BBC MasterChef: York’s National Railway Museum stars in in semi-final episode

The National Railway Museum in York played a starring role in the latest episode of this series of BBC One’s MasterChef, which aired on Wednesday (May 27).

The newly refurbished Station Hall hosted a 100-person banquet in the semi-final episode.

The episode, which was filmed back in November 2025, had the eight hopeful chefs work in three teams to cook and deliver a three-course celebratory menu, designed by chef and judge Anna Haugh, to 100 railway staff, volunteers and enthusiasts.

Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, said: “It was a real once-in-a-lifetime experience – being served a stunning 3 course meal in such a special location, surrounded by TV cameras.

“It was a night none of us will ever forget! We were delighted to be given the opportunity to showcase Station Hall so soon after its renovation and bring its beauty and splendour to the MasterChef crew, presenters, chefs and of course audiences at home.”

Station Hall reopened in September 2025 as part of the National Railway Museum’s 50th birthday celebrations, following a £11m refurbishment to undergo major architectural and structural improvements.

The 6,000 sqm building has been home to the museum’s six Royal Train carriages since 1990.

It also houses such new exhibits as a WH Smith bookstall which was installed at London's Waterloo Station in 1921 and the wreath placed on the locomotive which transported Queen Victoria's funeral train from Paddington to Windsor in 1901.