Rail strike causes 'massive' impact on new Axminster business

Would-be entrepreneur Jack Price opened his first business in May last year, just as the country was coming out of the trading restrictions caused by COVID-19.

The former Axminster Power Tools employee acquired the Railway Kitchen on Axminster Station and, after a comprehensive renovation and the creation of a new menu, the Mayor of Axminster, Cllr Jill Farrow, conducted the opening ceremony, describing it as "a fantastic new business for Axminster".

With new and extended opening hours, Jack was delighted with the initial response and, since then, the Railway Kitchen has won many plaudits and attracted a number of regular customers, not just those travelling by train.

After coping with the aftermath of the pandemic, Jack was more than pleased with how his first business venture had taken off, but his progress has now been interrupted by continuous rail strikes which have resulted in a 70 per cent decline in his footfall.

Jack told Nub News: "As you can imagine, the train strikes have affected us massively being based right on the platform.

"We are fortunate that we have built up a good reputation locally and we have a lot of regular locals and visitors. However, with the trains not running this has impacted on us massively. Prior to the strikes, we enjoyed a really good summer."

One saving grace for his business has been the fact that the trains running through Axminster no longer have a refreshment trolley and this has led to a boost in trade, especially for those catching the early morning trains to London.

Another great plus is that customers do not have to walk into the station complex for refreshments, as at other stations on the Exeter-Waterloo line, but can gain access straight from the car park.

Axminster's Railway Kitchen is keen to support the community as much as possible and, in a bid to make up for lost revenue and to maintain the cafe's profile, Jack has put together a programme of events for the town's older generation.

Jack is no stranger to organising events, especially through his long association with Axminster's stage societies, and the regular events he is hosting at the Railway Kitchen include bingo sessions every Wednesday (2.30pm-4pm); knit and natter every second Monday (2.30pm-4pm); and whist every Thursday afternoon run by the Axminster Whist Club.

Burger nights are being run every Saturday evening throughout January (5pm-8.30pm) and he also hosts regular theme and quiz nights, details of which can be found on the Railway Kitchen Facebook page or by popping into the kitchen to chat to the staff.

The Railway Kitchen is open Monday to Friday (7am to 2pm), Saturday (8am to 2pm) and Sunday (8am to 12noon).

It offers a range of breakfast dishes, from a full English to bubble and squeak, as well as a range of lunch dishes and sandwiches.

They source local ingredients where possible and do their best to support local suppliers, such as Crema The Crop Coffee who are based in Axminster and roast their own coffee.

Whilst Jack is hoping the rail strikes do not continue for much longer, he is confident that the Railway Kitchen will weather the storm and continue to be supported by those locals who look upon his quaint cafe as the ideal place for meeting friends, having a chat over quality coffee and a delicious snack.