Bassenthwaite Lake Station in Allerdale

Beautiful spot for breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea near to Bassenthwaite Lake. Plenty of free parking. We stopped for lunch here. Portion size is very generous and food was delicious. Lovely experience to eat on the train. Would highly recommend. Owners very friendly and welcoming.

I came across this place by accident whilst searching for rail-related places round the town of Cockermouth in the Lake District, and my word am I glad I found it! Bassenthwaite Lake Station is situated on the old railway line between Cockermouth and Keswick in Cumbria, which was closed between 1958 and 1972. The station itself was closed in 1966 and was left abandoned for 53 years. In April 2019, the site was purchased by Simon and Diana Parums, who since have renovated Into the cafe it is today. Later in 2019, the couple purchased the replica SNCF class 241 express steam locomotive and the 3 replica Orient carriages. These 4 pieces of rolling stock are actually, the very train that appears in the Kenneth Branagh 2017 film adaptation of Agatha Christie’s novel ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ starring Dame Judi Dench and Johnny Depp. With that little history lesson out of the way, let’s focus on the experience. All the food was excellent, with a wide and diverse selection of food and drink for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All the staff were incredibly friendly, and were genuinely passionate about their job. I got the chance to speak to one of the loverly staff during my visit, who told me the story of the business, and told me the businesses plans to expand in the future! If you are in the Cockermouth area and you are in need of a place for breakfast, I would definitely recommend this place!

Absolutely fantastic, brilliant afternoon tea, brilliant service, lovely staff and lovely location, recommended to everyone. Access also great.

Spent a lovely afternoon on the train for tea. Tasty food, coffee and tea refills included in afternoon tea price. Lovely staff, all in all a great time had and good value.

Very poor afternoon tea. £90 for 3 people it should be good at that money but no was very poor. Staff were lovely but food was not great. No options on sandwiches etc disappointing as wasn't keen on what was coming. Halloumi burger was awful, as was every sandwich. Thought um cakes look good and will make up for it erm no all bland and watery. Coffee was cold and not great on the refills and no more milk brought on refill coming either. Anyway we won't be back or recommend was a very disappointing experience and was a special birthday treat. Much nicer afternoon teas about so try them.