Overlooking the platform at, The Station ? Irlam Caf? Bar offers a unique experience, with the resplendent ambience of the Victorian era, coupled with contemporary style. The building of the Margarine Works started in Higher Irlam in 1914 but pace was slowed by the First World War with it being finally completed in 1917. The industry built on increasing demand for fats was one of the industries enabled by the construction of the Cheshire Lines Railway and the Manchester Ship Canal.
The Old Railway Station in Irlam, near Manchester, stands as a charming remnant of the Victorian era’s golden age of rail travel. Originally opened in 1873 by the Cheshire Lines Committee, the station served as a vital link for passengers and goods between Liverpool, Manchester, and surrounding areas. When the Manchester Ship Canal was constructed in the late 1880s, the railway line had to be elevated and relocated, leading to the building of the current station house in 1893 on the Manchester-bound platform. This red-brick structure, with its flamboyant Victorian design, large platform canopies, original slate roof, and vivid brickwork, once welcomed commuters heading to work, school, or neighboring districts.
Throughout its active years, the station played a significant role in the region’s industrial growth and wartime efforts, facilitating the movement of troops, munitions, and essential supplies during both World Wars while remaining a central hub for the local community. Its architecture reflects the grandeur of the period, featuring exuberant detailing and a proud nod to the London, Midland and Scottish Railway’s iconic color scheme after restoration. After closure in the 1980s, the building fell into disrepair and lay derelict for decades, with boarded windows and missing slates turning it into something of an eyesore.
Today, the lovingly restored Old Railway Station has been given new life as a community asset, preserving its historic character while serving modern purposes. The exterior maintains its period authenticity, with gleaming paintwork and traditional features that evoke the bustling atmosphere of its heyday. It symbolizes Irlam’s enduring connection to transport history and the broader industrial heritage of Greater Manchester, standing proudly as a landmark that bridges the past and present.
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