How a Train Museum Became Three Unique Coffee Cafés

Ever wondered what happens when a legendary train museum partners with top-tier designers to reinvent its food offerings? The UK’s National Railway Museum didn’t just add a café — it created three entirely distinct dining experiences inspired by railway history, all nestled within one of the world’s most prestigious collections of locomotives.

In short: The National Railway Museum in York now houses three railway-themed cafés — The Dining Car, The Mallard Cafe.DeliBakery, and The Container Cafe — all designed by SHH Studio, transforming the space into a vibrant culinary destination for train enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

The National Railway Museum: A Historic Setting

Established in 1975 in York — the heart of Britain’s railway heritage — the National Railway Museum boasts an unmatched collection. Its displays include the largest steam locomotive, a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket, the Japanese Shinkansen, the European high-speed train Eurostar, and a historic third-class tram. This isn’t just a museum; it’s a temple for railfans.

The Dining Car: A Vintage Train Journey Indoors

Spanning 450 square metres, The Dining Car is designed to feel like a bustling 19th-century railway station. The space mimics a platform layout, with a central bar and service counter flanked by converted train carriages serving as dining areas. Guests sit on long-backed, red-patterned seats beneath overhead luggage racks, evoking classic train travel. Three private compartments resemble the mysterious sleeping cars from Murder on the Orient Express. The entire café oozes period atmosphere with a playful, immersive edge.

The Mallard Cafe.DeliBakery: Casual and Airy

With seating for 120, The Mallard offers a more relaxed, open-plan environment. Its scattered tables and exposed steel framework create an industrial yet spacious vibe. The curved bar makes ordering effortless, while stainless-steel shelving behind the counter holds fridges and coffee machines. Delicate triangular uplighting above the bar adds a refined detail to the otherwise laid-back setup. It’s simple, functional, and very railway-appropriate.

The Container Cafe: Bold Colours, Outdoor Dining

Made from four repurposed shipping containers, The Container Cafe is the museum’s outdoor dining option. Its eye-catching colour scheme features vivid lemon yellow, warm orange, and bold Chinese red. The lemon-yellow container functions as an iced drink station, marked with a snowflake icon, while the red unit serves hot food, indicated by a flame symbol. The menu includes ice cream and pizza, making it a perfect spot for a sunny evening meal right by the tracks.

About SHH Studio

Founded in 1991 and headquartered in London, SHH Studio is an award-winning architecture and interior design firm with a global portfolio. Their design philosophy centres on efficiency, simplicity, communication, transparency, adaptability, and innovation. The studio has earned over 90 accolades, including the 2014 FX Interior Design Award and the 2014–2015 British Property Award. Their work on the National Railway Museum’s cafés won the 2014 London Design Award.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the National Railway Museum located?

The National Railway Museum is located in York, UK, a city renowned for its role in the development of railway transport. It is one of the most significant railway museums in the world.

How many cafés are inside the National Railway Museum?

There are three distinct cafés inside the museum: The Dining Car, The Mallard Cafe.DeliBakery, and The Container Cafe, each with a unique theme and design style.

What is The Dining Car café like?

The Dining Car replicates a 19th-century railway platform, featuring converted train carriages as dining spaces, vintage-style seating, luggage racks, and even private sleeper compartments reminiscent of classic train travel.

What kind of food is served at The Container Cafe?

The Container Cafe serves casual fare such as ice cream and pizza. It is set up in colourful repurposed shipping containers with designated hot and cold food zones.

Who designed the cafés in the National Railway Museum?

The cafés were designed by SHH Studio, a London-based architecture and interior design firm known for its innovative and award-winning projects worldwide.

Has SHH Studio received awards for its work on the museum cafés?

Yes, SHH Studio’s design for the National Railway Museum cafés won the 2014 London Design Award, among over 90 other creative accolades and nominations.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Railway Café Vibes

Pair your train-themed café visit with FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera — a bright, juicy Ethiopian offering notes of blueberry and floral tones, perfect for a light breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up. For something richer, try the Brazil Queen Manor, a smooth medium roast with hints of chocolate and nuttiness, ideal with bakery items. Or go for the PWN Golden Mandheling, a classic Indonesian single origin with low acidity and deep body, great alongside savoury bites. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.