Fight to save Lewes Station cafe

7:54am Monday 26th November 2012 in News

PETITION: Campaigners hoping to save Lewes Station cafe PETITION: Campaigners hoping to save Lewes Station cafe

The owner of a café which has served royalty and the stars handed over a petition to a Government minister.

Rail bosses have signalled that it could be the end of the line for much-loved The Runaway at Lewes station.

But supporters of the popular refreshment stop have vowed it will not be ‘final destination’ for owner Jackie Elsey and the café from which Princess Diana once ordered a bacon sandwich.

On Saturday crowds gathered at the station with a petition called ‘Save the Runaway’.

A petition was presented to Lewes MP Norman Baker, who is also transport minister.

Jackie Elsey said: “They could have just renewed the lease but instead they have asked us to tender.”

Train operator Southern confirmed it is talking to the Elseys about the lease on the café they have run for 23 years.

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Comments(6)

Tom V says...
8:23am Mon 26 Nov 12

It's a lovely café and we've often had coffee and sandwiches there when changing over for the London train. It's clean and friendly, much better than many station cafés and to ask them to tender after 23 years is not acceptable when they provide a quality service. I'd rather buy coffee from them than yet another Starbucks etc.

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ShorehamBeachcomber says...
8:25am Mon 26 Nov 12

So, 2 headlines showing that while Southern cannot get passengers from Brighton to London which is their actual job, they have time spare to review tenders for a cafe which has run happily for 23 years.
Can the person who made the decision to put it out to tender be named & sacked & replaced with someone who can help run the trains on time

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sussexguy says...
8:45am Mon 26 Nov 12

It would be tragic if such a pleasant cafe were to disappear. With its spacious and calm atmosphere, and friendly staff, It is far better than most other station cafes. Lewes residents should give it as much support as possible, before it is allowed to go, and no doubt be handed over to one of the ghastly cafe chains like Starbucks, Cafe Nero etc., with their horrid overpriced coffee.

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worthingite says...
8:51am Mon 26 Nov 12

sussexguy wrote:
It would be tragic if such a pleasant cafe were to disappear. With its spacious and calm atmosphere, and friendly staff, It is far better than most other station cafes. Lewes residents should give it as much support as possible, before it is allowed to go, and no doubt be handed over to one of the ghastly cafe chains like Starbucks, Cafe Nero etc., with their horrid overpriced coffee.
According to Radio Sussex they play classical music all day !

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Crystal Ball says...
9:38am Mon 26 Nov 12

Why can't Southern Railways contribute to the cafe's running? Even if they took a small percentage it would maintain an almost essential and very welcome service to the traveling public and keep a small business alive.

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qm says...
8:09pm Mon 26 Nov 12

worthingite wrote:
sussexguy wrote:
It would be tragic if such a pleasant cafe were to disappear. With its spacious and calm atmosphere, and friendly staff, It is far better than most other station cafes. Lewes residents should give it as much support as possible, before it is allowed to go, and no doubt be handed over to one of the ghastly cafe chains like Starbucks, Cafe Nero etc., with their horrid overpriced coffee.
According to Radio Sussex they play classical music all day !
And your point is?

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