Railway station cafes are legendary for strong tea and slabs of fruitcake. Kawakawa’s keeping the legend alive at the restored historic station, complete with steam engines and a fully functional tearoom.

My marks out of 10?

CUP 6: Gibson Housewares, small and heavy but a good shape.

TEA 7: Dilmah English breakfast.

SETTING 9.5: Will give it a 10 when steam engine Gabriel is back in service – diesel loco Timmy is doing a good job, but is just not the same.

Railway Station Cafe, 102 Gillies St, Kawakawa.