THE new-look Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe at Keighley Station has a long history which lends itself to a "character" which appeals to its customers.

The Old Parcels Office at Keighley Station is now run by the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) and is churning out food and drinks just in time for its Steam Gala this weekend.Bradford Telegraph and Argus: First look inside the spacious Old Parcels Office Bar and CafeFirst look inside the spacious Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

On the KWVR website, a description of the new-look bar and cafe reads: "The Old Parcels Office overlooks Keighley Station from the bridge between Platforms 3 and 4, providing the perfect location to grab a bite to eat or drink between the trains."

"It's a cafe-cum-bar," explained Chris Fannon, manager of the Old Parcels Office. "It's all had a revamp and people really like the character of the place."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The new-look Old Parcels Office Bar and CafeThe new-look Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

Matt Stroh, chairman of the KWVR, said: "We took over the business at the beginning of 2020, but February of that year was not a great time to open because we had to close six weeks later due to the Covid lockdown."

But the bar and cafe has now been given a revamp and has opened ready for a busy railway season.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe has characterThe Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe has character (Image: Newsquest)

"This weekend's Keighley & Worth Valley Steam Gala is the beginning of this season," said Mr Stroh. "The bar and cafe's focus is to support the railway.

"It does catering such as cream teas and sandwiches for the trains to complement the food and drink it serves in the cafe.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe has characterThe Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe has character (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Stroh also explained the history of the Old Parcels Office at Keighley Station.

"It's called the Old Parcels Office because, back in the day, you'd pass your parcels through this area and there was a lift that would take them down to the trains.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: The new-look Old Parcels Office Bar and CafeThe new-look Old Parcels Office Bar and Cafe (Image: Newsquest)

"It's a significant space that can seat a lot of people. It's a great place for the family.

"It has a big part to play in the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway experience."

Mr Stroh added: "We had a staff party there recently for our hundreds of volunteers who help us out, so it's quite a flexible space.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

The drinks on the menu include a choice of coffees, including gingerbread and caramel lattes, tea including Yorkshire brew Taylor's of Harrogate, and hot chocolate served with whipped cream. As a bar it sells a selection of real ales, lagers or ciders.

Light bites include sandwiches, salads and jacket potatoes with various fillings and flavours, or fuller meals such as the Firebox Braised Steak or the Drivers Roast.

 

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