Opening on the 25th June 2014, The Cyclist Refreshment Room is a new all-day dining concept, offering travellers and Brightonians, delicious uncomplicated food in the unique setting of the train station.
The Cyclist Refreshment Room brought to you by Greenwell & Tipple, a family run business, moves away from the pub cliché and brings back the ‘refreshment room’ of the 19th century. A refined, comfortable and homely place where people can enjoy great food, beer and wine, whilst waiting for their train. The site will offer 80 covers and outdoor seating and will be open from 7am to 11pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and 8am to 10pm on Sundays.
The Cyclist Refreshment Room aims to strip down traditional dining and offer something more honest. Forget fancy cutlery, reservations and friffery, you’ll find a deli-style counter at breakfast and lunch and dinner is served in the evening. For those in a hurry take-away salads, pies and quiches will also
be available, in keeping with the food ethos of ‘fresh, seasonal and excellent quality.’
Rupert Clevely Co-founder of Greenwell & Tipple comments “Being a frequent traveller, I have often felt that there needs to be an improvement in the railway station offering hence the idea of bringing back the concept of the refreshment room. These will be found in travel hubs outside of London where we aim to create a comfortable respite from the hustle and bustle and general hassle of travelling. We will focus on delicious, quick fresh seasonal food at sensible prices with a carefully chosen range of drinks and friendly, welcoming, knowledgeable staff.”
The team believe it’s about how food is found, grown, cooked and eaten. Ordering at the counter allows your eyes to ‘taste’ the food and helping you choose the dishes you really want. Jo Clevely, Cofounder of Greenwell & Tipple, shares her favourite dishes:
Breakfast – Fried Eggs, Rocket, Parmesan and Chili Flakes
Lunch – Goats Curd, Proscuitto with Roasted Fig
Dinner – Battered Smoked Haddock and Garlic Chips with Crushed Peas
The vast majority of the beers, ciders have been locally sourced including Brighton Bier. Being so close to the sea, The Cyclist Refreshment Room will offer fresh and locally caught fish from Brighton and Newhaven Fish and delicious meat from Handcross Village Butchers. Other local suppliers include Caroline’s Dairy sorbet and ice cream; Home Cakery bread, cakes and brownies and Southdowns Water.
The decor is focused on vintage and upcycled materials - an old steam engine will feature as a main display but also act as a drinking table, the bar front will be made from old suitcases and the lights were all sourced from old railway stations in Europe. The original Victorian features are still highlighted throughout the design through the incredible old arched windows and the original floor.
The Cyclist Refreshment Room is the latest new opening in the vibrant seaside town of Brighton and is set to become a place of choice for travellers and locals alike.
