Restaurant/cafe to let in Station Road, Alston CA9

Visitor Attraction Railway Station Cafe
• Rare opportunity to run a café, which is part of the South Tynedale Railway
• Potential for 36 covers plus outside seating
• Tenant to work closely with South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society
• To be operated when trains run and other days to suit
• Major North Pennines visitor attraction

Overview
The Crossing Café is situated on the platform of the South Tynedale Railway which is a charitable trust running a 5-mile heritage steam railway.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lease a thriving cafe in the heart of the beautiful North Pennines. The current leaseholders have enjoyed an exceptionally healthy turnover whilst only opening for 5 days a week, the scope for expansion including evening opening is huge. Turnover figures from the present leaseholders will be available for discussion. The new operator will work in partnership with str to provide a great and affordable day out for passengers and run special events throughout the year. Str are keen on home baking and fresh produce. In addition, the new operator may be interested in running the Little Buffet Car at Slaggyford, which is our northern terminus.

The town of Alston nestles is atop the Pennines and is a magnet for walkers, cyclists, motorcyclists, motorhomes and day trippers alike, the town plays host to tourists all year round but is especially busy from April to October. The café is run as a separate business and enjoys a steady footfall of customers even when the trains are not running.

The café has 32 seats inside and a further 28 outside, there is a small picnic area opposite the café terrace which can accommodate a further 18, the café also has a premises license to sell alcoholic beverages. The café is equipped by str and the current leaseholders have purchased equipment to ensure the smooth and safe running of the kitchen, this equipment also maximises the available space. This extra equipment will be available to purchase if required, subject to negotiation.

There is a large storage room at the end of the platform where frozen and dry goods can be stored. Due to twice weekly deliveries from the local wholesaler the storage and available fridge / freezer space are more than adequate.

The new operator will be expected to work closely with the South Tynedale Railway and be open for all 120 train running days each year and will be free to open all additional days of their choosing. The Crossings Café/Little Buffet Care are available for lease, or a flexible daily/weekly/monthly rental arrangement and the South Tynedale Railway is open for discussion with suitable new operators. The landlord expects the new operators to stay for 3 years.