The train now standing at the station...has been completely refurbished in a makeover costing more than £100,000 and is ready for diners to board.

A ceremony was held at West Bay's Station Kitchen to officially open the unique restaurant's new dining carriage, which has been named Beeching - an ironic nod to Richard Beeching, the man responsible for closing thousands of miles of railway and stations in the 1960s.

Complementing the existing carriage, Brunel, at the former Great Western Railway station, it adds additional seating but also allow guests to stay longer enabling them to have pre and after dinner drinks.

The new addition, which dates from 1958, arrived in September after being secured from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway at Toddington station in the Cotswolds.

It has been beautifully restored over the past few months.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Bridport Mayor and Mayoress Ian and Anne Bark declared it open at a ceremony at the venue attended by more than 100 guests who enjoyed complimentary food and drink and were entertained by a live band.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Bridport Mayor Ian Bark cutting ribbon on new carriage at Station Kitchen with owners Claire and Ross Moore Picture: Neil Barnes

Claire Moore, who owns the Station Kitchen with husband Ross said it was a 'brilliant evening'.

She said: "The new carriage is stunning and even has its own private dining room to seat up to six guests - people can hire this room for celebrations and even proposals.

"The new carriage seats up to 40 guests and will be open Wednesday to Saturday serving lunch and dinner."

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The carriage when it first arrived in West Bay in September Picture: The Station Kitchen

Over the years the restaurant has welcomed many famous faces including David Tenant, Olivia Colman, Lenny Henry, Caroline Quentin and Hugh Laurie. Actor and local resident Martin Clunes is a regular, and last year Telegraph restaurant critic William Sitwell paid a visit and wrote a glowing review.

This year the venue won best restaurant in the south west at The Muddy Stilettos awards and 'gold' in Taste of the West awards.

To celebrate, the Station Kitchen is offering our 'off the rails' lunch deal throughout December and January.