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About the sidings
Our Story
Tucked away on Whitestone Business Park sits our beautifully restored 1975 first‑class railway carriage, lovingly transformed into a First-Class Café unlike anything else.
Founded in 2024, The Sidings began with a simple but passionate idea: to create a place that celebrates great food, good company, and the beauty of local ingredients.
As you step inside our carriages, you’re instantly transported. Elegant art‑deco touches, warm lighting, and the nostalgic charm of vintage rail travel come together to create a space that feels both special and serene.
Alongside our main carriage sits its 1976 second‑class companion, affectionately known as The Ticket Office. Perfect for those spontaneous visits, no booking needed simply take a seat and enjoy our brunch menu, selection of cakes, and local gifts.
Our ingredients
Rooted, quite literally, in our kitchen garden, we grow what we can and source the rest from trusted local suppliers. Our indulgent all‑day brunch menu shifts with the seasons, serving up flavours at their freshest and dishes crafted with genuine care.
From freshly prepared afternoon teas to smooth, locally roasted coffee, everything we serve is made with passion, quality, and a hint of nostalgia. At The Sidings, every visit feels like a journey, one filled with warmth, flavour, and the timeless joy of simple pleasures done well.
The Making of Sidings
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tHE IDEA
Founded by Tony Killeen, whose lifelong love of trains inspired the vision, The Sidings was born from a simple dream: to breathe new life into historic railway carriages and create a café unlike any other.
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The jouRNEY
Two historic railway coaches made their final journey from Great Yarmouth to Hereford, transported with exceptional care by Reid Freight Services. Watching them travel through the city marked the true beginning of The Sidings story.
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restoration begins
Once settled, restorations began, all 78 seats in one carriage were removed to create space for our farm shop. The First class coach was redesigned to house a full kitchen and bar, while it’s 28 original seats were preserved.
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Repainting the carriages
The trains were stripped of their original livery and repainted by Alistair Patrick in classic GWR green. He worked tirelessly to preserve the authenticity of these historic carriages.
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INterior craftsmanship
Both carriages have been refitted to serve as our café and farm shop while preserving key railway features. All 28 seats in the first-class carriage have their original seats, beautifully reupholstered by local Dave Weaver Upholstery.
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The Kitchen garden
The surrounding gardens, designed and landscaped by Leaf Creative, began to flourish. These gardens now supply fresh produce for our kitchen.
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The Finishing touches
Attention turned to the final details inside and out, preparing the carriages for their first visitors.
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Model train
Our farm shop became home to a bespoke model railway, crafted by local maker Dan Evason a playful tribute to the site’s railway roots and site history.
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Opening day
The Sidings officially opened its doors, welcoming guests aboard for the very first time.
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Afternoon tea
We introduced our seasonal Afternoon Tea, quickly becoming one of our most loved offerings.
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First birthday
We celebrated one year of serving the community, preserving heritage, and sharing our love of great food.
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The Ticket office
With brunch more popular than ever, we expanded seating into the farm shop carriage. The beautifully redesigned space was officially renamed the ‘Ticket Office’.
