[silentone]

Originally Posted by amcluesent

You can just ask!

Only this week, southbound out of PBO, I asked for a croissant and they made off to heat one up. They had run out of jam though!

I've building up to asking for two alcoholic drinks out of KGX, there was a certain coolness when I asked for G&T, OJ and Coke tonight

There's no official rule I don't think, but they don't want us giving out two like drinks together. Crews will also check if you're having a meal in the evening and offer a glass of wine along with another drink while you wait.

I would probably draw a line on OJ & Coke along with a G&T. G&T + 1 other for now then something later. Mainly because if everyone in the carriage did it then I'd have to make another trip back to the kitchen for more. And that's probably ontop of a trip I'll already have to make for wine/glasses.

I'm also going to be starting the service from M now, and that's more for practical reasons and to speed up the work we're already doing.

[sheff1]

Originally Posted by amcluesent

there was a certain coolness when I asked for G&T, OJ and Coke tonight

Ah ..... but was there a coolness with the red wine

[williamn]

not wanting to turn this into a soup thread, but soup doesn't have to be plated in the kitchen, in can be served from a trolley, so reducing potential for spills. Virgin have been known to serve it I think?

[silentone]

Vestibules & Tipping.

All trolleys have and will tip at some point.

Trolley's also frequently get stuck on the join between carriages and have to be lifted part the way over. Yes lets add some nice hot soup to the mix.

The soup debate is well and truly over it won't ever happen. It's another get over it moment.

[142094]

Back in 1st yesterday as it was 25p cheaper than a standard advance. Train started at Newcastle, and although I was travelling to York I could have easily asked for one of the salads as they were handed out before Darlington. Had sandwich and cake again, very nice. Tea and coffee right after each station except Northallerton, drink trolley only through once.

Same impression as the last time - nice enough for a small bite to eat on a short journey, but anything longer and I'd rather have the option to buy something more substantial.

[StrollerEd]

Originally Posted by 142094

back in 1st yesterday

<snip>

same impression as the last time - nice enough for a small bite to eat on a short journey, but anything longer and i'd rather have the option to buy something more substantial.

+1


.....

[maddeningcrowds]

Southbound, West Yorkshire route, weekend. Vacuum packed continental breakfast. It tasted better than it looks. Friendly service, drinks offered regularly.

[DaveNewcastle]

Originally Posted by Elaine Holt

We've talked to our customers and they've told us they want a meal included . . . . . . So when the customer says that, it becomes a really easy decision

and so, we made our decision . . .

Originally Posted by silentone

The soup debate is well and truly over . . . . . It's another get over it moment.

[Richard Armstrong]

Elaine's idea of a meal is extremely odd .

[Failed Unit]

Originally Posted by DaveNewcastle

and so, we made our decision . . .

Lol. Yep it is back to we listen to customers at east coast, but only if they say what we want to hear. If you say something like "we think the old offering is better" - get over it we are not interested!

If you are don't think we give enough food, never have everything on the menu (which is our suppliers fault as we cant manage them) and don't want to walk to the cafe bar - we don't want you business so find another operator.

[Essexman]

But what question did they ask?

Do you want free meals? (and did they define 'meal')

Or do you want free breakfast, sandwiches, perhaps a poncy tart, or if you're lucky perhaps a proper meal - but you will no longer be able to buy cooked food on all other trains?

Of course people will say they want free food, but did EC take note of its exisiting lucrative 1st class business market, amny of whom want the choice to buy a proper meal?

[YorkshireRider]

And so the thread goes around again. Realistically EC will judge whether its working on first class ticket revenue in about 6 months or so, if its up then your all probably correct, they wont give a toss about your complaints but they will start to listen if its not.

[Failed Unit]

Right on both counts Yorkshire Rider. I guess the year will be the bigger point, as those that try it once go hungry and don't return need to filter out.

[jonmorris0844]

FC may be up purely because they have an additional carriage for FC tickets now they've ditched the restaurant. If they had to offer loads of cheap tickets and upgrades to fill that, it would be different than simply saying 'numbers are up xx%'.

Of course, they'll say whatever they need to say to prove their argument (as you'd expect them to do).

[Skimble19]

For the hopefully last post on soup: I wouldn't class it as a meal in the slightest.

The restaurant was used by the minority, made a loss and took up space that is better used as standard FC space which can now be filled.