Carriages of Cambridge, Afternoon Tea

Carriages of Cambridge Afternoon Tea

Wednesday, 18th February

Carriages of Cambridge Story

Carriages is the visionary concept of Michael Attle, inspired by a memorable visit to a restaurant housed within a colonial railway station in India.

Upon his return, Michael was offered and purchased the station platform from Oakham. This experience, combined with his passion for celebrating the vibrant food scene across East Anglia, marked the beginning of an exciting journey.

We are in the Lancelot Carriage

The Lancelot carriage (Mark 1 SK 24458) was originally built in Swindon Works in 1954. Designed with eight compartments featuring two bench seats opposite each other, it primarily served the Eastern Region of British Railways. After its withdrawal from BR service in 1982, it was purchased by the Mid Hants Railway, then later operated on the Battlefield Line until 2002. In June 2007, it was transferred to the Bluebell Railway.

Recognizing its potential, Carriages acquired SK 24458 and transformed it by removing the original compartments to create an open-plan layout, reminiscent of the luxurious first-class dining cars of its era.

The carriage was rechristened Lancelot in honor of Lancelot Capability Brown, the renowned English landscape architect and "England’s Greatest Gardener," who is buried in Fenstanton Parish Church.

Building the Station

Michael’s vision extended beyond the carriage. He embarked on creating a complete station, including a signal box, sourcing Pullman-style carriages, constructing a 1920s-style station house, and laying authentic flagstones for the platform. This project has been a true labour of love, with meticulous attention to detail right down to the weight of the cutlery, the quality of bone china, and vintage-style glasses and cake stands.

Together, Michael and his dedicated team have crafted a truly enchanting venue nestled within the beautiful display gardens at Bannold, Fen Drayton, Cambridge.

Carriages Afternoon Tea

Two freshly baked scone plain or fruit, served with Cornish clotted cream and jam or lemon curd and butter.

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A selection of homemade petit fours made with our own free range eggs

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A selection of freshly made finger sandwiches.

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Accompanied by a choice of single estate teas or single origin coffees

Pick-Up Times:

You'll receive a Final Confirmation a few days before with a Departure time from your chosen pick-up location, this is because we finalise a pick-up route and timetable once all bookings have been received.