Britain’s best railway station has been named Maghull, after emerging victorious in the national grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024.
The station, on the Merseyrail networkbeat finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge to claim the top spot in the competition, organized by the Rail Delivery Group.
Maghull’s success is said to be driven by its vibrant green space, maintained by dedicated volunteers, and its thriving Coffee Carriage cafe.
Founded by two local entrepreneurs, the cafe has become a community hub, offering a range of hot drinks, ‘artisan pastries’ and ‘a welcoming atmosphere that has attracted both regular commuters and residents’, Merseyrail said.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, commented that The Coffee Carriage is a ‘superb example of what a local business can do to support its community’, adding that since it opened, ‘Maghull Station has changed from a station where people come to catch. a train to where they now come to network’.
Britain’s best railway station has been named Maghull (above), after emerging victorious in the national grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024
Maghull’s success has been ‘driven by its vibrant green space, maintained by dedicated volunteers, and its thriving Coffee Carriage cafe’
Rory McLellan, owner of The Coffee Carriage, revealed how the secret to his success was simply ‘getting involved in the community’.
He said, ‘Everybody that walks through the door, you treat them like they’re family.’
The cafe hosts various community groups including a charity helping children with cancer, a ‘Knit and Natter’ afternoon, cycling groups and mental health groups.
Rory added: ‘The support we have received has been overwhelming and as a small business still establishing ourselves in this community it really means a lot. This win means so much to us, and it’s amazing to see our station recognized on a national level. We are proud to be a small part of what makes Maghull such a special place.’
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: ‘I am absolutely delighted that Maghull Station has been recognized nationally and I know how much it means to all the people involved.
‘This fantastic achievement is testament to the incredible spirit of our local community, as well as the hard work of the station team and volunteers.
Neil Grabham, managing director of Merseyrail, talks to Rory McLellan, owner of The Coffee Carriage
Maghull (above) now joins the ranks of previous winners including Wemyss Bay (2023), Stourbridge Junction (2021) and Huddersfield (2019)
‘Together with the people at The Coffee Carriage, they have made Maghull a proper community center where people feel welcome and connected.
‘Winning this title is a celebration of everything that makes the Liverpool city region special, and I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for us and supported us.’
The Rail Delivery Group said: ‘The competition saw station staff, volunteers, train operators and passengers from across the country embrace the competition, with more than 100,000 votes cast.’
Maghull now joins the ranks of previous winners including Wemyss Bay (2023), Stourbridge Junction (2021) and Huddersfield (2019).
