Model railway delivers food and drink in Newenden cafe

Business at a village cafe has nearly trebled since it installed a unique table service, its owners have said.

Bookings at Nibbles in Newenden, Kent, have risen after one of its owners built a complex model railway to deliver food and drink to customers.

It came about after sight problems forced Dave Wheeler to step away from his job making furniture at a joinery company.

“I needed to work with my wife as she helps care for me, but I also wanted to still build things,” he said.

Mr Wheeler said: “With my friends I have created a food and drink delivery system that serves all the tables at our cafe.”

His wife Lindsey Wheeler said she was “surprised” when he first announced plans to build a model railway delivery system.

“Dave is a bit random. He’s always coming up with odd ideas,” she said. “But this one has been his best yet.

“The customers have trebled since the train track has been installed, and we love hearing the chatter and laughter from the tables.”

Steve Morrell, from St Leonards, is a regular cafe customer and said he was “impressed” by the model railway.

“It’s all about the community that Dave is building for all the families in this area,” he said.

“We come down and see the trains going around. It’s so unique and it’s just lovely.”

Kelly Cunningham, from Sandhurst, visited for the first time after seeing the cafe “go viral” on social media.

“We had to see for ourselves. It’s magical how the drinks and cake arrive,” she added.