Nottinghamshire station's tearoom that served over two million meals in WW2 could become bar
A former Victorian tearoom that served more than two million meals to soldiers during the Second World War could be transformed into a bar and restaurant. The dining and refreshment rooms at the Grade-II listed Retford Railway Station are on the market to let, with a bar and restaurant being among the suggested uses.
The space could also be transformed into offices or a B&B. Listed by Lambert Smith Hampton, the estate agency's listing says: "An exciting opportunity to lease the whole or part of the historic former Victorian tea room and World War II kitchens within the Grade II listed station."
Historic England says the rooms contain a rare survival of ornate tiling from the late 1800s, having been built between 1891 and 1892. Historic England says: "Having been covered with plasterboard for years, the decoration has miraculously survived the many renovations the station has undergone."
A plaque outside the rooms still celebrates the work of the Women's Voluntary Service during the Second World War, having served over two million meals to soldiers between 1940 and 1946. Lambert Smith Hampton says investment is required in the facility and that long leases are available. Anyone taking on the site may also benefit from the possibility of railway heritage funding assistance.