Sunday, 5 April 2009

NAAFI Cafe at Quorn & Woodhouse Station (GCR)

Quorn & Woodhouse Station on the Great Central Railway boasts this very nice tea room, modelled as a 1940s Air-Raid shelter. During World War II this room, situated under the main Quorn road, would provide shelter for both staff and passengers during Air Raids. In truth, the room was the safest place on the station during such an event but even so, a direct hit would still be disastrous. In the late 1990s, the room was sectioned off into 3 different areas:-An Exhibition Entrance, a Cafe & a Kitchen/Mess Room. (The cafe area is shown in the two images). The cafe sells tea, coffee, soft drinks, confectionary etc with the prices displayed in 1940s currency. (i.e. Tea is 10d). There is an open fire which keeps the room nice and warm whilst many items of 1940s relics are scattered around.
Many signs including the famous "Is Your Journey Really Necessary?" poster make a beautifully atmospheric setting. There is normally an antique radio playing as well. On my table was a laminated copy of the Times from 1945(!), what a lovely idea! In all, though the cafe is small, there is a great atmosphere and it is well worth a visit if you ever get the chance! More posts coming soon.

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