Brief Encounter Refreshment Room in Lancaster

The legendary clock may have disappeared (forever?) but at least the heritage centre may have now have been saved. The lovely cafe is part of that important heritage. The orange, lemon and lime cake I had with a latte may have been so moist as to be literally glistening, and less sharp than I expected (hopefully the recipe will be adjusted accordingly) but it won't stop many return visits. Pleasant staff, by the way - very pleasant. Recommended.

On Tuesday 22/10/2024 I attended a wake that was held in the back function room at the Brief Encounter Cafe. The service and food were excellent. The staff were polite and friendly. They made the group feel welcome and nothing was too much trouble.The lighting gave the venue a cosy and warm feel. This is not the first time I have been wowed by Brief Encounter. In February 2024 I attended a family baby shower that was equally as impressive! I will definitely be returning for coffee and cake or lunch . I highly recommend it for a function!

Brief Encounter provide a welcoming buffet service for a funeral tea. The welcome from the staff was excellent, happy but respectful. The buffet was first class and commented positively by all who attended. Everyone felt that they went above and beyond on service, the buffet and the home made cakes. I cannot recommend this venue enough to people. Great team, great spirit, great service of a high quality buffet.

OH WOW one of my favourite films and we came upon the cafe by chance. Absolutely beautifully preserved and I was moved to be lucky enough to visit this place. The attached museum was wonderful. The highlight of my holiday.

Shocking attitude of proprietor. Went in at 3.30pm on a Sunday hoping for a bacon sandwich to be told they shut at 4 and would not cook it for us. We decided to leave, with which the fellow behind the counter said "charming" as if we owed him some trade. With an attitude like his I'm surprised they get any custom at all. Can't review the food - we never got any. Music was turned up so loud we could hardly hear him anyway. Waitresses looked disinterested. Strange man talking to himself was walking up and down pestering people. We won't be back!

Bought my partner here for her birthday lunch inspired by the iconic film we watched the week before, being a real romantic ‘n all. The food was always gonna be a bonus however the food was great, served quickly and fresh by really delightful local true Lancashire staff. Real friendly with tonnes of touches from the film itself. Family run who are proud of their business and rightly so ! 5*****

Not sure where to start….. the chicken tikka sandwich/panini resembled something shop bought. The burger was greasy and so cheap tasting it was completely inedible, the people sat on the next table said it looked that bad they wouldn’t give it their dog. On the plus side the chips were hot! Never again !

Visited the train station because of the film connection. Didn't realise the cafe did food. Had the brief encouter breakfast. It was delicious. I asked for no mushrooms or beans. The waiter asked what would I like in it's place, I asked for an extra rasher of bacon I got two and a extra sausage with no extra cost. There was plenty of selection for breakfasts, and the counter had various cakes which looked delicious. I will defiantly go back again.

Curry was out of a supermarket bottle and then a few prawns chucked in. The other meal was a rock hard pie and gravy in one lump.

Situated on platform 1 of station, well signposted, interesting inside and v busy, extensive menu of both cooked meals and sandwiches, we ate beautiful home cooked ham sandwiches and a BLT, well presented and v tasty. A very good lunch, we would recommend

A cosy yet large cafe, with nice lighting, vintage memorabilia and friendly staff, with non- stop views of trains! My food and drinks arrived quickly and were tasty and I enjoyed chatting with the lovely lady working there. Thank you!

A really lovely experience, great staff, liam and team couldnt do enough for you, Very attentive table service, we all felt relaxed and enjoyed all the breakfasts we had, great coffee too

Very good food was hot but drinks took ages brista was very apologetic 5/5 Recommend from me quite loud outside train staion well done guys

Superb Christmas lunch served today Lovely staff Excellent value for money Couldnt fault it st all and highly recommend it I would consider booking as it can get bery busy

I had read of the venue and also seen a TV feature. I wanted to see if it lived up to the hype. Glad to say it did with an extremely tasty main meal and dessert. The decor is superb and really lends to the Brief Encounter theme. Staff were extremely pleasant and welcoming

The coffee is truly bad and the teacakes are frozen. The place is dirty and run down, rather than renovated. Very sad to see,

Wonderful cafe/bar located at Carnforth railway station..absolutely love it and have been several times. Apart from being recreated like the filmset from Brief Encounter, the menu ranges from snacks to full meals.. The food is excellent and plenty of vegetarian options too..all made to order. The owners and staff are lovely too. Highly recommend!

Boarded the scarborough spa syea express there lovely day out.visited the tea room on the next day for breakfast it was lovely

Food is very good and prices reasonable. Staff friendly and welcoming. Amenities clean and well looked after. Adjacent steam railway exhibits a must for enthusiasts. Ample parking.

We visited Tuesday 25th July having reserved a table at lunchtime. It was a surprise for our friend who lives Brief Encounter. She and the the of us loved our lunch meal, the ladies were very friendly serving customers. One of the ladies took a photo of us later towards the end of the afternoon. The atmosphere in the cafe was great and felt old fashioned and in keeping with Brief Encounter. The Heritage Centre was full of information and films and we spent a couple of hours going round. The souvenir shop has some nice goodies to buy. Highly recommend Carnforth Station. Thank you everyone at Carnforth

The breakfast is incredible. So much of it and such great value for money. Super atmosphere and friendly staff.

One of the greatest British films was filmed here in 1953 and the café has been lovingly recreated – a great selection of menu - my mum had the leek and potato soup and I had a delicious cheese and tomato quiche with salad. The exhibition, which includes Brief Encounter on a loop was excellent and it is a definite for film buffs and railway enthusiasts. One of the volunteers, Michael was incredibly friendly and enthusiastic – and we hope to make a return visit one day.

Service and food outstanding!! Staff working fast paced but still provided a friendly and efficient service. Food was amazing - a hidden gem! Thank you

Just had a lovely Eggs Benedict. Very tasty, plenty of Salmon. My husband had the Grand breakfast, fantastic and plenty of it.

Amazing space, still looks the same as the film and that was over 75 years ago! Coffee was excellent, best we've had for a long time; dog appreciated the padded seating too!

The Brief Encounter is lovely. The food is so great with fresh and tasty eats. The service was Fabulous with the waitresses being very friendly and helpful.

Amazing food and service would highly recommend , there was plenty to choose from on the menu and not expensive either , lovely atmosphere

We came here for my retirement party and it was excellent!! Freshly made food which was amazing and the staff went above and beyond, I cannot stress enough how amazing the waitresses were! We’ll definitely be back

Lots of choice on the menu. Cakes are to die for. Friendly staff. Super clean. Lovely atmosphere. Would definitely recommend.

We visited late morning, on the changeover from breakfast to lunch, we ordered breakfast sandwiches, they were served quickly, & hot, by efficient staff. The place was busy, but nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The place was clean, & tidy. An all...

The food was very good, my daughter had the burger and I had the lasagne. It really is above average and well worth visiting we will definitely eat there again. Would have been 5 stars if it wasn’t for the foul language of the female...

I visited this lovely authentic tearoom this morning with friends & we all had the small full English breakfast & very tasty it was too. Nice ambience & Kiefer & Liam couldn’t have been nicer or more helpful & chatty. Highly recommend if you’re in...

After reading the excellent reviews for the Brief Encounter Bistro my husband and I thought it would be the perfect place to take some elderly friends for a special treat. Unfortunately it didn't exactly live up to expectations. The service was very slow. After placing...

Just returned home from an amazing lunch here..... The team are fabulous and the food is exceptional! Thank you for a brilliant meal!

What an excellent place. Friendly staff, a good menu with excellent quality and value food. We had soup and a toasted baguette and both were tasty and generous portions. Close-by there is the Visitor Centre which was a top location to visit. Excellent displays, a...

Have just eaten lunch at the unique Brief Encounter restaurant on Carnforth railway station. What an interesting venue with a delicious and varied menu. Service was excellent and Kiefer went above and beyond to ensure everything was just right. Thank you. Will be visiting again...

We ventured to Carnforth station to eat at this lovely retro cafe that was used in the film Brief Encounter.

In the Brief Encounter Refreshment Room with bar and bistro there is a selection of generous classic cakes including a deep Victoria sponge, generously iced coffee walnut cake, pastries under domes beside the original "Brief Encounter" silver tea urns. You enter the warm bar area...

Breakfasts are amazing 10/10.. Ham and Cheese toasties are delicious 10/10 lovely surroundings, staff are very helpful Such a calm, relaxing place to be in, cannot fault it 1 bit

Great food. Lots of delicious cakes to choose from. Good choice of fillings for baked potatoes, sandwiches and panini. Great staff. All very helpful and friendly. Would highly recommend.

We visited for a superb afternoon tea. Enjoyed by all. Delicious sandwiches, cakes & fantastic scones. Wonderful experience. We will be visiting again soon. Truly enjoyable day!

Great food as always Staff always so friendly and obliging. Never feel rushed always very relaxing! Shame they can't stay open for the winter evenings because their is not much choice in the area. Look forward to them opening again for spring evenings We'll have...

Excellent service with some really good food Nice people and a unique environment Good wine and drinks on offer but its all about the service and food Highly recommend

I really enjoyed the afternoon tea it could not be faulted and I'd highly recommend it to everyone. The staff were very friendly

This is a very unique cafe. Very 'brief encounters ' style without feeling old fashioned. It used to be fantastic but is recently under new management. The service was slow. . The Capuccino tasteless. Two diet pepsis were complete flat. They were served by a...

Excellent burger in great surrounds, exhibition and station well worth a visit as well. Very friendly experience. Prices fairly typical but you get the benefit of the environment.

What a wonderful experience - a delightful cafe, with delicious food and friendly expert staff. Our breakfasts were first class, freshly cooked and the coffee hit the spot! The place was spotless and very atmospheric. We shall certainly return and tell all our friends about...

It’s lovely to see so much of this room still looking like it did in Brief Encounter, like the urns, stove and cash register. The food & coffee was OK, prices were reasonable. On the negative side, the awful generic pop background music would have...

The restaurant is situated in the old station restaurant where the film Brief Encounter was filmed. It has a lovely atmosphere in quaint surroundings, a varied menu, including a good choice of veggie options, and a good choice of beers and other alcoholic drinks! The...

After a full days diving our club booked a table at this establishment when we arrived we were pleasantly greeted and served with our drinks while we were looking at the menus. The place is an old railway station and is very tastefully decorated so...

If you're a film buff you would know this was the setting for most of David Lean's classic 1944 film Brief Encounter. Based in Carnforth Station it still has most of its original items from the 1940s. The cafe and tea room can be accessed...

We visited the other day for the first time. I knew about its film association and have had an inkling to visit one day. A great place for film and railway buffs and for us a great place for a barm breakfast. Good coffee, fullsome...

Being a long time fan of the film, I was dying to see the Refreshment Room, so we called in for a late breakfast on the way home from a week in the Lakes. This was the best breakfast we've had in a long time....

I don’t usually review station cafes but will make an exception here. After a weekend away I’m the lakes I had to spend quite a bit of time at Carnforth on both my journeys. The setting inside was lovely with a good selection of food...

Had a day after wedding breakfast here this morning. Breakfast was delicious and as being Scottish we are fussy, bacon sausage were delicious. Staff were friendly and the history is amazing

What can I say about this wonderful place. We visited as a family of 6 for dinner. The food was delicious especially the cheesecake and the service so friendly and warm. We returned for an equally delicious lunch a few days later and the staff...

Following a recommendation from my husband's work colleague we had a very lovely meal here. The food was fresh and balance of flavoues superb. Friendly atmosphere and the team were great.😀😀😀

Thankyou so much for making my Dad's birthday extra special yesterday. We all had something different from the menu and we all agreed everything was fresh and really delicious! The birthday cake and sparkler topped off the day. We will be back!

From start to finish, our whole experience was absolutely top drawer. The service was fantastic, staff were friendly and helpful, food was excellent across a broad range and the atmosphere was great. A real 5 out of 5 experience. Loved every mouthful of food and...

This was our first time eating here , we visited with family , the food was lovely and very good portions , thank you Liam and his team , we will return .

Had a lovely meal here the other night. Received a warm welvome6ftom Liam. The food was excellent and a lovely atmosphere

We visited for lunch. My wife had soup and I had cheese and onion pie. The food was tasty and hot. The service was friendly and very enthusiastic. We will be back

A visit to carnforth today I’ve often wondered what it’s like here. Not disappointed at all excellent breakfast served plus the bread bun was fresh. I’m going to stick my neck out here for this review it’s probably the best bacon I’ve had for ages....

We drove from the Lakes where we were staying to visit the Heritage Centre next door. Unfortunately it was closed! So 4 of us visited the cafe for tea/coffee and cake. The coffees were mixed up but we didn’t bother to complain. The chocolate brownie...

Popped in for a coffee while waiting for our train. WOW, it was fantastic, a lovely friendly warm atmosphere and service was spot on. Can't believe we have never tried here before. Licenced too. Definitely recommend and can't wait to visit again

A return visit, after last visiting in early 2020. Already a fan of this place, but I must say the standard of service this time was beyond brilliant. The young man behind the counter was friendly, polite and when I needed to get on my...

Another lovely meal with great service. As vegetarians we asked for some specials to be added to their menu. Not only were lots offered but our suggestions were met and we had a really lovely evening in the great surroundings of this bistro bar. This...

Called in for lunch. The staff were very welcoming and friendly and service was good. The food was freshly prepared, but was just average home cooked cafe fare - we had expected something more upmarket from the advertising we had seen. There is a vegetarian...

As we couldn't come in early November ,we called in today for lunch . It's a lovely café keeping the Brief Encounter theme . The staff are very friendly and we managed to get the same table as last time which is in the same...

Very good quality food, reasonable price, friendly staff. Don't expect the full "brief Encounter" experience, but in fairness who wants to eat what was on offer in a British Railway tea room in 1945? I much prefer their range of modern specials and I think...

We came here for a Christmas lunch …. Food was gorgeous couldn’t fault a thing … staff are very friendly and helpful would definitely recommend

I heard this restaurant was under new ownership, so we decided to pay a visit. Very impressive food, very impressive location. Connected to the Carnforth Railway Station museum, you can look at old train information and images, then go and have some delicious food. The...

Went on an evening as heard the Pizzas were outstanding - which they are! Really wanted a starter so shared a sundried tomato/mozarella small plate. Service a little slow considering it was pretty quiet but not a problem. Would have preferred the option of a...

We popped in today while visiting the station, and very glad we did ! Initially just for a cup of tea but the menu looked so good and the room so cosy we ordered food as well .Due to a ordering mishap the food was...

Great to see this lovely building has been taken over by people who intend to make the most of its character. Nice cafe by day and now a bistro in the evening. Pizzas were excellent and a nice starter from the lunch menu to accommodate...

After having a cuppa in the afternoon we returned in the evening for a pizza and we were pleasantly surprised at how delicious they were with a variety of flavours.. Great to have draft beer to wash it down. it was not as busy as...

I went for my breakfast this morning with my daughter & friend I have to say the staff were very helpful & polite the breakfast was amazing !! They are very generous portions we'll worth a visit . I & my daughter will be going...

The refreshment room has been given a thorough make-over and smartened up without losing the connection to its film heritage. Bright and welcoming and the new owners are to be commended. We visited for lunch on the wettest of days. Don't be put off by...

Lovely little cafe bar. We didn’t have any food, just drinks but would highly recommend the bar. Friendly staff & great Budvar lager 🍺

The new owners are giving this lovely place it's full potential. Home cooked food and great cakes, excellent service and it will be on our list to visit again

Warm and welcoming reception. Just popped in for morning coffee and scrumptious homemade cake for 11's. Clean, freindly staff and friends ortunate to sit in the Station masters lounge. So nostalgic. Under new ownership, a credit to them. Keep up the good work.

Called in this morning for coffee and chat with a friend. Good to see they have kept the original charming furnishings and atmosphere. Extensive menu available so will definitely be back for a more substantial meal.

The Brief Encounter Refreshment Room Bistro and Bar reopened on Monday 27 September after over 18 months closure following the Covid-19 pandemic. Fully refurbished and under the new management of business partners Liam Law and Andrew Wren. Great food and bar menu with local draft...

We visited Carnforth Railway Station as matter of nostalgia as it featured in the epic film "Brief Encounter. We were disappointed that both the Heritage Centre and the Cafe were closed to the public.

Came here this morning Feb 19th 2020 with my young family including my non-verbally autistic son and they couldn’t do enough for us! Wonderful attention to our needs from the barman especially!! Thank you for your care and kindness, the food and drink is very...

The best and most delicious jacket potatoes we have ever seen I think. Also ordered a salad with ham which was excellent and breathtakingly fresh. The young waitresses were kind and helpful for all the time of our visit even with two kids.

There's nothing much to see in Carnforth itself, but if you're in the area a visit to the refreshment room at the station is well worth a visit. There's a small but interesting heritage centre and small cinema area where Brief Encounter plays on a...

Absolutely loved this place , we both have coffees and the fantastic homemade scones which were delicious, the host was very friendly and full of banter, it’s very atmospheric and the trains rattle past on the west coast main line just a few feet away...

Lovely coffee and cake in this iconic tea room. Themed surroundings including the famous Brief Encounter clock. Very pleasant waiting staff.

A brilliant visit which really recreated the spirit of 'Brief Encounter Tea Rooms' - old cash register etc

I called at the adjacent Heritage Centre to see an exhibition. I had a light lunch in these tearooms, young staff all very pleasant. Tea presented in pots as you would expect in a place like this. They do sandwiches & lovely cakes too. I think you can also have full afternoon tea. Very quiet with 1940's music I think and just the noise of high-speed London-Scotland & vv trains zooming past

This place isn't just a good cafe with very satisfying food & friendly servive, it's also a wonderful, unique destination in itself. The whole place & the attached Heritage Centre has been developed with such obvious love & dedication. It feels cosy & inviting and is a perfect place to bring friends & family, young & elderly alike. It's thanks to a determined team of staff, volunteers & enthusiasts that such a great legacy has been left to embellish the little railway town of Carnforth. Well done guys & gals!

The Brief Encounter Refreshment Room at Carnforth Heritage Centre looks really good with historical artefacts decorating the dining room. The food was a let down though and twice we were told they didn’t have what we ordered what was eventually served was average at best. Could and should be much better

We called at the refreshment room for coffee and cake. The cakes were delicious and the staff friendly. Its definitely worth a visit, especially the heritage centre if you are a fan of ‘Brief Encounter’.

We were revisiting Carnforth - a place we stayed in a lot. Popped into the famous station for a bite to eat. Very friendly people. Relaxed atmosphere and sublime food. Husbands all day brekky cooked to perfection and my eggs royal were sublime - and I should know as we run a guest house so breakfast is our business! Thank you.

While on a visit to the excellent Carnforth Heritage Centre, we lunched at the Refreshment Room, restored to its original condition. It was replicated in a studio for the film "Brief Encounter", starring Trevor Howard , which was filmed at Carnforth Station. The proprietor was a most friendly and knowledgeable chap, and he and his young assistant were immaculately dressed and very smart. The food was excellent and their cooked ham is to die for - succulent and with very generous portions. The decor and furniture is a trip back to the 1940s as is the background music, which features music by Glen Miller, The Squadronnaires and other famous 1940s performers. All in all, a marvellous trip into nostalgia. We will visit again. again

Lovely little cafe for some delicious food. Staff are nice and friendly and food is fantastic. Breakfast are delicious and would definitely recommend booking for the afternoon tea.

It's free ! If you are interested in railways and the 'Brief Encounter' scenario it is well worth a visit. The Refreshment Room can get busy at times especially when a coach party turns up. There is a good choice of food on the menu. The only thing that annoyed us was that my wife found a long hair in her sandwich when she took a bite out of it. It was pointed out to the person who looked to be the supervisor - he looked at it - didn't say a word - and just walked off. No apologies !

We stopped for some tea in the refreshment room before going through the heritage center. Everything everyone had was tasty and the wait staff was courteous. I am not sure how they would fare for a full lunch but for a quick bite they are certainly reasonable choice.

The menu is very varied and is excellent value for money. The restaurant itself is atmospheric and is in the actual room that appeared in the film.