The Railway Carriage
I guess it was a moment of personal pride when the Railway Carriage opened. Or rather, read “amazement”. The area of South Somerset where I grew up is not exactly inundated with tourist attractions of any kind, and whilst the Railway Carriage doesn’t exactly constitute one, it still doubles as both an incredible cafe and, alongside, a really innovative fresh produce store that entices folk from a fair few miles away. Honeycomb, tahini, and mean espresso, served virtually on my parents’ doorsteps? Get in there.
We do get in there. A lot. It’s on a direct route from my parents’ village to the nearest mainline railway station, Crewkerne. It’s also on the old A303, which is much better to take than the Ilminster bypass to “get west” (those who take the bypass, they are bypassing South Somerset foodie heaven, besides anything else).
Cappucino! Latte!
The Trading Post (that’s the fresh produce store/deli) is actually the main event, and came on the scene first. Whilst I might have made it sound as though it concentrates on relatively exotic produce, the truth is that it’s a great showcase of local stuff, whether it’s honey, or potatoes, or ceramics. If you want a souvenir to take home with you from your stay in South Somerset, look no further.
Those delicious cheese and marmite muffins
The Railway Carriage is a late nineteenth century railway car, which has come into its “siding of rest” overlooking a great rolling swathe of green fields, which doubles as the Trading Post’s vegetable garden and the outdoor part of the cafe. Inside, there’s only a few large tables, so pick your compartment and saddle up for the ride (in any case, it’s only just becoming a spot for idlers; many customers come for quick fixes of coffee, cake and lunch and leave, meaning there’s usually a table free).
Blueberry Muffin
The counter is packed with muffins, which could be the place’s secret piece de resistance. Cheese and marmite muffins (oh the crusts), blueberry and buttermilk muffins, cinnamon muffins. The meanest looking cake usually on is the coffee and walnut cake. The coffee is mixed up with Brian Wogan beans, the South West’s main independent coffee roaster. The lattes are so good and strong (some lattes are all milk and no coffee-like substance) you’ll want another. And the lunch menu is creative. Squash, red lentil and coconut dahl (they like using squash, these folks, which is no bad thing in my book). Feta and pesto strudel. Etcetera.
Another great thing about the railway Carriage is that if it looks closed, it probably isn’t. The person on duty is probably just in the shop, which is anyway part of the experience. But let’s remember the most incredible part. In an area of Somerset where you could count the number of cafes serving coffee and a daytime food menu this good on one hand, it’s a very nice surprise indeed. Welcome aboard! (and watch out for updates to this one, as I’m always in here).
Coffee: ********to*********
Cake: *******
Atmosphere: *********
Wifi: No
Prices: Mocha £2.30; feta strudel £8
Details: The Old Filling Station, Lopenhead, which is on the old A303 between the South Petherton roundabout and Ilminster (so if you’re coming from London, come off the new A303 at South Pethertonby the garage there). Opening 9am-5pm Monday to Saturday.
The Railway Carriage garden
The Railway Carriage
