AXMINSTER station is competing in the semi finals of the 2024 World Cup of Stations today, with voting open until midnight.

The theme of this year’s competition is local businesses in and around stations, with Axminster nominated for its micropub, The Ale Way, and café, The Railway Kitchen.

To vote, simply head to the Rail Delivery Group’s website where Axminster is one of four stations nominated in the first semi-final.

Situated at the station, the Railway Kitchen offers a "delectable" selection of meals sourced from local suppliers, including breakfasts, lunches and snacks. They also serve coffee roasted in Axminster. 

Also at the station is The Ale Way, a micropub which stocks independent real ales, fresh craft beers and ciders, many of which are locally brewed.

Richard Foord, MP for Honiton and Sidmouth recently visited both and described them as "outstanding".

The two local businesses saw Axminster win Monday’s South West round with 64 per cent of the vote. Today it competes against King’s Lynn in Norfolk, Lewes in East Sussex and Thornton Heath in South London.

Andrew Ardley, South Western Railway’s Regional Development Manager for the West, said: “Axminster has rightly been recognised for its great local businesses and we’re pleased to see it competing in the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup of Stations.

“It would be great if Axminster progressed to the finals and so we’re appealing for as many people in South Devon, or even further afield, to head to the Rail Delivery Group’s website and vote.  

“We’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who has already voted, and of course to the Ale Way and Railway Kitchen for their support.”