A TRANSFORMED railway station famous for its beautifully scenic afternoon tea spots has just been reviewed by Cumbrian food writer, Grace Dent.

Plaudits are in full flow for the beautiful and serene spot based in the Bassenthwaite Lake Station in the North Lakes.

In her article in The Guardian, Grace wrote: “There’s a mini slider, a homemade sausage roll, a sugary macaroon, a raspberry mousse, a chocolate brownie and sticky toffee pudding cake with fresh strawberries, and large, plump fruit scones. This afternoon tea errs on the sturdy side, which I am heavily pro; dainty bites and tiny ramekins have their place, but I much prefer an afternoon tea that incapacitates.”

READ MORE: Bassenthwaite Lake Station to open with train from Judi Dench movie

Owner Diana Parums said she was thrilled to read her positive review.

“Grace came previously, and we knew she had been, but we weren’t expecting her visit this time, but we do try and give her privacy when she is comes as she’s a local lady anyway, it’s nice for her not to be locally recognised,” she said.

The station which closed in 1966, makes the cafe a particular hotspot for scenic afternoon teas’ as it stands by a full-size replica of a French SNCF steam train which featured in the 2017 film version of the classic tale, Murder on the Orient Express – of which can be your chosen spot for a table.

News and Star: FOOD-HAVEN: Situated in an idyllic spot. FOOD-HAVEN: Situated in an idyllic spot.

“As we’ve developed the afternoon teas have become so popular, we’ve now opened the end carriage specifically for that.

“We have good portion sizes and we don’t skimp, it’s great that Grace picked up on that, which is lovely,” she said.

It’s an exciting time for Bassenthwaite Lake Station, as they continue to develop the beauty surrounding the sought after area.

“We’ve acquired the adjacent field, planted six hundred odd trees as part Queen’s Canopy project, loads of wildflowers and natural fish swimming in the new pond – and we’ve further developed our level access woodland stroll,” she said.

The cafe remains in the finalists of the Cumbria Food Awards as well as the Taste of Cumbria Tourism awards, with results due to be announced in the next month. 

READ MORE: Businesses in Cumbrian towns like Keswick suffering through a labour shortage