Café 1839, a family-run café, officially opens at Prestwick Town Railway Station on Saturday, November 21, with a vibrant Opening Party from 12noon to 2pm.
Celebrating Railway Heritage
The café's name honours the year 1839, when the Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock, and Ayr Railway first opened to the public, putting Prestwick on the railway map. Nearly two centuries later, the venture aims to transform Platform 2 into a welcoming hub for commuters, travellers, and beachgoers.
Co-owner Jen Scanlon, who previously managed the Azalea Restaurant at Glenapp Castle, leads the project alongside her parents. She moved back in with her parents, who relocated to Prestwick five years ago, to launch the business together.
From Estate Agency to Hospitality
Scanlon's career shift came after suffering from chronic migraines from age 12. She bought a house in Drummore six years ago with her parents' help, where the peaceful environment prompted a move from estate agency to hospitality. She spent four years at Glenapp Castle, rising to Restaurant Manager.
Guests at the opening will hear a traditional live bagpiper and sample free tasters of the café's homemade produce.
A Five-Star Touch for the High Street
"We wanted to build something that respects the deep history of this station while giving people a fantastic, high-quality stop on their daily journeys," Scanlon said. "After an incredible experience at Glenapp Castle, I wanted to take everything I've been lucky enough to learn about five-star hospitality and put it into practice for myself. Working alongside my mum and dad, our goal is to bring a little bit of that luxury and premium quality right to the high street."
Café 1839 aims to become a local favourite for coffee and artisan homemade bites, welcoming residents, families, and commuters to the festivities.
