AS a regular commuter to London for about 15 years, Jayne Forbes had a good idea about what passengers wanted.

And when East Midlands Parkway opened in January last year, the investment manager spotted an opportunity.

The station didn't have a cafe and Mrs Forbes knew from experience that grabbing a cuppa before hopping on the train was a vital ingredient for many commuters.

So she decided to set one up herself.

Cafe Voyage opened on June 1 and quickly proved a big hit.

Mrs Forbes, of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, is now hoping to set up more using the same branding and style.

"I have commuted to London, initially from Loughborough, for about 15 years and I swapped to East Midlands Parkway when it opened," she said.

"People are creatures of habit and I always like to have a cup of coffee and a newspaper, so I though I knew what people liked.

"The station is open really early. The first train is 5.06am.

"And, from my perspective, people want to pick up a coffee.

"When you have commuted as long as I have, you not only get to recognise other commuters, you get to know the people who work on the trains.

"All the East Midlands Trains staff are very friendly and know you. They are superb people.

"And the idea literally came from this coercion from train station staff.

"They said 'if anyone knows what commuters need, it's you'.

"Because it is walking distance from my home I just got the buzz for it and got swept away.

"It is the best thing I have ever done."

The cafe's name was chosen because of the station's link to the Continent – as services go to London St Pancras International, where people can connect with Eurostar services

And it soon became an integral part of the station.

"I was there for day two of the station opening.

"When I first started travelling from there, there was just me travelling sometimes on the train," said Mrs Forbes.

"But I knew it wouldn't stay like that.

"To get to the station is so easy and the layout is so nice that I knew general commuters would move there.

"You find now that passengers are also moving from other stations so I thought it would be a good investment and an ideal opportunity and ultimately it would succeed."

Although Mrs Forbes employs five people to manage and operate the cafe, she admits she can't resist a hands-on approach every Sunday.

"I get in there and make coffee," she said.

"I open up on a Sunday morning because I want to be sure what we are doing is right.

"We have got a strong manager and supervisor and they make sure everything runs day to day but I like to be hands-on and get feedback."

Mrs Forbes said the station was well used by local residents and she would like the cafe to become a community hub, possibly hosting meetings or events for local groups.

Download Festival revellers flocked and there in June for hot drinks and snacks.

And it was host to a unique calm during a huge protest at the nearby Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station in October, as police and protesters sat together enjoying refreshments.

"Everyone was so polite and collegial in the cafe and their differences of opinion were left outside. It was a nice thing to see," she said.

Mrs Forbes said she plans to continue to work with East Midlands Trains to look at the possibility of opening more cafes at other stations.

A spokeswoman for East Midlands Trains said: "We are really thrilled with how successful the cafe has been.

"It is a great addition to the station.

"On busy days it is extremely well used.

"It is something really vital for the station to have and we have a great relationship."