Buffet Car 'Emily' - Tunbridge Wells West Station

17/05/2021

Only a few more days to go until our railway reopens it’s doors once again. It’s been a while but we’re looking forward to welcoming you back.

For those who traveled with us last summer or over Christmas, you’ll remember our On Train Trolley. Due to the current ongoing situation with COVID-19 we’re currently unable to operate our buffet coach “Emily”, so in the meantime an On Train Trolley service will be available on every journey - subject to volunteer availability.

The trolley will makes it way though the train giving you the opportunity to purchase hot and cold drinks, snacks, light refreshments and maybe a guide book too! This ranges from locally sourced crisp, mouthwatering biscuits, and delicious hot chocolate.

To help keep everyone safe and minimise contact we ask that you pay contactless where possible, although cash can be taken if necessary. An enhanced cleaning regime is in place and hands regularly washed and sanitised.

The trolley proved very popular last season and I hope it does again from next week. If you enjoy your journey please consider leaving a Trip Advisor review - we really appreciate it!

From myself and the OTT team we look forward to serving you. ^Cameron

Follow the railways main page for regular posts on events, updates and what’s on 👉🏻 Spa Valley Railway - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

27/04/2021

Hello all. Apologies I’ve been quite!

The buffet is currently closed due to current circumstances and the inability to cater for the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead, me and the summer 2020 formed On Train Trolley Team which consists of Cameron (me), Alex, Kirk, Richard and Wiz, along with additional help from Ben will operate once the railway reopens. The trolley has operated every day since (bar one) since reopening in August (when the railway is open) and proved very popular.

There are two trolleys - with hold and cold drinks, snacks and light refreshments operating end to end throughout the journey.We also sell branded Spa Valley Railway face mask and Guide Books.

The Spa Valley Railway will re-open to the public on Saturday 22nd May 2021, bookings will open soon! We’ve missed you all and look forward to seeing you soon.

If you haven’t already give this page a like as for now I’ll post about the trolley when it’s up and running.

I and the look forward to service you. - Cameron

23/10/2020

Hello all. Apologies I’ve been quite!

The buffet is currently closed due to current circumstances and the inability to cater for the current COVID-19 restrictions.

Instead, me and the newly formed On Train Trolley Team formed of Cameron (me), Alex, Kirk, Richard and Wiz, along with additional help from Ben. The trolley has operated every day since (bar one) since reopening in August.

There are two trolleys - one being snacks (pre-packed cakes, confectionary, locally made crisps, amazing biscuits and sandwiches*) , and being various hot drinks. We also sell branded Spa Valley Railway face mask and Guide Books.

This weekend is the last operating weekend before the Santa Special services in December. Myself, Alex, Kirk and Richard will be on hand to serve all of our wonderful passengers.

Please note: on Saturday 24th October train rides are now FULL! Please DO NOT visit without pre-booking as we will not be able to accommodate you on our trains!

I and the look forward to service you. - Cameron

(*Sandwiches sold from the shop at TWW)

25/06/2020

Not related to the buffet, but certainly some welcoming news. ^Cameron

27/05/2020

Good evening everyone!

Sadly no update from me, see our main page Spa Valley Railway - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent for anything like that.

I just wanted to check in and make sure everyone is doing well and keeping safe.

It’s been almost 3 months since the kettle boiled a brew in the buffet, but unfortunately that’s the way it is at present!

I’ve been busy at home baking and cooking to keep me busy - have you? If so, send us your pictures.

Keep safe,
Cameron Abbotts,
Catering Department.

25/04/2020

Hello Facebook!

Hope your all safe and well.

Although we’re closed and you can’t taste my irresistible bacon baps or cake slices, we can do the next best thing!

I want to see what baking skills and recipes this lockdown has created! I’m after some inspiration - comment below your baking tips and tricks!

Here is my attempt at some cookies! ^Cameron

15/04/2020

Hello everyone!

Just wanted to add a post to keep the page active. I can’t really add anything that our main page hasn’t already said - but we remain closed, as do all heritage railways while lockdown is in place.

I miss getting up before dawn and getting the first bus of the day to the railway - but if we all do our bit and stay at home, then that’s a start!

Feel free to donate to our railway to help keep income flowing in. While we’re closed we don’t have any direct source of income, so a donation is a huge help! https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=eaD65o2PEjYdYS4V5_fcgQQiKDees5Qz6wogg-tp8vvi8LzMMYse6HVDB4ejrzH5yuypNW&country.x=GB&locale.x=GB

Keep safe and I look forward to seeing you all whenever they may be.

Best wishes,
Keep safe,
Cameron Abbotts,
Catering Department.

17/03/2020

I deeply regret to advise that along with the railway, the buffet will be CLOSED until 25th April, pending decision nearer the time.

I know this isn’t something we’d consider lightly, but the safety of our volunteers and members of the public is of upmost importance.

Please either call 01892300141 (it may be myself or another volunteer who answers. It will not be manned constantly.) or you can email us.

Please bare with us if you email us as I expect we will get a high volume of enquires.

From our website: “The Spring Diesel & Beer Weekend and Easter trains will no longer take place nor will dining or catering events from now until 25th April. We will review our operations closer to the time. All customers that have booked are being refunded slowly and you will receive an email shortly.

There is some good news though, the Somerset & Dorset Locomotive Company have very kindly extended the hire of Class 20 D8188 until the Summer Diesel Gala 2020! We are sorry to disappoint anyone but we don't want nor can we expect to expose our volunteers (a lot are over the age of 70) or our visitors to the COVID-19 outbreak.”

I hope we can resume in the not to distant future, but please follow our official Spa Valley Railway - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent page for the latest.

Keep safe,
Best wishes,
Cameron Abbotts,
Catering Department,
Spa Valley Railway.

17/03/2020

See the post below. Should we open, I’d like to stress that the buffet is being cleaned regularly.

A deep clean after closure is taking place daily when open. A further clean in the morning before opening and then furthermore at frequent intervals during the day.

Every touchable surface such as door handles, tables, counter tops, side boards and anything you can touch is disinfected regularly. Hygiene and cleanliness is my top priority.

We will advise if we are open via our official page Spa Valley Railway - Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent

If you have symptoms or feel unwell, I can’t add anything further and suggest you follow NHS/Government advice.

Stay safe and thank you for your support at this difficult time.

Many thanks,
Cameron Abbotts,
Catering Department,
Spa Valley Railway.

13/03/2020

Good evening.

Please see the post on the Spa Valley Railways official page below.

to add, I, as the person currently running the buffet, can't stress enough how important cleaning is. Therefore,I would like to fully reassure all of our customers that cleaning is being done to a high standard on all surfaces including door handles, tables, sides, flooring and anywhere you can touch.

I can't add any more to what is already stated on the official railway statement.

"If you have visited the areas affected by Coronavirus you should avoid visiting the Spa Valley Railway until you have received advice and instructions. Please visit the NHS website for your next steps, we are not able to add anything more." - from our website.

If you have any concerns please contact the railway.

Many thanks,
Cameron Abbotts,
Tunbridge Wells West Buffet,
Catering Department.

The Spa Valley Railway is currently OPEN as scheduled on all operating dates. We are taking Government and Heritage Railway Association advice relating to COVID-19 on our current operating dates and will advise in due course on this website should we have to close. We are continuously monitoring th...

01/03/2020

Visiting the railway? Make sure you visit our buffet coach "Emily" at Tunbridge Wells West station. A quick grab and go snack or eat in light lunch - the buffet is the perfect place to sit and relax.

A service with a smile is always guaranteed.

27/02/2020

UCKFIELD LINE CLOSURE – DOES NOT IMPACT SPA VALLEY RAILWAY.

Please note, due to the recent severe weather, there has been a significant deterioration in the railway embankment near Edenbridge Town which means the Uckfield line needs to be closed this weekend, Saturday 29th February and Sunday 1st March, to carry out emergency repairs.

This DOES NOT impact the Spa Valley Railway and our trains will be running between Tunbridge Wells West and Eridge with BR Std 4MT No. 80078.

We are offering ticket acceptance on our trains to any passengers with a valid National Rail ticket from Eridge to take you into Tunbridge Wells if it is of any use for your onward journey.

https://www.southernrailway.com/travel-information/plan-your-journey/service-updates?uq=637184325778800000