshments available to the visitor include teas, coffees and soft drinks, whilst food available includes hot pasties and sausage rolls, sandwiches, rolls and crisps, as well as a range of cakes. The buffet is where our children's birthday parties are held. These events include a ride on the train and then a party in the buffet. More details on these can be found on our Special Bookings page.

Above Left:- The seating area inside the static buffet at Tunbridge Wells West - Photo M. Dives

Right:- The counter area in the static buffet. Facilities include a heated cabinet serving hot pies and sausage rolls, whilst other available refreshments include sandwiches and crisps - Photo M. Dives

Our award winning Bar Car 'Kate' can be found in most service trains, serving a range of refreshments to passengers as they travel through the Kent and Sussex countryside, being served by uniformed waiting staff. Converted from a former passenger coach, 'Kate' sells a range of drinks including teas, coffees alcohol and food including doughnuts and scones. Passengers can also enjoy cream teas and scones, and on some special days, Real Ale from some of the local breweries. Kate can also be hired out for a number of special events such as birthdays, weddings or corporate events. For more details please see our Special Bookings page or email us at bookings@spavalleyrailway.co.uk. 

Left:- The luxurious surroundings that can be found inside Bar Car 'Kate' - Photo M. Dives

Although the railway does not offer Wine and Dine facilities yet, we run a number of special evenings where visitors can enjoy a meal on our train. One popular event is our regular Fish and Chip specials, where passengers can enjoy this traditional meal from a large menu, whilst travelling through the countryside over two return trips. These are held on regular dates during the year. For more details, please see our Fish and Chip page.

Right:- Passengers may place their orders at the bar and then be served in their seats by uniformed volunteers. Here Bar Manager Mike Elkerton can be seen welcoming visitors - Photo M. Dives

Last Updated 28th November 2006. İM. Dives