Which seems odd as I always thought they brought hot water in a smaller jug than they use to bring the tea and coffee around?
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Butts
Veteran Member
When Virgin take over let's hope they keep the current weekend offering from EC or improve on it, none of those "snack boxes" hopefully.
Incidentally I'm sure I read somewhere Virgin had given Rail Gourmet "The Boot" and are linking up with another caterer sometime soon. If EC went the same way that would just about spell the death knell for RG
Incidentally I'm sure I read somewhere Virgin had given Rail Gourmet "The Boot" and are linking up with another caterer sometime soon. If EC went the same way that would just about spell the death knell for RG
furgus2
Member
Yes, you're right Butts, Virgin now use DHL for their catering supplies. No, I didn't realise DHL did more than deliver packages.
They deliver packages? I thought it was just those notes that fit through the letterbox.
It's not "concentrate", it's "freshly ground" filter coffee. It says so on the menu. Also, I know this because a little while ago a SC passenger was complaining on EC's FB page that they wanted to buy filter rather than the instant that SC passengers get, but we're most upset that they could see it being prepared but the staff wouldn't give it to them.
I'm not sure why you would think EC would serve an inferior product to FC passengers from that served to those I'm Standard?
Also, I'm not sure why everyone is convened the Reward scheme will be done away with when the new franchisee takes over. As I already said EC have stated on their FB page that the intention is for it to comitinue. Anyway it acts as an incentive for people to use EC services, and book train tickets through their website.
Butts
Veteran Member
Possibly because they are paying for it and more likely to complain ?
Assuming you mean "convinced", EC will pass the rewards scheme to VT - it won't disappear overnight. However as VTEC have said they'll be offering Nectar points most people have assumed that at some stage this will replace the rewards scheme - otherwise you'd have expected VTEC to have mentioned it too.
I think possibly part of the problem with the hot drinks, particularly the coffee is the one bag of ground coffee is doing more than one pot then they are probably just pouring a new bag into the old filter which distorts the taste further.
And as for the tea words fail me. It's either stewed to death or you are drinking warm milk.
And as for the tea words fail me. It's either stewed to death or you are drinking warm milk.
Also, it's cheaper. The buffet on Greater Anglia offers posh crisps for sale, and crisps are included as a complimentary item for FC passengers - but not the ones that are for sale, the Golden Wonder they keep under the counter
Also, it's cheaper. The buffet on Greater Anglia offers posh crisps for sale, and crisps are included as a complimentary item for FC passengers - but not the ones that are for sale, the Golden Wonder they keep under the counter
I don't have a problem with Golden Wonder, but couldn't they have a few different flavours other than just Ready Salted
I don't have a problem with Golden Wonder, but couldn't they have a few different flavours other than just Ready Salted
I always buy Golden WOnder from Home Bargains (Quality Save in this part of the world
) - the pickled onion flavour are great and they're only 29p.It's just that they have the more expensive crisps, but don't give them to people who don't pay for them!
When Virgin take over let's hope they keep the current weekend offering from EC or improve on it, none of those "snack boxes" hopefully.
Incidentally I'm sure I read somewhere Virgin had given Rail Gourmet "The Boot" and are linking up with another caterer sometime soon. If EC went the same way that would just about spell the death knell for RG
I think it would take more than that, they have quite a long list of clients in the UK and Europe.
I didn't actually realise they were part of SSP, either!
http://www.railgourmet.com/page2/18/our-clients/
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cjp
Member
No complaints from me about Virgin's evening meal offer Rail Gourmet or not. Good Crew, good food plenty to eat and drink and the alcohol and soft drinks was flowingWhen Virgin take over let's hope they keep the current weekend offering from EC or improve on it, none of those "snack boxes" hopefully.
Incidentally I'm sure I read somewhere Virgin had given Rail Gourmet "The Boot" and are linking up with another caterer sometime soon. If EC went the same way that would just about spell the death knell for RG
Butts
Veteran Member
Please note I was referring to The Weekend offering (snack box) not the proper meals
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Also, it's cheaper. The buffet on Greater Anglia offers posh crisps for sale, and crisps are included as a complimentary item for FC passengers - but not the ones that are for sale, the Golden Wonder they keep under the counter
On Virgin they have better complimenatary crisps than East Coast and the bags are bigger - I can't remember what the two brands are.
Golden Wonder Multipack and Flavoured Crisps are available in Tesco up here.
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Blindtraveler
Established Member
And best of all its available to pax going south too meaning someone leaving Scotland around 5 isnt going to arrive in London approx 4.5hrs later starving at a time that many eateries are winding down for the night!
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As to Virgin binning RG, I would think this is to do with qualitty and consistancy amongst other things and although its been several months since my last FC trip with them, I do make regular Standard journeys that often are long enough to warrant purchase of a light lunch from the shop and the range and products have been far nicer
Tetchytyke
Veteran Member
But on the other hand East Coast use full-sized cans of Coke and Virgin don't. Swings and roundabouts.
Butts
Veteran Member
Yes, that's true, but as I only imbibe the "hard stuff" which are both double measures that is not of concern to me.
The accompanying crisps are better quality and last (a bit) longer on Virgin.
Yes but Virgin don't growl and glare when you ask for a second can (or Scotch)
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Yes, that's true, but as I only imbibe the "hard stuff" which are both double measures that is not of concern to me.
The accompanying crisps are better quality and last (a bit) longer on Virgin.
A true professional
Kite159
Veteran Member
Is it worth paying the £5 to enter the Kings Cross lounge (will probably be getting there around 16:00 so will have pretty much an hour to kill, sadly will be on U1 tickets so no Finsbury bashing)
At that time of day I would say yes as the station is usually very busy.
My advice though is when asked to present your tickets and are then asked for payment to present a card rather than cash. The last three times I have been in the KX lounge the member of staff hasn't known how to use the machine or it's been broken. Twice I have just been waved through and the time I was asked for cash I said I don't carry and that I would have to go to the ATM, I was then just waved through.
It's nothing special tbh just hot drinks, water, coke, crisps, biscuits and if you are luck there will be fruit.
Alcohol is available to purchase. I wonder if when it changes to VTEC if they will install a bar like Euston.
Kite159
Veteran Member
I don't drink so any alcohol on offer would be wasted.
Would a 50 point lounge pass not be more cost-effective.. ?
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VT are quite happy to give you TWO little cans of Pepsi Max you know :P
However one squares it I think that's better than one normal can of diet coke
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VT are quite happy to give you TWO little cans of Pepsi Max you know :P
However one squares it I think that's better than one normal can of diet coke
Butts
Veteran Member
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cf111
Established Member
- Joined
- 13 Nov 2012
- Messages
- 1,367
This was most welcome during my recent trip on the Sleeper where the train was cancelled. A few glasses of red in there, then a couple of bottles in the Lounge Car
.Would a 50 point lounge pass not be more cost-effective.. ?
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VT are quite happy to give you TWO little cans of Pepsi Max you know :P
However one squares it I think that's better than one normal can of diet coke
Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't VT cans 150ml and EC 330ml? So 2 cans is still less pop.
The Pepsi is in 250ml cans, but yes they have R Whites lemonade in 150ml ones I think. One thing I don't like is that unlike EC, VT don't offer you a glass or ice at the weekend.
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Also, it's cheaper. The buffet on Greater Anglia offers posh crisps for sale, and crisps are included as a complimentary item for FC passengers - but not the ones that are for sale, the Golden Wonder they keep under the counter
I can also say that after being used to the likes of EC's offer, Greater Anglias service is something of a disappointment...especially when the coaches are also falling apart!