Post Reply
Talkback Home

Coffee at Liphook station - Catherine (30th Nov 2011  09:08:10) Just to let everyone know who like me suffers the dark early morning commute into London - we now have a mobile coffee stand at the station. Lovely lady started up yesterday and will be there from 5.30 til 9.30 every day. Great coffee and such a welcome sight first thing in the morning!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Simon (30th Nov 2011  10:29:08) This is great news - something Liphook station and the many early morning commuters have needed for a long time.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Hannah (30th Nov 2011  19:55:11) is there hot chocolate by any chance too?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Catherine (1st Dec 2011  09:15:29) Today - bad news I'm afraid, the mobile coffee business has been asked to leave the station forecourt due to a complaint from a local business who apparently sell 'refreshments' as a secondary offer to their main transportation business.......

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Sarah (1st Dec 2011  10:47:44) Well the taxi rank is not doing a very good job of it are they! i've seen the sign saying the sell coffee but NEVER seen anyone drinking coffee bought from them, what are they even offering.. instant coffee? they are hardly barristas are they!! Ridiculous!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - P Weyland (1st Dec 2011  13:10:47) The taxi rank is hardly a taxi rank either!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - liz (1st Dec 2011  13:44:14) How mean!!!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Jane G (1st Dec 2011  14:22:32) My partner was SO excited when I told him he would be able to buy a coffee at Liphook station this morning on the way to work..but alas not so!! He did say that he had once bought a cup of tea from the taxi rank and he was bemused by the lady working there who was apparently incredibly rude! Sounds like a bit of a competition can only be a good thing!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Simon (1st Dec 2011  14:24:04) Terrible news. The taxi company is not being pro-active in selling refreshments and its not the most inviting office. What's wrong with a bit of healthy competition? Why not just park up outside the station?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - P Weyland (1st Dec 2011  14:44:18) I guess ultimatley the decision would've been with South West Trains who own the forecourt. Seems a bit bizarre - I'm assuming she would've had to seek permission from SWT to pitch up for business in the first place?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Helen (1st Dec 2011  15:23:28) I have to say that when I saw this post yesterday, I did think that they would be harassed by the taxi people, as I used to sell coffee from a van outside Liphook station approximately 4 years ago.... As soon as she realised that I would be there, the taxi lady decided that she would go and buy coffee making equipment, and gave me grief EVERY day. She would even stand there and run her finger across her throat while glaring at me. What a charming lady she is!! Sorry to hear that she's managed to get rid of what sounded like a healthy bit of competition, good luck with any future ventures :) Helen

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Simon (2nd Dec 2011  06:45:31) Well, what a surprise...630am Friday and the taxi office is in darkness. Its no good advertising the sale of hot drinks when you don't deliver a service.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Finchie (3rd Dec 2011  08:13:55) Sue- would be nice to have a freshly brewed cappuccino at 6.30, so I'm very supportive of the entrepreneurial lady who tried. By the same token, you have picked me up plenty of times after a night on the town and got me home. Unless th taxi office is manned full time, I can't see how you can offer the same service - and it is at odds with what a taxi firm should do - be out and about. So I'd like to see both. Just thought I'd add the view of the CUSTOMER and what services I personally would like to see !! ;-) Cheers, Finchie

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - SueW (5th Dec 2011  10:13:52) I thought that the Bakers in Station Road sold hot drinks to takeaway? Not sure what time they actually open - but thought it was quite early. Any one know?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Dawn Hoskins (6th Dec 2011  23:13:23) I have managed to purchase coffee from the taxi rank. It is not something that you do twice.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Paul (7th Dec 2011  20:13:37) Perhaps the Parish Council could assist in a resolution for Liphook commuters??! On second thoughts .... ;)

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Tim (18th Dec 2011  08:10:48) Absolute marvellous!! I have been known to catch the train from Haslemere just because i have run out of coffee! Sad I know! This is marvellous news and well overdue!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Tim (18th Dec 2011  08:18:48) I got overexcited by the first thread. I replied before reading the rest of the threads! This is terrible decision by SWT! If it is the taxi rank who complained, it is very rarely open in the mornings or if it is open they are normally asleep! The coffee is awful too, when they have it on, that is! If it’s the bakers then their coffee is foul there too (unlike their bread which is fantastic I may add). They are also closed on Mondays, just when you need a nice fresh cuppa!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Sharon (18th Dec 2011  09:13:59) What are rules about setting up on a road near the station?Obviously the taxi company can't complain about other businesses in the area, but the council might!! But, if someone allowed the coffee stand to pitch up on their driveway/shop car park for instance........ hmmmmm. I think competition is what is needed to improve standards.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Catherine (19th Dec 2011  14:15:47) For us weary commuters there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. I have heard back from customer services at SW Trains who are looking into the matter and here is the email: "I am sorry to learn that the mobile coffee outlet had been moved from Liphook. I understand that you feel that this would be a welcome asset at the station. I will pass your comments to the station manager and find out what the situation is with regard to the outlet. Kind Regards Claire Durk Customer Relations Officer" customerrelations@swtrains.co.uk If you'd like a nice hot cup of coffee freshly brewed at 7am, can I suggest that you too email Claire Durk and see if we can't all make Liphook station a welcome site in the early mornings!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Alex (20th Dec 2011  18:36:40) I'm discouraged by this. The one thing Liphook station has always needed is even a modestly-sized coffee/newspaper stand. The reason i felt compelled to post however, is my disbelief that Apple Cabs filed a complaint - although it's obvious why. My consistent experience with them is less-than-dismal service: the first (and last) time i tried to get a coffee was met with almost outright contempt. Nescafe instant, and a kettle - massively overpriced, and served with a scorned look. In fact, don't the couple who run that place live there too? All i associate with the office and their cabs is the strongly putrid smell of wet dog! As controversial as it might sound, shouldn't this complaint be the other way round? Why can't SWT boot the incumbents out and let someone else put a smile on the face of travellers who are already furious about the exorbitant price of their ticket?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Simon (21st Dec 2011  05:46:40) Well said Alex and Catherine - I agree 100% and will be contacting SWT. It is great that they are finalling refurbishing the ticket office...some fresh coffee would be good as well. And I don't understand why someone hasn't had a go at selling newspapers during rush hour...surely a money maker.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - paul earwicker (21st Dec 2011  06:13:50) Hi, I would consider another form of travel that would offer better types of refreshments. In the '60s people were expected to wear bowler hats on the platform to London. At least that form of dress is more relaxed now, and there were no coffee facilites to consider. Good luck.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - iwik61 (21st Dec 2011  07:48:36) If selling papers is so good why do you think the conveience store in station rd shut and that was a big chain .

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - liz (21st Dec 2011  08:41:36) Newspapers are available at many other stations....

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Paul Robinson (21st Dec 2011  10:10:17) The newsagent traded profitably in Station Road and when the South East chain of Balfours Newsagents was bought up by The Co-operative Society it became more of a convenience store which, for a while, expanded into the unit next door such was the business they enjoyed. However, due to the competition from Sainsburys, they decided to close the store and concentrate their business in the Headley Road. When we first moved to Liphook there was a newsagent shop on the up line platform in addition to the one in Station Road and another that used to be in Midhurst Road. I think the shop was only open in the mornings. Paul Robinson

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Catherine (21st Dec 2011  14:10:17) Good news fellow travellers at Liphook station: Received this from SW Trains Thank you for your email. The person who was running the new coffee cart has now been given formal permission to trade. If they are not already trading at the station I imagine the will start within the next couple of weeks. Hurrah - I shall be skipping down the station tomorrow!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - iwik61 (21st Dec 2011  14:17:03) bit off subject but dont you think you answer alot of the last statement by saying competition from sainsburys stops all bussinesses opening, tescos as well are available near you .

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - liz (21st Dec 2011  16:03:24) I live fairly centrally in Liphook. Nearest Tesco is Bordon 4.15 miles (according to their website). Nearest Sainsburys is 0.2 miles (according to their website). Er... guess where the most competition in the village is coming from! Anyway good news about the coffee and I hope the existing coffee 'facility' doesn't try and put them off.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Paul Robinson (21st Dec 2011  17:28:48) Well done Catherine, with your help, free enterprise has risen to the challenge. Thinking of the impossible times you and your fellow commuters start your day a soothing cup of bohea or the enervating kick of expresso is richly deserved. Paul Robinson

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Peter Shepherd (23rd Dec 2011  04:08:21) Nothing will get done!!! I have campaigned tirelessly to have a more suitable advert For Liphook.but S.W.T and East Hants council have No interest whatsoever,it's nothing short of a disgrace!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Richard Hoff (11th Jan 2012  09:45:10) Happy days, it has come true. The coffee van is trading outside the station. Great lady, great cuppa. Keep it up

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Peter shepherd (12th Jan 2012  17:04:26) Well I never!!!,don't tells next S.W.T will let Another taxi firm in,and improve the appalling Service currently there!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Anna (14th Jan 2012  20:05:18) All commuters out there, please buy coffee at the station. She has said things have been really slow and is worried she made a mistake. Support her and she will stay!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - J (15th Jan 2012  20:27:50) What time is the coffee stand there from and till?

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Catherine (16th Jan 2012  13:20:32) Christine is there from 05.30 til 09.00 most days and I think she stays til 10.00 Mon, Wed & Fridays, so please support her, she's a lovely person and her coffee is fantastic!!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Christine (16th Jan 2012  16:15:19) Hi everyone, Just to confirm me and my coffee van will be at Liphook Station from 5.30am Monday-Friday ready to serve my lovely coffee, However I do have to leave a little earlier on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays as I have my office round to do on those days but i'm sure it will not affect all you commuters out there. I would love to take this opportunity to thankyou all for your support and I look forward to getting to know you all a little better over the coming months. (Special thanks to Catherine). Can I just add that I would be grateful for any comments you may have with regards to the sevice as i'm always looking to improve, once again, really appreicate everyones support. Christine www.groundcafe.co.uk

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Cath (16th Jan 2012  21:53:55) Oooh you do hot chocolate. Will try and drop by after the school run.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Peter shepherd (17th Jan 2012  04:40:32) Had a coffee there yesterday morning,it was lovely!

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Jan (17th Jan 2012  15:16:26) Great coffee, good service, will be a regular when I catch the train to work. Keep up the good work. Jan

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Paul Robinson (17th Jan 2012  15:27:50) Had my first cup of coffee from Christine at the Station forcourt this morning and, after fifteen minutes of windscreen scraping and lock defrosting, it was most welcome. A lovely cup of steaming hot coffeee, just the ticket. Highly recommended. Give it a try. Paul Robinson

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Cath (19th Jan 2012  19:13:52) Cath- please do feel free to pop down to try my hot chocolate with marshmallows if you wish. :) Remember thou, you will probs only catch me on Tuesdays and Thursdays after the school run as I leave at 9.00am on all other days. www.groundcafe.co.uk Christine.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Tracey (19th Jan 2012  22:50:56) Mmmmmmm the hot chocolate with marshmallows is absolutely lovely.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Richard (19th Jan 2012  23:32:20) Well it looks as though the lady at the station could give starbucks, costa and nero etc a run for its money! It is wonderful to see such positive feedback on a new enterprise. I sincerely wish her the best of luck.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - Andy Stevenson (9th Feb 2012  22:02:29) I have this evening had a reply from South West Trains "Thank you for your email of 19 January 2012. I appreciate you taking the time to write regarding Liphook Station. I am pleased to note the comments regarding our staff and indeed the coffee vendor. The situation regarding the Apple Cabs Company is of concern to me. Although they are an independent company, we obviously are keen that the service given to our customers is of high quality. All of your comments will be sent to the Station Manager, who I am sure will speak to the manager of the company. If you wish to contact Apple Cabs, please contact cabs@taxisinliphook.co.uk Thank you for contacting South West Trains. Kind Regards M*** **** (removed for security of the SWT colleague) Customer Relations Officer" I did say about the outstanding South West Trains staff at Liphook and the new coffee stand :-)

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - lily (10th Feb 2012  06:49:06) Well, that is a fob off. The person who responded to the letter should be following it up, and looking into the behavior of the current taxi service. He should not pass it on to the station manager, As SM may have good working relations with said company. SM may get on with them personally and professionally, so not really an independant person to deal with it. It is my opinion that SWT sre responding to the letter, as a matter of course, and not concern. "Passing the buck" springs to mind. Lets not be satisfied with this lukewarm response. :)

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - helen (17th Mar 2012  09:14:14) I had a bad experience wth the taxi rank the other week, I have complained to east hants council via email and it is now being looked into. You can also phone them and ask for the licencing dept on 01730 266551 Good Luck.

Re: Coffee at Liphook station - May D (15th Apr 2012  16:29:30) Hiya Christine thank you thank you so much for running round with my hot chocolate !! After running late and the train pulling in really did not think i would get my hot chocolate in time !! You are an absolute star !! I love the way you always seem to know what everyone is drinking too see you later in the week ! May D

Post Reply
Talkback Home