Bigger ....

.... Than your average Teashop.

The old British Rail sold off the station buildings at Irlam in the 1980's, and they fell into dereliction (the pro's and con's of public and private ownership are not so clear cut in reality).

And they were sad and blighted for years.

Step in the Hamilton Davies Trust (Google if interested), working with the Council and others, and these old station buildings now look absolutely fantastic. And inside - a wonderful Teashop and more. A triumph, and a loving restoration of a piece of railway history.

It all looks a piece with the adjoining railway line, although the old railway buildings now have nothing to do with the railway itself.

I've added an extra - the children's play area, which is great fun. I think James may be James Stephenson. This railway line in the world's first passenger line, home of The Rocket.