FGW : First Class Offerings?

[dave55uk]

I will be going down to Par on a Thursday in July on the 1006 ex Paddington, and returning the following week on the Wednesday on the 1047 (if memory serves right) from Penzance to Paddington.

Both journeys will be in first class, and while I'm hoping to have brunch on the way down, and dinner on the way back, I was wondering what FGW offer their first class passengers. (I know, as an example, that the old East Coast offered a cooked breakfast on weekdays).

Now obviously, I wouldn't need a breakfast if I'm having brunch - or should that be I wouldn't need (to pay for) brunch if there's a free breakfast?

 

[Iskra]

It's below Par

I've only travelled once in FGW 1st and that was a couple of months back.

The complimentary offer is only drinks/snacks.

However, your service outbound (not sure about your return) comes with the following option, which is pricey but fantastic:

https://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/your-journey/on-board/pullman

 

[ainsworth74]

The 1006 as you correctly identify is a Pullman Dining service with this menu.

The 1047 from Penzance (1157 Par) features Pullman Dining after Plymouth and should be serving this menu.

Basically you've timed your services perfectly as they both feature what is probably the best catering available on the network.

For future reference on non-Pullman services in first class you should receive light refreshments which means hot/cold drinks, biscuits and that's about it. You can also order things from their usual Express Cafe menu (see here). FGW First Class, in terms of catering, is nothing like East Coast. It's either paid for and far superior (Pullman Dining) or free but only snacks.

 

[dave55uk]

I must admit, I did time these journeys to coincide with the Pullman dining.

Thanks for the clarification, I don't mind buying brunch (outward) and dinner (return from Penzance (but after Plymouth)) now I know hot food is not provided free.

As a related question, HOW does one request a seat in the restaurant car? - and I presume after eating, one returns to their booked seat.

(Edited to add): Thanks for the menus. Although I had seen them, I did not know which dinner menu would be on offer.
But that poses a dilemma. Steak or belly pork. Decisions...decisions....

 

[Iskra]

I must admit, I did time these journeys to coincide with the Pullman dining.

Thanks for the clarification, I don't mind buying brunch (outward) and dinner (return from Penzance (but after Plymouth)) now I know hot food is not provided free.

As a related question, HOW does one request a seat in the restaurant car? - and I presume after eating, one returns to their booked seat.

Just ask one of the dining hosts when boarding, they are numerous around the buffet car and very friendly.

In my experience of a very quiet train, they by no means rush you out of your dining seat. Officially though there are two 'sittings' for dining so you may in theory have to vacate for the second sitting. Towards Plymouth Westbound and Paddington Eastbound they clear the tables and stow the equipment for removal from the train. They would presumably ask you to vacate to allow them to do that.

That is a dilemma. It was steak for me:

http://www.railforums.co.uk/showpost.php?p=2105581&postcount=27

 

[dave55uk]

Thanks to ainsworth74 - the menu was correct. Belly pork it was (for me) and Sue had the fillet steak. All meals were excellent and the staff could not be faulted. There was only one sitting each way. Definitely recommended.

 

[ainsworth74]

Glad you had a good trip and I'm pleased that my advice was correct! Still need to actually sample the Pullman service for myself.

 

[455driver]

Glad you had a good trip and I'm pleased that my advice was correct! Still need to actually sample the Pullman service for myself.

You do, it is something special watching the countryside pass by as you tuck into some fine (and I do mean really fine) food.

Yes it is expensive but it is well worth the money.

 

[dave55uk]

As 455Driver said, you really should try it ainsworth74. Expensive yes but beautiful food. I'd do it again tomorrow if I didn't have to work.

One thing that really impressed Sue (and me too if I'm honest) is that after leaving Penzance I went to get a (free) coffee and asked the chap in the buffet car if I could reserve a table for dinner (after Plymouth obviously). He said yes, and took (just) my name. After leaving Plymouth, one of the catering crew (a lady, (who joined the train at Plymouth)) came down the coach, stopped by me, and said "Mr Potter, your table is now ready for you in the restaurant car". As I said, Sue was REALLY impressed! I wonder how she managed to pick me out. It's not as if we were the only ones in first class.

So top marks to First.

 

[Southwest]

Don't expect too much from the 'free' wifi', it's sh*te!

Having said that, I was traveling P'Boro to York yesterday on East Coast and their wifi was just as crappy. The first 15 minutes was free, good job really, because it took me 13 minutes to get my first selected site to connect to it.

Moan over.