Ellis Tea Room Closure – Visitor Information

January 30, 2026

We would like to let our visitors know that Ellis Tea Room at Rothley will close permanently from 15 February. This has been a difficult decision, taken after careful consideration, as Ellis has faced ongoing challenges for some time.

Ellis was originally intended to serve both the local community and visitors to the Great Central Railway, while also contributing financially to the railway. Unfortunately, this has not proved sustainable in the long term, and the decision has been made to refocus our catering offer in a way that best supports the railway and our visitors.

We would like to reassure visitors that there will continue to be a wide range of food and drink options available across the railway. Visitors can still enjoy refreshments at the platform Tea Room at Rothley station, and the Butler Henderson Café will remain open at Quorn & Woodhouse alongside the platform NAAFI as well as the Refreshment Room at Loughborough Central Station. In addition, on-board catering services will continue to operate on our trains on running days.

This closure does not mark the end of the Ellis building. Alternative uses are already being explored, and we hope to share more about future plans in the coming months.

Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of the Great Central Railway. We look forward to welcoming you and hope you enjoy the variety of refreshment options available during your visit.

How you can help

Support the future of the Great Central Railway by donating today.
Your generous contribution helps safeguard this unique heritage line, not only through the landmark Reunification project—which will reconnect two separate heritage railways to create an eighteen-mile route from the north of Leicester to the south of Nottingham—but also in the vital day-to-day running of the railway.
Donations directly support the maintenance and restoration of our stations and locomotives, the preservation of historic infrastructure, and the training and development of our dedicated staff and volunteers. They ensure the railway continues to thrive as both a living museum and a community resource.
By giving, you’re helping us preserve one of Britain’s most cherished heritage railways, so that future generations can step aboard, experience authentic steam and diesel travel, and discover the stories of the past. Every contribution, large or small, makes a lasting difference in keeping the spirit of the Great Central Railway alive.