An independent station café which has been serving commuters for 36 years has been named as the best in the South East.

The Runaway Café in Lewes has taken the title of Britain’s best railway station business in a public vote and is now through to the semi-finals of the World Cup of Stations. The annual competition is this year focussing on the businesses which make stations vital community hubs.

The Runaway Café in Lewes was set up by owner Jacqueline Elsey in April 1988 because she “felt we could do things differently”. This includes serving fresh leaf tea with a tea specially blended for the Sussex water – and serving in “proper china” if time permits – and fresh sandwiches and cakes homemade on the premises.

Jacqueline now runs the café alongside operations manager Pawel Szala.

She said: “We arrive at 5am every day to ensure the earliest of commuters get a much-needed refreshment for the start of the day. Pawel works till 7pm to accommodate people returning in the evening. We also extend hours when Albion are playing at home.

“We’re as enthusiastic now as we were on day one – we love what we do. We’re totally committed to our responsibility and feel we’re an integral part of the community. Over the years we have seen customers have come in, then their children and then their grandchildren. A lot of the regular commuters are virtually friends – we know their faces and orders.

“We try to create a little oasis in the busy daily lives of people. Some might be commuting to stressful jobs, but they can have a little relaxation in the morning. We play classical musical so they can start their day in the best frame of mind.”

One of the more memorable moments of Jacqueline’s time running the café was serving a bacon sandwich to Princess Diana when she came to Lewes to open the magistrate’s court.

She said: “When the train pulled in that morning, her carriage was level with me, and I could see her through the window. Later, on her return, she sent one of her staff members into the café to get her a bacon butty.

“It was reported in local papers at the time that she thoroughly enjoyed it and described it as one of the best bacon butties British Rail had ever given her. I had the honour of making that sandwich – it’s something I will never forget.”