London North Eastern Railway (LNER) First Class service

[Blindtraveler]

The flipside with the 09:52x Aberdeen however is that it switches to All Day around dundee so a beveradge is on offer and youl also get lunch on departure from EDB or NCL. The earlier train from Aberdeen is on breakfast then midmorning so if you want a drink youl be well over the border before you get it.↲
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

We will be doing some forum meets involving the Inverness & Aberdeen trains in 1st on Reward points in 2015

Sounds good, do, as ever keep me posted as whilst I have no points as just used them all and closed account given the imminant withdrawal of the scheme and my limmited number of planned EC Trips in next few months theres often good AP's available.↲

 

[trainophile]

Sounds good, do, as ever keep me posted as whilst I have no points as just used them all and closed account given the imminant withdrawal of the scheme and my limmited number of planned EC Trips in next few months theres often good AP's available.

Is this a fact now? Where can I find out the details of when the scheme finishes? I've never used any points and have over 2,000 built up. Would hate to lose them!

 

[Blindtraveler]

My understanding, although many others will doubtless understand better/more is that existing points will be carried over when Virgin take over but that you will from around that time no longer be able to earn them and will instead be encouraged to sign up for the new scheme. In my case, I needed a rather expensive ticket for work and got a percentage of it with my remaining points and decided that as I will only really be using the WCML in the first part of next yea to öt bother starting again. Do we not have a thread on Rewards? If so, could someone link? Ta.

 

[trainophile]

Found this if it's the one you mean (haven't read it yet, will do so now).

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showthread.php?t=106333&highlight=rewards

 

[Drsatan]

That's what the timetable says, yes. The mid-morning menu is miniscule.

By the way you redeem the points to get a free ticket but you get 6 months to actually book the ticket. So you could travel in May or June, which I'd recommend. We will be doing some forum meets involving the Inverness & Aberdeen trains in 1st on Reward points in 2015, so maybe you could join us and make up for losing out on the infamous Baldock-North Sheen trip?

Too late, I've booked a ticket for the 0952 ABD-KGX but decided to travel in standard. I do have 318 points left and 150 pending points, so maybe with a bit of luck I'll be able to travel in First after all, later this year

 

[ATF1]

I'm booked on the 09.21 from Leuchars to Kings Cross the week after next (weekday). The timetable shows a full breakfast served if you board at Dundee (the stop before Leuchars) but there's no shading on the timetable between Leuchars and Edinburgh, when the all-day menu starts. So am I right in assuming that they don't serve the mid-morning menu on this train, and that I won't be served food until after we leave Edinburgh?

Looking at it again, I can see that the journey from Leuchars to Edinburgh is 69 minutes, i.e. 1 minute less than the 70 minutes when they're required to serve from the menu. So ... "On journeys under 70 minutes which are shown with no shading; the at-seat offering will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks". Does anyone know what how substantial the snacks are, and how many times I might be offered food on this five and a half hour journey?

Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I've read somewhere that the quiet carriage in First Class (J) doesn't have power sockets. Does this depend on the train/route, or is it a problem on all trains? I'm travelling Leuchars - KGX, as in my post above.

 

[Chrism20]

I'm booked on the 09.21 from Leuchars to Kings Cross the week after next (weekday). The timetable shows a full breakfast served if you board at Dundee (the stop before Leuchars) but there's no shading on the timetable between Leuchars and Edinburgh, when the all-day menu starts. So am I right in assuming that they don't serve the mid-morning menu on this train, and that I won't be served food until after we leave Edinburgh?

Looking at it again, I can see that the journey from Leuchars to Edinburgh is 69 minutes, i.e. 1 minute less than the 70 minutes when they're required to serve from the menu. So ... "On journeys under 70 minutes which are shown with no shading; the at-seat offering will be non-alcoholic drinks and snacks". Does anyone know what how substantial the snacks are, and how many times I might be offered food on this five and a half hour journey?

Thanks
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
I've read somewhere that the quiet carriage in First Class (J) doesn't have power sockets. Does this depend on the train/route, or is it a problem on all trains? I'm travelling Leuchars - KGX, as in my post above.

I've been on this one from Dundee a few times. Depending on the crew you will probably be offered a bacon roll boarding at Leuchars, you might even get a full breakfast depending on loadings. The Aberdeen guys are usually quite good and if there is food ready they will serve it. There are occasions though if the service is busy and they are running out the Dundee passengers are served at lightening speed so that it's done and dusted before Leuchars in which case you will get tea and biscuits. After Edinburgh you will get the all day menu.

The quiet coaches in the HSTs (which will be on this service) have no sockets and tbh I'd avoid the quiet coach in an HST like the plague as it is anything but quiet due to the noise coming from the kitchen. My advise is to bag a seat in L which is much better and has sockets.

 

[ATF1]

I've been on this one from Dundee a few times. Depending on the crew you will probably be offered a bacon roll boarding at Leuchars, you might even get a full breakfast depending on loadings. The Aberdeen guys are usually quite good and if there is food ready they will serve it. There are occasions though if the service is busy and they are running out the Dundee passengers are served at lightening speed so that it's done and dusted before Leuchars in which case you will get tea and biscuits. After Edinburgh you will get the all day menu.

The quiet coaches in the HSTs (which will be on this service) have no sockets and tbh I'd avoid the quiet coach in an HST like the plague as it is anything but quiet due to the noise coming from the kitchen. My advise is to bag a seat in L which is much better and has sockets.

Thanks for this. It's very helpful.

Unfortunately I requested the quiet carriage thinking it was L, and when I saw my seat assignment I tried to move the seat but wasn't able to. And I wasn't confident enough to cancel and restart the booking because it's a reward ticket, and I was worried I'd lose the opportunity. But hopefully I can find a nice seat somewhere else once I'm on board.

And yes, I was surprised to see that the quiet carriage is shared with the kitchen. It seems to defeat the purpose.

eta, according to East Coast's website you can change the seat reservation on an advance purchase. But when I follow their instructions I don't get the drop-down option to amend the booking. So I guess that's not possible if it's a reward ticket?

 

[Blindtraveler]

Firstly, I would concur with the above Re food and accommodation. Maybe give EC a call about your seat?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

Too late, I've booked a ticket for the 0952 ABD-KGX but decided to travel in Standard

in which case you have every excuse for a trip to one of the greatest breakfast places in the known world - Sizzlers on Guild Street! Come out the station onto the formentioned road and its almost opposite on the other side.

 

[Chrism20]

Thanks for this. It's very helpful.

Unfortunately I requested the quiet carriage thinking it was L, and when I saw my seat assignment I tried to move the seat but wasn't able to. And I wasn't confident enough to cancel and restart the booking because it's a reward ticket, and I was worried I'd lose the opportunity. But hopefully I can find a nice seat somewhere else once I'm on board.

And yes, I was surprised to see that the quiet carriage is shared with the kitchen. It seems to defeat the purpose.

eta, according to East Coast's website you can change the seat reservation on an advance purchase. But when I follow their instructions I don't get the drop-down option to amend the booking. So I guess that's not possible if it's a reward ticket?

Give them a call on 03457 225 111 and they will be able to change your reserved seats no problem. If they refuse to ask for the supervisor as they do have the authority to do it. When they have changed them they will give you a reference number.

When calling its recommended to be online and looking at the seat map that way you can tell them that you want L3 or M6 etc and you know it's definitely available. Just make sure you don't have the seat selected online or it won't let them book it for you.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

--- old post above --- --- new post below ---


in which case you have every excuse for a trip to one of the greatest breakfast places in the known world - Sizzlers on Guild Street! Come out the station onto the formentioned road and its almost opposite on the other side.

Do you mind? You are making me hungry! One of the few things I miss about living in Aberdeen is a trip to Sizzlers with a hangover

 

[Blindtraveler]

Woops Sorry mate. Think if I ever had the missfortune to live in Aberdeen and the good luck to move away again that would be one of the few things I'd miss too! As it is me and the Mrs sometimes do a long day of it from Edinburgh to meet her Brother who comes down on the ferry from Orkney. We'll get the first Citylink up the road (sure beats a bluddy 170) and first stop is one of there huge breakfasts and a large tea to wash it down with! ↲↲

 

[Chrism20]

Woops Sorry mate. Think if I ever had the missfortune to live in Aberdeen and the good luck to move away again that would be one of the few things I'd miss too! As it is me and the Mrs sometimes do a long day of it from Edinburgh to meet her Brother who comes down on the ferry from Orkney. We'll get the first Citylink up the road (sure beats a bluddy 170) and first stop is one of there huge breakfasts and a large tea to wash it down with! ↲↲

Sizzler is an experience in its own right. I'm half tempted to make a trip to ABD just for that although I'd get the 10:28 from EDB and have brunch instead of the breakfast.

I know what you mean about Aberdeen though! It's like Marmite you either love it or hate it. I was up there for four years, for the first year I hated it and then it grew on me. I'd go back at the drop of a hat now.

 

[ATF1]

Give them a call on 03457 225 111 and they will be able to change your reserved seats no problem. If they refuse to ask for the supervisor as they do have the authority to do it. When they have changed them they will give you a reference number...

Thank you. I'll give that a go.

 

[Starmill]

Apologies if this is covering old ground, but I am travelling on the 2330 KGX - LDS soon in First, does anyone have experience with this? It's a Thursday.

 

[Clip]

Doesn't look to exciting for when I next use it -



Yay :/

Happy to report the sarnies were nice and we got 2 rounds of them. And in the voice of butts I'm quite sorry to say the Scottish crew who got on at York would only let me have beer or scotch! Thank god for the London boys who let me have both and oftwn

 

[Chrism20]

Just looking at the new menus and wondered what everyone's thoughts were.

Next week

Coronation chicken sandwiches
Cheese & ale chutney sandwiches
Pork stew with cobbler
Gruyere and red onion compote tart (Have we had this before? It sounds familiar)
Venison & Pork sausage and mash with broccoli (Evenings only)

The following week.

Ham and chutney sandwiches
Spicy Mex bean and chipotle slaw sandwiches
Toad in the hole
Fusilloni pasta with roast veg and arrabiata sauce topped with shaved cheese
Sea bass with braised fennel and broccoli (Evenings only)

The week after

Hot smoked salmon and dill sandwiches
Hickory smoked cheddar and slaw sandwiches
Pulled beef cottage pie
Indian platter – butternut squash, spinach and paneer samosa, vegetable samosa, pakora and onion bhaji served with spiced chutney
Teriyaki chicken with oyster sauce, roast potatoes and bok choi (Evenings)

The fourth rotation is

Corned beef and pickle sandwiches
Egg & tomato sandwiches
Chicken tikka masala with rice
Cheddar, spinach and onion rice tart with salad and Branston
Mozzarella and sage stuffed pork loin with spinach and potato gratin and natural jus (Evening)

Highlights for me are the sea bass, toad in the hole, cottage pie, sausage & mash and the stew.

Not too sure about the Indian platter or the mex sandwich.

 

[Blindtraveler]

I personally look forward to the pasta - it sounds good, as do many of the sarnies.

 

[Butts]

Happy to report the sarnies were nice and we got 2 rounds of them. And in the voice of butts I'm quite sorry to say the Scottish crew who got on at York would only let me have beer or scotch! Thank god for the London boys who let me have both and oftwn

They probably figured out you were a Newcastle United fan

 

[dave87016]

I have redeemed my points for a EC 1st class Rewards ticket on 22/01/15 for travel on the 08:17 Leeds - Kings Cross as I am doing a Thames Rover ( 3 days) and spending several hours at Didcot

 

[ATF1]

Give them a call on 03457 225 111 and they will be able to change your reserved seats no problem. If they refuse to ask for the supervisor as they do have the authority to do it. When they have changed them they will give you a reference number.

Thanks for this. They were very helpful and I now have a seat in L.

 

[trainophile]

Thanks for this. They were very helpful and I now have a seat in L.

Read that out loud!

 

[Chrism20]

Read that out loud!

Lol

He's lucky, knowing my luck they will make me stand when I get there

 

[Starmill]

Apologies if this is covering old ground, but I am travelling on the 2330 KGX - LDS soon in First, does anyone have experience with this? It's a Thursday.

It was naff, but more because of the stock than the service - it was the horrible ex-EMT set. It's so uncomfortable especially on a long late night
journey like that compared to a mallard set. Only one hot drink (several cold drinks though but all arrived together - 4 cans of diet coke!). Sandwiches were good but that was it as it was a bank holiday, so it appeared to be the weekend service. The crisps and cakes are a lot nicer on Virgin. Beyond Grantham there were only 3 of us in First Class.

 

[ChiefPlanner]

Some very fine corned beef / cheese and pickle sandwiches today on the 1445 ex Leeds - rounded off nicely with a Tunnocks teacake (crisps with sandwich) - 3 hot drink runs and a a couple of glasses of very decent red wine.....

 

[Tetchytyke]

Ah I was on that train too ChiefPlanner, and t'missus managed to wangle a lemon muffin out of the chef (who was lovely) as well as the teacake.

Managed a couple of very nice Speckled Hen too.

Sandwiches were a bit stale, but the pre-packed ones always are.

 

[J-L-G]

Hi, I'm looking to catch East Coast's solitary service from Glasgow to Edinburgh i.e. 0650-0752. Does anyone know if they serve breakfast over this stretch in First Class? It's shaded on the timetable (implying that catering is provided) but I wasn't sure if there would be time to eat it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Chrism20]

Hi, I'm looking to catch East Coast's solitary service from Glasgow to Edinburgh i.e. 0650-0752. Does anyone know if they serve breakfast over this stretch in First Class? It's shaded on the timetable (implying that catering is provided) but I wasn't sure if there would be time to eat it.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

It is served between Glasgow and Edinburgh, however it is only served to passengers on a journey over seventy minutes - if you are asked where you are going and say Alnmouth or Newcastle you will be served breakfast although you do this at your own risk and may be asked to prove you are actually travelling to that station.

 

[najaB]

As the journey is less than 70 minutes, I think you would get tea/coffee and a biscuit.

 

[PaxVobiscum]

Hi, I'm looking to catch East Coast's solitary service from Glasgow to Edinburgh i.e. 0650-0752. Does anyone know

Yes

if they serve breakfast over this stretch in First Class?

No


I use this service regularly from GLC and the catering staff invariably ask where you are travelling to.

Nae chance if you are just going to Edinburgh I'm afraid.

 

[Chrism20]

Yes

No


I use this service regularly from GLC and the catering staff invariably ask where you are travelling to.

Nae chance if you are just going to Edinburgh I'm afraid.

It always surprises me at how many people actually get off at EDB when it arrives, I did think that this would be one where you are asked as a matter of course.

IIRC there are no EC only tickets on this leg either. The XC only first class between the two cities is is cheaper than the STD ticket and is quite popular.