At the beginning of the month, I visited the Air Raid Shelter Cafe in High Wycombe for brunch. The cafe closes later this month after having been in operation since 2018 and is the most interesting cafe with 1940s decor and seating in various "rooms" made to look like a 1940s kitchen, parlour, air raid shelter, train, and more. The cafe itself is like a museum with different items from the time period and has hosted special events and acts throughout its time in High Wycombe. Although the cafe will be closing this month, it hopes to reopen in another location.
I discovered many rooms and areas themed for the 1940s and World War II era, including an area meant to look like a garden with hanging washing and an air raid shelter.
There was also an outside toilet or outhouse, which would have been in place in those days in some areas.
There was also a kitchen equipped with posters and goods from the time period.
There are separate areas for the army and the navy and for the RAF and home guard.
Not to mention a memorial wall...
Upstairs were also some themed rooms.
I had a look at the menu and cakes. I would have loved the afternoon tea, but it is for minimum of two only, and so I opted for a slice of carrot cake and a cheese sandwich.
I did also have scones and tea.
The food was delicious, and I really enjoyed the cheese and onion toastie.
Visitors can sit wherever they wish - parlour, air raid shelter, train, or any number of tables around the venue.
The train section is also unique with its own train station theme. There were two tables made to appear to be "inside" the train.
Across the venue are a lot of items, such as this doll house made by a German prisoner of war.
Beyond this is an area known as "town hall" which is a large seated venue that can host live music.
This cafe is very unique and I hope they can find another new venue quickly and reopen.
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