For various reasons, we have decided not to put the buffet back into the VSOE building. Instead, the northern end previously occupied by the buffet will be the railway’s information and museum area, with displays on and around the walls, with seating accommodation for visitors. Work on this area is currently under way and should be completed shortly.
We are working to install the buffet in the ex-BR Mark 1 coach, parked in the centre road of the station. The principal benefits of this will be more kitchen space, more seating, a more authentic interesting setting for customers, and possibly a better marketing opportunity. As this coach featured in the filming of episodes of “The Darling Buds of May” in the 1990s, one possibility is to brand it “The Darling Buds of May Buffet”.
Entry for the public will be via the southern end (corridor) door using a set of steps which are being specially built for us for this purpose. For disabled customers and anyone wishing to sit outside, the picnic area is close by, and in inclement weather seating will be available in the information centre.
The staff mess van (the GBLV) has already been coupled up to the Mk1 at the northern end of the coach, and staff and customers alike will be served from the kitchen, albeit from different ends. The internal configuration of the mess van will remain as outlined in issue 51 (page 20), except that the kitchenette will be unnecessary, providing additional space in the van for other uses. A lot of work will be necessary to bring the new facility up to scratch and to enable it to be opened, but watch this space.
We are working to install the buffet in the ex-BR Mark 1 coach, parked in the centre road of the station. The principal benefits of this will be more kitchen space, more seating, a more authentic interesting setting for customers, and possibly a better marketing opportunity. As this coach featured in the filming of episodes of “The Darling Buds of May” in the 1990s, one possibility is to brand it “The Darling Buds of May Buffet”.
Entry for the public will be via the southern end (corridor) door using a set of steps which are being specially built for us for this purpose. For disabled customers and anyone wishing to sit outside, the picnic area is close by, and in inclement weather seating will be available in the information centre.
The staff mess van (the GBLV) has already been coupled up to the Mk1 at the northern end of the coach, and staff and customers alike will be served from the kitchen, albeit from different ends. The internal configuration of the mess van will remain as outlined in issue 51 (page 20), except that the kitchenette will be unnecessary, providing additional space in the van for other uses. A lot of work will be necessary to bring the new facility up to scratch and to enable it to be opened, but watch this space.
David Felton
No comments:
Post a Comment