Sleek New Costa Coffee Expands Banbury Station's Offerings
If you thought train stations were just about ticket queues and hurried departures, Banbury is shaking things up. On December 16, 2024, a brand new Costa Coffee opened right inside Banbury Station—turning the once-routine stop into a place where you might actually want to linger. Wrapped in the chain’s freshest ‘Store of the Future Uplift’ look, this outlet comes with seating for 50, setting the stage for more than a quick dash for caffeine. Commuters, tourists, and caffeine lovers all get a cozy spot to relax, whether it’s for a peaceful solo moment or a pre-train catch-up.
The menu is loaded: hot drinks, snacks, sandwiches, pastries, and all sorts of sweet treats. But they didn’t stop there—shoppers can pick up newspapers, magazines, travel chargers, and other handy accessories. So if you forgot your phone cable or need something to read, this little shop’s got you covered. The design is crisp and modern, with every detail tailored for comfort and convenience.
Station Makeover Adds Comfort and Convenience
This new spot is part of a wider plan by Chiltern Railways to step up the game at Banbury Station, working closely with hospitality partner Caterleisure. It’s more than just a coffee shop—think of it as the heart of a long-overdue station transformation. According to Giles Conway, area manager for Oxfordshire at Chiltern Railways, Banbury’s reputation as a crucial transport hub makes these upgrades more important than ever—especially with so many people passing through each year for both work and leisure.
Peter O’Connell from Caterleisure sees the new shop as a “convenient one-stop shop” for travelers. Whether it’s an extra snack for the road or a quick gift before heading home, the idea is to cover all the little needs that pop up during a journey.
But the improvements don’t stop with coffee and comfy chairs. The station is also in the middle of a physical refresh, including a full repaint and a major update to the restrooms. New male, female, and accessible toilets are all in the works, with everything on track for completion in spring 2025. For anyone familiar with the old facilities, these changes promise a big step up in comfort and accessibility.
With these upgrades, Banbury Station is aiming to make the passenger journey a bit less hectic and a lot more welcoming. The new Costa Coffee is the first taste of what regulars and newcomers can expect as the station works to become more than just another stop on the map.
