Yesterday (Sat 26th June) saw the opening of a new cafe on the East Lancashire Railway at Heywood station.

The Whistlestop Carriage Cafe has been created from a former rail unit and will be initially serving takeaway food and drinks.

Alongside tea, coffee and hot chocolate, there is a range of sweet treats and up to 12 different flavours of ice cream.

The cafe will be open Saturdays and Sundays between 9am and 5pm. From July 21st, customers will be able to sit inside and the cafe will be open from Wednesday to Sunday.

The cafe is run by Michelle Worthington, and her business partner Mark Redfern.

Michelle said: “We’ve got a nod to the railway inside, with pictures of the Flying Scotsman. It’s quite light and airy and we’ve got lots of flowers and greenery, so it’s quite fresh.

“We’ve replaced the floor, we’ve done a lot of repairs inside, and we’ve found some original features so we’re going to show off those.

“We wanted to appeal to people who aren’t just using the train. We want a standalone business so people would come to us because of what we offer and while they’re here they might get a ticket for the train, so it benefits the railway as well.”

East Lancashire Railway Chairman Mike Kelly added: “The coach at Heywood Station has always had a lot of potential so we’re delighted that Michelle and Mark have transformed it into a lovely cafe after years of it standing empty.

“The opening is great news for families and individuals, who want to use a trip on the railway as an opportunity for a grand day out, complete with tea, coffee and cake. Visitors will now have more choice when it comes to food and drink.”

Peter Rush, Chairman of the Heywood Township, said: “We are delighted to welcome this new refreshment facility at Heywood station and very pleased that local entrepreneurs are investing their time and money in Heywood. We wish them well in this new and unique facility on the ELR.”

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