Bat & Ball Station
A charming train station featuring a highly-rated cafe known for its sensational homemade food and a pleasant, community-maintained garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid peak commute rush
Bat & Ball Station
Best Time
Avoid peak commute rush
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming train station featuring a highly-rated cafe known for its sensational homemade food and a pleasant, community-maintained garden.
"A true foodie delight with sensational homemade food and a welcoming atmosphere at the station cafe."
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the samosas and curries at the station cafe; they're a must-try!
💳 Payment Options
Oyster and contactless payments are accepted for train travel.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bat & Ball Cafe
On the station platform
Experience sensational homemade food, from dream-worthy samosas to flavorful curries and decadent desserts. A true foodie delight!
Well-Maintained Station Gardens
Station platforms
Enjoy the charming and clean platforms, enhanced by lovely garden areas lovingly looked after by a local community group.
Thameslink Train Services
Platforms 1 & 2
Conveniently served by Thameslink trains, offering regular services for your travel needs. Easy access for commuters.
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Planning Your Visit
Station Access & Amenities
The Bat & Ball Cafe Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Commute from sevenoaks
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the samosas and curries at the station cafe; they're a must-try!
💳 Payment Options
Oyster and contactless payments are accepted for train travel.
Commuter town suggestions
Need suggestions for relocation between London and Hastings ?
♿ Accessible Platforms
Both platforms have disabled access via a side entrance.
🚗 Station Parking
Parking availability at peak times might be a concern for early commuters.
Working in maidstone and commute
Tips
from all over the internet
☕ Cafe Delights
Don't miss the samosas and curries at the station cafe; they're a must-try!
💳 Payment Options
Oyster and contactless payments are accepted for train travel.
♿ Accessible Platforms
Both platforms have disabled access via a side entrance.
🚗 Station Parking
Parking availability at peak times might be a concern for early commuters.
🌿 Community Gardens
Appreciate the beautiful gardens maintained by locals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bat & Ball Station is praised for its charming atmosphere and the exceptional quality of its on-site cafe, which serves delicious homemade food at reasonable prices. While the station itself is clean and accessible, the lack of staff and potential parking issues during peak hours are noted drawbacks.
"Stopped in with my elderly father and aunt for a quick bite to eat and it was absolutely delicious, what a treat. The cafe itself is under new management, someone well known in the food festival and pop up kitchen world. She did not disappoint. Warmly greeted with huge smiles and made to feel right at home. Then the food arrived ... The samoas....served with a peanut sauce and garlic tomato sauce, still dreaming of those tastes. Delicious doesn't even begin to describe how good they are. Followed by a chicken and coconut curry with rice and vegetables. That didn't last long on our plates, big portions and utterly yummy. At this point we thought - let's go for it and had the brownies and banana loaf. Sensational and I don't usually eat desserts. We had a joyful happy afternoon at the cafe - with Lilia in the background serving up more coffees and drinks. What makes her food so out of this world is she cooks with love, and you can taste it. It's home made, not a corporate chain of blandness, but food with character, with tastes that take you on an amazing journey of spices, herbs and delicious sauces. I could go on and on ..... It really is that good. People living in Sevenoaks - an absolute gem of a chef and foodie has landed in your neighbourhood, try it and you will not be disappointed. The bill was so reasonable and for what we ate, an absolute steal.
Am I going back, heck yes. Still dreaming of those samosas. What Lilia is cooking up in her kitchen is an absolute treat for foodies and this is one of the best secrets for people to discover. Go and find out for yourself....."
Caroline Teunissen
"A really nice train station that is served by Thameslink trains there are no ticket barriers here and also no staff around. There is disabled access to both platforms via a side entrance and exit. Services are every 30 minutes here oyster cards are not accepted at this station. The station was clean and the building is lovely."
James Gordon
"Whilst Bat & Ball station is the main focus, I don't use it for travel but for meeting with a friend at the Bat & Ball cafe on the station itself. Great full English at good prices. Well worth dropping in."
Dave Richards
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bat & Ball Station is served by Thameslink trains. If you're commuting from Sevenoaks, it's a convenient stop. Parking at the station during early morning commute hours might be challenging, so consider alternative transport if possible.
The station is primarily served by Thameslink trains, though it is owned by Southeastern trains.
Yes, there is parking available at the station, but it can be difficult to find a spot during peak commuting times.
Yes, you can now use Oyster and contactless payment methods at Bat & Ball Station for your train journeys.
There are no staff members present at Bat & Ball Station, and there are no ticket barriers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there are no ticket barriers, you will need a valid ticket or use contactless payment for your journey. Services run every 30 minutes.
Oyster cards are not accepted at this station; however, contactless payments are now valid.
Trains run every 30 minutes, providing regular service throughout the day. Specific timetable information should be checked for exact departure times.
No, there is no ticket office or staff present at Bat & Ball Station.
Fares will vary depending on your destination. You can use contactless payment or purchase tickets for your journey.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The station features a highly-rated cafe under new management, known for its delicious homemade food like samosas, curries, brownies, and banana loaf.
Reviewers consistently mention that the cafe offers great food at good prices, with one reviewer calling the bill 'so reasonable' and 'an absolute steal'.
The samosas with peanut and garlic tomato sauce are frequently highlighted as exceptional. The chicken and coconut curry and homemade desserts like brownies and banana loaf are also highly recommended.
The cafe is described as having a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with staff providing huge smiles and making guests feel right at home. It's praised for being 'food with character' rather than bland corporate fare.
Yes, the cafe serves coffees and other drinks, contributing to a joyful and happy afternoon experience for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The station offers charming photo opportunities, especially with its well-maintained garden areas and the picturesque cafe. Capturing the trains on the platform can also make for interesting shots.
Early mornings or late afternoons might offer softer light for photography. The vibrant colors of the cafe and gardens can be captured at any time.
Yes, you can photograph the trains. The station is served by Thameslink trains, and capturing them on the clean platforms with the gardens in the background can be visually appealing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For travel, the station's disabled access to both platforms ensures easier navigation with strollers. While there are no staff on-site, the availability of contactless payment simplifies ticket purchasing. The clean and well-kept station, complete with charming garden areas, provides a nice backdrop for a brief stop or a short journey. Just be mindful of potential parking challenges if arriving by car during busy commute times.
🧑💻 Commuters
However, commuters should be aware of the lack of on-site staff and ticket barriers, meaning self-management of ticketing is essential. A significant consideration is station parking, which can be challenging during early morning hours, potentially requiring alternative travel arrangements to reach the station.
foodie travelers
Beyond the main courses, the desserts are equally sensational, making it a perfect spot for those with a sweet tooth. The reasonable prices make indulging in multiple courses a delightful and affordable option. It's a destination in itself, offering a culinary journey that many find unforgettable and worth revisiting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Bat & Ball Cafe: A Culinary Gem
Beyond the exceptional food, the cafe offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests are greeted with 'huge smiles' and made to feel 'right at home'. The reasonable prices are another major draw, with reviewers calling the experience 'an absolute steal' for the quality and portion sizes. It's considered a 'hidden gem' and a 'secret for people to discover', especially for those living in or visiting the Sevenoaks area. The cafe's success is attributed to the chef's passion, creating a unique culinary journey with every dish.
Navigating Bat & Ball Station
Accessibility is a priority, with disabled access provided to both platforms via a dedicated side entrance and exit. The station itself is described as clean, and the building is noted as lovely. Adding to its charm are the well-maintained garden areas, which are looked after by a local group, contributing to a pleasant environment for travelers. While convenient for many, potential commuters should be aware that station parking can be difficult to secure during peak morning hours.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit