The Runaway

Non-train users may not be aware of the existence of The Runaway Café, situated on Platform 2 of Lewes Train Station, which is a shame because it is an extraordinary place. I arrive hungry on a chilly morning, the guard lets me through the barriers without a ticket. The Runaway has been open since 5.50am, and does a brisk trade with commuters. Classic FM is playing. There is a lovely old clock behind the counter, set two minutes early so people don’t miss their trains. When I get to the front of the queue, I order a hot sausage and tomato sandwich and a cup of tea, made properly in a big pot and poured through a strainer, a ladle of milk sloshed in. The sandwiches are made fresh here every morning, so for hot fillings, you need to arrive early. The teacup comes on a doily, the sandwich on a plate, same price as take-away. The legendary Vic is not behind the counter this morning, so no running banter or impromptu opera singing. He is in Switzerland, I’m told. I sit in the no-smoking area. The tea tastes good and the sandwich is excellent, made with organic brown bread and nicely browned, herby sausages. Near me two well-dressed women are drinking cappuccinos. I start talking to one. She tells me Vic is a healer. He prides himself on knowing his regulars and their usual orders. His wife Jackie does the cooking and is ‘very tolerant of his eccentricities’. The queue of customers ebbs and flows as trains depart. EC