The little town of Junee became a railway town in 1878, with the Junee railway station becoming the principal locomotive servicing and maintenance depot in southern NSW. The original timber station burnt down in 1882, which was probably lucky, because a Victorian Italianate Renaissance style station that was heritage-listed in 1999 replaced it. Although trains are not as frequent these days, it’s a wonderful reminder of the town’s glory days. The colossal original Refreshment Room acts as the Railway Station Cafe. It’s the second heritage railway station refreshment room I have been in, and they sure did make them spacious! Skyscraper high ceilings and enough space for a train load of diners, the space is a mix of modern necessities and splendid heritage. There’s a lovely lawn on the way in that has tables set up for outdoor dining. The staff are friendly and chatty, but that doesn’t help my Devonshire Tea much. The microwaved scone is soggy and I’m not sure whether it’s because it’s been in the microwave too long or it’s come out of the freezer. The strawberry jam is unimpressive and the squirt of super light cream is from a cream canister. Such a beautifully kept slice of history surely deserves a more impressive Devonshire Tea!

Scones:  

Jam:

Cream:  

Tea: A small range of Temple Tea Co loose-leaf tea served in a small teapot.

Price: $$

Overall: An average Devonshire Tea in a sensational heritage-rich grand railway station refreshment room.

Location: Railway Square, Junee NSW 2663 Ph: 02 6924 1044
facebook.com/Railway-station-cafe-325736550853164/

Reviewed in December, 2019