Britain’s best train station has been named Maghull, after emerging victorious in the 2024 World Stations Cup national grand final.
The station, in Merseyrail Networkbeat finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge to take first place in the competition, organized by Rail Delivery Group.
He said Maghull’s success was 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 bakes” and “a welcoming atmosphere that has attracted both regular travelers and residents”, Merseyrail said.
Neil Grabham, CEO of Merseyrail, highlighted that The Coffee Carriage is a “magnificent example of what a local business can do to support its community”, adding that since its opening, “Maghull station has gone from a station where people come to have coffee on a train to where they now come to network.’
Britain’s best train station has been named Maghull (above), after emerging victorious in the 2024 Stations World Cup national grand final.
Maghull’s success was “driven by its vibrant green space, maintained by dedicated volunteers, and its thriving Coffee Carriage café”.
Rory McLellan, owner of The Coffee Carriage, revealed that the secret to his success was simply “committing to the community.”
He said, “Everyone who walks through the door you treat like family.”
The cafe hosts several 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 this really means a lot. This win means a lot 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.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognized nationally and I know how much it means to everyone involved.”
‘This fantastic achievement is a testament to the incredible spirit of our local community, as well as the hard work of the station team and volunteers.
Neil Grabham, CEO 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 hub where people feel welcome and connected.
“Winning this title is a celebration of everything that makes the Liverpool City Region special and I want to express my sincere thanks to everyone who voted and supported us.”
The Rail Delivery Group said: “The competition saw station staff, volunteers, train operators and passengers across the country take to 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).
