Carnforth Station Heritage Cen, Carnforth (Brief Encounter)

The Brief Encounter isn't quite the old-fashioned station refreshment room you may remember from David Lean's atmospheric black & white film of 1946. It's a more modern version, but in the same rooms that housed the original buffet, on the same platforms where expresses still race past and slow trains dawdle. The main room is spacious, with an imposing wooden bar. It bears just one handpump (unfortunately dispensing brewery-conditioned beer) but also a huge range of home made cakes (a much more tempting sight than Myrtle Bagot's "Banburys"). Behind the bar is a separate dining room. Off in the other direction is a cosy snug, the former Station Master's Office. Breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea are served daily with evening meals from Thursday to Sunday (booking ahead advised). The rooms beyond the bistro (did anyone use the word "bistro" in 1945?) house the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, a fine collection of railway memorabilia.

Alcoholic drinks are served from 10am. Hot and cold beverages, cakes and scones are served all day.