Last Thursday, I stopped in for lunch at The Station Café at The Creamery, located right next to the platform at Castle Cary train station. It’s not every day you find a working creamery and restaurant on a railway platform, but this one manages to combine history, heritage, and hospitality.
Housed in a beautifully restored 1912 building, originally known as the ‘Milk Factory’, the space has been sensitively reimagined by Koos Bekker and Karen Roos – the couple behind nearby luxury retreat The Newt in Somerset, which recently picked up the title of World’s Best Boutique Hotel. Their careful stewardship is evident throughout the Creamery, which keeps one foot firmly in the past while feeling fresh, elegant, and thoughtfully modern.
The history of the building is central to its character. The original structure was used to receive milk from local farmers, turn it into cheese, and send it by rail to London – a perfect snapshot of early 20th-century rural industry. That sense of time and place remains intact. The design draws heavily on the era of 1912, nodding to the ‘Golden Age of Travel’ with elegant, old-world flourishes, while the new brick extension blends almost invisibly with the original architecture. Cheesemaking has even returned to the building, further rooting it in its original purpose.
From the moment I sat down, the service stood out, genuinely warm and enthusiastic. The waitress confidently backed my main and dessert picks as great choices. That kind of energy from the staff really adds to the experience. You want them to have enthusiasm for the food.
For lunch, I ordered the roasted Ramiro peppers on sourdough, which arrived as a toastie with carrot hummus, with crispy fries and estate leaves on the side. It was vibrant, full of flavour, and nicely balanced, though the fries were a touch too salty for my liking – a personal quibble rather than a deal-breaker.
The apple and rhubarb crumble that followed, however, was in a different league. Served with buffalo milk gelato and a rich cyder caramel sauce, it was perfectly spiced, seasonal, and indulgent without being heavy. A real standout dish.
If you ever find yourself passing through Castle Cary – or even if you’re not – The Station Café at The Creamery is worth seeking out. It’s a brilliant example of how to honour local history while creating something genuinely special in the present.
Is The Station Café suitable for families? Yes, there is a children’s menu.
Where should I park? I recommend using the East Car Park at Castle Cary Train Station. Alternatively, you can park in Castle Cary and follow the footpath from the town centre.
Based in Somerset, Adam Crookes is on a mission to uncover everything this county has to offer. Adam grew up in Martock before moving to Street in early 2020.