Victoria Station Buffet Bar at 100: a review

Avo says..“ I used to commute out of there a few years ago and remember a newsagent or little cafe positioned on the ledt just as you walked in. It used to sell great little vegetarian and indian snacks like samosas and stuff and did hot drinks too. Has that place gone then?”

Editorial says..“ Yes. It was too good so they killed it.”

Neil says..“ This bar (and the whole station) is a disgrace. The room could be beautiful and with a bit of effort could be transformed into somewhere people would want to visit. The number of people who walk past it every day and the number of people who hang around waiting for a train proves that it's in a prime spot. Piccadilly Station is close to fantastic buit this place is an embarrassment.”

Cheeseman says..“ You're right they really hate us. I had a tomato and cheese sandwich on the way to the Killers last night and it was I swear a month old. Disgusting”

AD says..“ Its the same story up and down the country Major stations do OK everything else gets these idiots incharge. It really comes to something when you get better food upstairs in the MEN Mcdonalds...”

Sausages reports that SSP's corporate brochure says..“ At the heart of SSP is an understanding, based on years of experience, research and innovation, of the changing needs and desires of travelling customers. It is this unique understanding which informs our tailored approach to meeting the catering needs of each and every location in the SSP network. We achieve this by carefully selecting the right mix of local, international and bespoke brands, prompting customer intrigue, excitement, recognition and satisfaction. In this way we deliver unique, rewarding and fulfilling food experiences in each of our destinations worldwide. Our research enables us to closely match the mix of food offerings at each location to the profile of that location's travelling consumers. -- So, yes, they do hate us. ”

bumpkin says..“ nasty, nasty place”

Ali McGowan says..“ What a crying shame. I used to work very close to Victoria Station and every day would avoid walking through it due to the unnecessary shabbiness... this was back in 2000 and there were plans afoot then (and no doubt before that too!) to regenerate what could be a lovely, lovely space. Ho hum. Oh and I guess the biggest crime of all was in 1995 when the Arena was built - but someone forgot to write into the contract 'You can build a mighty big world-class arena, from lovely fake stone dull breeze blocks and wonderfully dull metal cladding, so as long as you do up the bloody station at the same time'. What an omission... but wait, or would they have pulled down the whole thing and built something even worse.”

Debs says..“ I actually ventured in there for the first time on Saturday night for a quick pre Snow Patrol drink. The dome and the tiling are beautiful but then you're quickly distracted by the booming thud thud music and the general cheapness of the place. Get rid of that Pumpkin place and the oiks serving behind the bar, show a bit of respect to that gorgeous dome and interior and it could be an absolute gem of a place. Oh and sort the toilets out! ”

Chris says..“ Aaaggghhh- its not just in Manchester! It has become impossible to even by a paper from the Stoke-on-Trent 'branch' unless you've got at least 15 minutes before your train is due! Thanks for reminding me to make a complaint to their head office!”

Ged says..“ Spot on. I have been in a couple of times when I have been unfortunate enough to have just missed an hourly evening train to Leeds. The icy wind blowing up the tracks and through the station was warmer than the greeting from the food counter once the "team" stopped arguing and noticed . How often have I bemoaned the waste of a stunning space. Get the guys from This n That to take over the catering and ask absolutely anybody who has trained customer service staff to have a word with the management about the value of a smile (or just the absence of contempt) and the place could once more be a welcome refuge on cold,dark,trainless nights.”

View from the hills says..“ The car-park at New Mills Newtown station has recently been enhanced by a bloke in a shed selling hotdogs. Perhaps he should expand?”

John says..“ I commute in from Todmorden a couple of times a week and one of the many reasons that I don't do it by train is the state of Victoria Station. Whoever is (nominally) 'in charge' of the rotting hulk should be tarred, feathered and whipped through the streets. It's a complete and total disgrace with the sad excuse for a buffet bar just the icing on the festering cake. Perhaps if Manchester's car hating council turned their efforts to something positive like the refurbishment of what is a magnificent building, they might find that that would do much more to reduce road congestion than the unneccessary double yellow lines, traffic jam causing bus lanes etc. that they love so much. ”

Mossley Guy says..“ Bang on article - and you're right about the bar - should be run along the lines of Stalybridge buffet bar and then Manchester would have a real asset!”

Lavinia Lancaster says..“ This is the funniest and most brilliantly written article I have read in ages. Well done JS. I too was in station recently (didn't I bump into you?) and sitting under that glorious dome in Pumpkins whilst drinking a cup of something which whilst called "coffee", seemed rather too full of e-numbers and msg, and artiuficila milk, rather than the caffeine and real coffee I desired. I hope your article names and shames the offending caterers into doing something about their dreadful catering. AND dreadful toilets. You know the saying - check out the toilets before you check out the food. If toilets are immaculate then so will kitchen but if not then don't eat there. A warning to head...... ”

Simon Carrington says..“ It IS an absolute disgrace. You'd be mad to eat anything in there. They should be kicked out and it should be replaced by a nice little independant restaurant/bar and done up immediately - wouldn't surprise me if they closed it down now after this 'subtle' nudge in the right direction. ”

Rachel says..“ Purchased a cup of tea from this hole last week, I had to rush for my train so didn't take my first sip until I'd boarded. It was freezing cold. I had to endure my 1hr 30min journey without my morning brew, £1.30 down the drain and with the knowledge that those ba****ds really hate me.”

cryingshame says..“ I used to frequent this station often and feel the need to enter the place for somewhere out of the cold. the bar is great, the deco old and lovely but yes the cafe/ buffet lets the place/ atmosphere down. Its such a pity. but i never thought they personally hated me.”

Harry says..“ Hilarious. Let's get that ****ing ****e company out of there and get the Marble in.”

Mike Waterfoot says..“ I used to love the buffet at Victoria and was always delighted when I had missed one train and had half an hour to wait for the next one Last week I took some American visitors in and after "boasting" about the beautiful dome we went in for a beer before we caught our train. There was a girl behind the bar in an absolute state of panic. She could not serve us beer as there "Were no clean glasses". She spoke through a pile of about 40 dirty pint pots. We did feal very sorry for her”

Drake says..“ Should be run as a proper posh tea room. They could make a killing. (Still wondering why someone would go from Victoria to Leeds when the Piccadilly to Leeds train is 30-40 minutes quicker, warmer and nicer...)”

Gordo says..“ Blimey, does lavinia want to give you one Jonno?”

Jane says..“ Ha!ha! This is SO funny! I have never had the pleasure of visiting the Victoria Station buffet bar but am now so intrigued I'm tempted to pop in for a nose when I'm next passing. Not to purchase anything of course, just to see the horror story for myself...”

Anonymous says..“ Has anyone ever tried to buy a cup of coffee at one of these places and--shock--leave the receipt? Christ.”

Bee says..“ Umm the Pumpkin at Stockport train station is less shocking and the staff are really lovely.”

A word to the wise says..“ just hope that when you need to use Victoria Station that the JAVA (yes Java, remember them?Oxford Rd, Piccadilly etc?) Coffee Stall on the concourse is open. Despite the enforced plastic cups, at least the coffee is real and tastes delicious.”

Jo says..“ Doesn't one of their straplines entice us to 'come on in for a proper coffee', or some such? I did just that at the Stockport Station branch recently, and it was the foulest brew I've ever tasted. On another occasion, they were unable to sell me a piece of cake, at all, because they couldn't find the code on the till. I went for a marketing job with the holding company a couple of years ago - thank God I didn't get it!”

Chod [UK] says..“ I love the dome and the bright red gloss ceiling. But I do want to slit my wrists when I'm in there. It could be so much better.”

Anonymous says..“ What an opportunity for Jonathan to lead the MC Ranters in a great campaign to improve the Victoria Station. The station is operated by Northern Rail, the train franchisee who according to their website is keen on community involvement, I'm sure they will welcome what such celebratory interest. But maybe someone should ask what will be done to the station when the Rochdale line becomes a tram line which is why the rolling stock is clapped out having been used for five years longer than its sell by date while we all waited for the tram. ”

Dawn says..“ I went in there wuth my toddler whilst waiting for a train. A tracksuited customer came in, took a chair from my table went over to the fruit machine to unplug it, put in his mobile phone to charge it and sat by the socket with his pint. meanwhile a woman sat down next to me and downed nearly a pint of red wine. The place is bizarre.”

terry tibbs says..“ Seeing this headline the old cynical me thought 'oh here we go. Man con reviewing a train station?!? Dear me. Really have run out of ideas haven't we??' But on reflection your dead right. Maybe this were Man con needs to go. Never mind the panaceas, living rooms etc. Let them look after themselves. They are private companies whereas Vic Stat is a cultural building and a **** hole. I'm used to it. Travelled through it some 20 years now. Looking at it through a visitors eye to manc it must look appalling. A real shame that the investment in Piccadilly station isnt shared to Victoria. ”

Sarah Kenny says..“ An absolute waste. The other guy on here is right. Start a campaign. This is a useless place in a beautiful place. Can we not petition Pumpkins? ”

James Garratt says..“ Given the place is listed, shouldn't English heritage be doing something? There's potential we wouldn't want a St Pancras style champagne bar here, but why not a good local operator which somehow represents Manchester and the North West?”

Beinlos says..“ Almost 40 years ago I had my first ever draught ale in the bar at Victoria - half a Double Diamond for a touch under a shilling (5p)! Elsewhere across England so many mainline stations have real ale especially in London. In Germany you can do a bar crawl in many of their main stations and the new Berlin Hauptbahnhof boasts a great pub with a huge beer garden overlooking the Spree and Reichstag supplied with beers from the brewpub in nearby Potsdamer Platz! So the suggestion of Marble Arch setting up a bar there is not at all far-fetched!”

Nicola MJ says..“ AT LAST!!! Jonathan - I've spent the last couple of years sighing at the sheer waste of such an iconic place. I dragged my friend in on New Year's Day on the way back from our weekend as they even have the audacity to have the pictures of it when it was the original, beautiful restaurant it once was on the walls. I want to do a Mr Ben everytime I go there. It must be listed - something REALLY should be done to get them out and restore it to its former glory. ”

Dominic says..“ Unfortunately I must inform people that SSP, the operators of the Victoria BB, are an absolutely huge company. I know, I used to work there as a student! I kind of miss my cap and name badge, the homeless pestering the customers every 5 minutes, irate customers knowing full well they were getting ripped off and unblocking the gents toilet once a week. Well done JS for highlighting Manchester's and SSP's crying shame, and pop into the Marble next week for the brand new menu. I'll be round the back brewing... ”

shymike says..“ Victoria station is NOT owned by Northern Rail so they are powerless to do anything - it is owned by Network Rail. The whole place needs a revamp - once again am sure if it was down south it would have had one years ago, and the old railway stock using it would have also been replaced if anyone from Department of Transport actually had to travel on it - but alas all they are interested in is keeping london commuters happy.”

Anonymous says..“ I couldn't agree more: its a travesty to neglect this (formerly) beautiful station. In the right hands it could be such a showpiece. It really bothers me that renovation might be left until its too late to do the station (and the city) the justice it deserves!”

Editorial says..“ Dear Shymike. You were right. After the thirteenth phone call being passed from pillar to post we found that the initial info re the Network Rail and Northern Rail relationship was wrong. You were right so we've changed it thanks.”

Castlefield says..“ My mum used to work here in accounts in the seventies/ eighties I think and was in charge of what music was played throughout the station, when they actually had background music! Anyway she accidently put Jingle Bells on in June and didn't realise as she was busy doing accounting stuff! She said there was always bomb scares and a device was planted outside her office window! Bizarre. She said that the bar used to be quite the place and amongst other she saw Michael Caine in there with a circular shaped boc of ciggies!”

Bored and moaning says..“ Have the ManCon budgets been dramatically cut? Have you fallen out of favour with all of our city's eateries? Why even waste your time writing this article? Reviewing cornish pasties? Wow times are hard! Seriously i'm not someone who likes having a dig but what is the point..... do you really think someone other than an unfortunate train user is going to choose to come in here for something to eat anyway? I really like the usual reviews but don't waste your time 'reviewing' somewhere that nobody was planning to visit anyway, you're wasting your time and your wasting my 'trying to get out of doing any work' time! And please don't remove this like the time i moaned about you reviewing something in Leeds otherwise i'll organise a mass demonstration to chant obscenities outside your offices.... thank you please!”

al says..“ well bored and moaning, nearly 40 people care so much that they've had a rant about it! it's not exactly a "review" is it? it's an issue that affects the city, it's not just restaurant reviews on here my friend.”

Jonathan Schofield - Editor says..“ Bored and moaning thanks for the comments. This went up with a review of top new Indian restaurant Zouk and good-looking coffee shop The Outlet - both reviews are still on the home page. Today and tomorrow we've got a review of the new Red Chilli, Loaf and the Food and Drink round-up. As for this piece its about the mis-use of the venue not about the pastie. Don't be bored by us. And I'll see who took that Leeds comment off and tell them off.”

Editorial says..“ Dr Chi, we were about our technicals digging in the backoffice and docked your comment. Please post again. Maybe this is what happened with Bored in Leeds. Apologies”

Castlefield says..“ Can I just say I'm getting sick of comments from 'editorial', 'gordo', 'jonathan schofield' etc etc. It's the only site I know, not that I know a lot to be honest, where the staff are forever arguing with the punters. Can someone not make a point that is different to what you're getting at? Or constructively criticise is any way? It seems anytime anyone doesn't agree they either get shouted down, belittled or deleted. This results in people trying to wind you up on purpose or people not putting their actual comments on. Leave the ranting to the masses and concentrate on the professional side.”

Harold says..“ Back to the Cafe. A good operator would do more than enough business to justify any conversion. Let's change this.”

Kevin Gordan says..“ A pint of ale and a good quality Sauvignon Blanc for my lady would be welcome before an MEN arena gig definitely. ”

emma grace says..“ Castlefield, I see where you're coming from but I quite like the fact that they respond from time to time. Shows that they believe in what they are writing about and are prepared to defend their articles It wouldn't say much about the site or it's writers if they didn't bother to respond to negative remarks or constructive criticism...”

Bored and moaning says..“ First of all I agree with Emma Grace; it's nice to see the editors/journo's replying as it shows they do listen to people's input. And as for Johnathan fair enough with your reply i see where you're coming from, the review of Zouk for example was spot on i was just saying that this one seemed a bit (for want of a better word) pointless. As for Al..... it marked the food and drink, service and ambience.... this as i'm sure the Editor and Johnathan will agree WAS a 'review' my friend...... and that was where i disagreed with it. ”

Bored and moaning says..“ One more thing Al sorry i didn't pick up on it earlier but the title of this article settles my argument ;-)”

Trevor Broomfield says..“ Effing bloody hell you are bored aren't you? What did you think of the review as a device to say that a company is utterly knackering a potentially lovely space. But the cafe is only one of several precious areas Network Rail is allowing to crumble in this once proud palce.”

M30 says..“ As someone who uses Victoria Station almost every day of the week (and also a newbie poster) I have to applaud this article, and the majority of comments which follow it. Victoria Station is used by thousands of commuters who travel into the city centre from Northern parts of Greater Manchester as well as being the point of entry into the city for people coming in from rural Yorkshire etc. If Victoria Station was the first glimpse of Manchester one saw if stepping off the London train, the situation involving the station and it's woeful "buffet" would not be tolerated for a second. I've often stepped into the buffet at Victoria and felt that the beauty and history of the building is marred by the faceless franchise that is Pumpkin. In New York or Paris, the station buffet is a destination within itself. It's a disgrace that Stalybridge can boast a fantastic buffet whilst that of Victoria is equivalent to a shopping centre café in Skelmersdale. I'd almost prefer a Wetherspoons in there. ”

marco says..“ Its ****ty corporate Britain at its worst...its a beautiful building, as is the original station, but has been left in a decrepit state and taken over by people who know nor care about anything other than profit. ”

A Person says..“ I went to this cafe years ago as a special childhood treat on the way to Southport. They were playing Amazulu. It wasn't that bad. I also noticed the other day that the glass awning outside suggests that you can travel to Belgium. Anyway, is there any truth in the rumour that Victoria Station has a beautiful ballroom tucked away in it somewhere? I was told this was the case - something from the olden days back when rail workers had a lavish social club there.”

Conservationist says..“ I worked on Victoria Station last year, in a conservation consultant role and the 1909 former Buffet Bar is a fantastic piece of Edwardian architecture, if you notice the c1910 photograph in there now you will see how amazing the room used to look, now look around at the dire and horrid gloss colour chart painted they have done the place out in! the room should be painted in whites and off whites to compliment the historic plasterwork, and for god sake clean and mend the glass dome!! its the only good thing going for it! the room needs to be made more upper class like it was originally intended and be more classy, not trashy like it is now, i would rather poke a plastic knife in both eyes than eat (and i use the word loosely) there. you get better food in a swimming pool vending machine, this is meant to be one of the entrances into Manchester and it was once a very expensively decorated and exclusive station, originally built in 1844 (the MEN side) and then added too in the 1860's and then lastly in 1909.”

Bernie says..“ Oh did anyone know that the plan they are getting pushed through the Council this year is to remove all the historic trainshed roofs?”

Ali McGowan says..“ I wholly support the ManCon team replying to threads. It shows that they're interested, it also allows them to defend their view and it can also help them steer a debate back on topic. Oh - and the team are usually quite witty and/or interesting, which can only serve to improve the site. If you don't like this approach, go visit another site instead! No one's forcing you to read ManCon!!!”

Rebecca Who says..“ I went in once for as long as I could politly order something, anything to takeaway... it scared me. ”

Wayne says..“ What is shocking is that Pumpkins area managers must as the article says visit this place and think is ok. They mustn't care much for their job.”

Karen Goole says..“ Wayne, the managers at Pumpkins simply wil not care. They have a franchise across the rail system which is basically a monopoly in most stations and on trains with a captive audience with no where to go. The only solution for Victoria is a piecemeal one where Pumpkins are sacked from running this concession and a local operator is preferred.”

Andrea Thompson says..“ We have four major family brewers in Greater Manchester, we have something like 17 micros. There's no ale in Victoria Station is terrible. This place should be a showcase for the city it should use local products to underline Manchester identity. It should be a cracker not akin to a crackden.”

Anonymous says..“ Thank you Mancon for highlighting the disgrace that is Victoria's buffet bar and the lack of care for this amazing building. Can you now please do something about bringing the punters' attention to the old fire station and coroners office opposite Piccadilly Station. I believe it's owned by a hotel group!”

SImon says..“ Yes but on the bright side the barbers on the right as you walk in is a manchester institution. SUperb chaps and great haircuts and the best conversation from a barber you will ever get. The guy is a legend!!! ”

Michael Alport says..“ I will have to use this station this morning on the way to work. Everyday I look at the mosaic work above the restaurant to avoid getting really pissed off. Well done for bringing this shocking disaster to a wider audience.”

Jimmy says..“ They really do hate us. I went in before a show three weeks ago and was sat on a table overcome with all kinds of half eaten rubbish and half empty glasses. Waste of space. It should be lightful to sit inside the space.”

Sharon says..“ Is anybody listening to all these rants or do the bosses of this station or whoever owns really hate us? Or think they're above all this and beyond what we have to say?”

Jonathan Schofield - Editor says..“ Steve MacDavid, SSP UK Brand Director, from Pumpkins, is going to talk to me about this this afternoon. I'll report back tomorrow or Thursday. We're also getting an interview with Network Rail.”

Castlefield says..“ I know I had a whinge about you all commenting all the time but the above post is great! If something really can be acheived that would be wonderful. I would love a brilliant station cafe/ restaurant like they have in main stations in France and Spain. Many a train missed in those!”

Avo says..“ You're right about the food on offer on the continent Castlefield. I've seen somke of the food on offer in France in motorway service stations and it puts some of our mid range restuarants to shame. ”

M30 says..“ The crying shame is that there is so much space within Victoria Station which is empty and gathering dust which could be put to better use. There's the shop which used to sell pies, pastries and traditional licquorice, plus there's a large unit to the front end of the station that would make a fantastic bar. Although ne of the things I like about Victoria is it's slightly seedy air, and the mysterious workshop simply labelled "Diaphragms". Improvements ought to be made though, and SSP dragged through hot coals.”

Plastic Fantastic says..“ I agree with most things that have been posted, however I think it should be made clear that we are not talking about the staff as such, It is the small minded directors of SSP, or whatever, that constantly take great little spots and turn them into plain brand sites. In fact if the place was half as good looking as some of its staff it would look great.”

low paid workers unite! says..“ I have worked for SSP in the past as well as the unit in question at Victoria. A couple of things. In regards to the decour and ambiance, all that can be said is that if a space is sold to people who are 'only' after profit it will always look like sh$t, we all know that. Second the individuals that are writing about the quality of their butties, the temp of their drinks, and the quality of their coffee beans are talking tripe. Yes there may be cases of individual concern, but having worked their i know for a fact that their coffee is from a high quality bean, their hot water system will not actually produce water untill it is at boiling point, and every sandwich is thrown out after 1 day. Opinions to the contrary are not helpful to the people that work there and in my opinion have missed the point of the article. The produce is crap because it is cheap so their profits will be bigger. Welcome to the world.”

jo says..“ I used to work in the cafe as a student in the 90s and it upset me even then how the gorgeous space was so ill-treated. I think I imagined things might have improved since - it's a shame to find otherwise. ”

Andy says..“ Go for it Jonathan! I totally agree! There's one at Stoke-on-Trent & York stations and numerous everywhere - they are the antitheses of everything a good quality cafe should be about - Britain (and especially Manchester) needs to rise up against such quality and service - complete and utter rip-off!”

Anonymous says..“ Dear Editor, is this the story for this week, 19-Mar-09?”

Lord Norfolk says..“ The Centurion Bar at Newcastle Central station is possibly the finest Bar in all British railway stations. Also the "Brief encounter" tea room at Wymondham station in Norfolk has won many awards. The station has been completely revamped over the last 20years by it tenant, David Turner, and is testament to what can be achieved with a little imagination and a lot of commitment. I don't use Victoria station often, but when I do, it is sad to see its decline. It is a building that is dying; it is being strangled, not by faceless corporations like SSP or Pumpkin, but by the pure lack of foresight and invention by the people who allow them to set up shop in the first place. Piccadilly station is all well and good with its modern clean, light, consumer friendly concourse, but when you try and take a modern concept and force it upon an old building more often than not it doesn't work. Victoria needs preserving, not pickling. Just like the Centurion Bar, and Brief encounters. If you find yourself in Newcastle anytime soon, I highly recommend the Centurion Bar. But be warned, there are two bars there, so if you find yourself in a room full of Formica tables, and pictures of those famous "Geordies", Bryan Ferry and Neil Tennant adorning the wall, you are in the wrong one! ”

lou says..“ Yes, I've read this already, is there supposed to be an addition to this already used review ? Its not exactly what is hinted at by your headline in the newletter so I'm asumming there should be something else dated 19 Mar.”

linesman says..“ Yep, you are so right. But the building is so beautiful, and could be such an attraction. I used to despair of the 1960s and 1970s orange plastic signs and cubicles, at railway stations and bus stations (don't get me started on those) (check out the old/new Rochdale plastic market stalls for a good example of a bad idea), but it seems to be back with a vengence at Pumpkins. The station is open all the time, you could go out for dinner there if the food was up to scratch. Get one of those lovely high quality Italian places in there, like Stock - that's fab, and uses the architecture as a backdrop to fabulous food. It's not rocket science. Seems to me that few palms might have been greased for that contract to be given out. This is such a missed opportunity. Where's that Gordon Ramsey - can he do something?”

Editorial says..“ Lou, you've popped on to the wrong article. Go to the Food and Drink in the contents in the left column on this page an you'll see the update story there. Thanks”

alan 37 says..“ i worked in the station buffet 3 years ago,the food was free 2 the staff-but even we used 2 eat at hot dog stand,and mcds above,the beer pipes were cleaned every 3 weeks,the water is boiling hot..but it was poured into a large tea pot and left 2 stew until cold,this never happened when i was on shift,,every customer had a piping hot drink and a smile from me,i was the only person who cleaned the toilets..properly,i even came in on sundays 2 polish the floor-as they dont even have a cleaner,i was told not 2 warm babies bottles[as the company would be liable if babies got scalded]i did warm them anyway,the place is a beautiful building and i used to stand behind the coffee shop counter,thinking if i won the lottery..how i would buy the place and return it 2 its former glory,i left when i was promoted as supervisor-6 pounds an hour for kicking drug takers and men doing unsavoury acts in the toilets,network rail are spending millions on the station-go to gva grimley website,i will be writing 2 network rail about this grotspot and mention stalyvegas buffet marble arch etc,great and informative article,oh the coffee is of a high quality,but must agree it tastes awful.”

alan 37 says..“ i worked in the station buffet 3 years ago,the food was free 2 the staff-but even we used 2 eat at hot dog stand,and mcds above,the beer pipes were cleaned every 3 weeks,the water is boiling hot..but it was poured into a large tea pot and left 2 stew until cold,this never happened when i was on shift,,every customer had a piping hot drink and a smile from me,i was the only person who cleaned the toilets..properly,i even came in on sundays 2 polish the floor-as they dont even have a cleaner,i was told not 2 warm babies bottles[as the company would be liable if babies got scalded]i did warm them anyway,the place is a beautiful building and i used to stand behind the coffee shop counter,thinking if i won the lottery..how i would buy the place and return it 2 its former glory,i left when i was promoted as supervisor-6 pounds an hour for kicking drug takers and men doing unsavoury acts in the toilets,network rail are spending millions on the station-go to gva grimley website,i will be writing 2 network rail about this grotspot and mention stalyvegas buffet marble arch etc,great and informative article,oh the coffee is of a high quality,but must agree it tastes awful.”

NorthernGeezer says..“ All i can say is thank f*** for the old packed lunch eh. BTW, is the 'food' at piccadilly station any better??. Gone are the days when the best thing about a rail journey was the silver service brekky.”