Britain’s best railway station has been named as Maghull, after it emerged victorious in the national grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024.
The station, on the Merseyrail network, beat out finalists King’s Lynn and Dorridge to claim the top spot in the competition, organised by the Rail Delivery Group.
It said Maghull’s success was driven by its vibrant green space, maintained by dedicated volunteers, and its thriving Coffee Carriage café.
Founded by two local entrepreneurs, the café has become a community hub, offering a range of hot drinks, ‘artisan bakes’, and ‘a welcoming atmosphere that has drawn both regular commuters and residents’, Merseyrail said.
Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, remarked 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 as Maghull (above), after it emerged victorious in the national grand final of the World Cup of Stations 2024
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 how the secret of his success was simply to ‘engage with the community’.
He said: ‘Everyone who walks through the door, you treat like they’re family.’
The café hosts several community groups, including a charity that helps children with cancer, a ‘Knit and Natter’ afternoon, cycling groups and mental health groups.
Rory added: ‘The support we’ve received has been overwhelming and as a small business still establishing ourselves in this community, this really means a lot. This victory means so much to us, and it’s incredible to see our station recognised on a national level. We’re proud to be a small part of what makes Maghull such a special place.’
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: ‘I’m absolutely delighted that Maghull station has been recognised nationally and I know how much it means to all the people 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, Managing Director of Merseyrail, chats with Rory McLellan, owner of The Coffee Carriage
Maghull (above) now joins the ranks of past winners, including Wemyss Bay (2023), Stourbridge Junction (2021), and Huddersfield (2019)
‘Along with the folks 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 extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted 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 over 100,000 votes cast.’
Maghull now joins the ranks of past winners, including Wemyss Bay (2023), Stourbridge Junction (2021), and Huddersfield (2019).