RailUK First Class Lounge Guide

[Polarbear]

Would Cross Country 1st class passengers also be able to use the Cardiff lounge if it accepts 'All First Class tickets'?

Given the reply I had regarding my previous query, I would say yes. The worst they can say is no I suppose.

 

[Alan2603]

Well, after around 3 months, Virgin East Coast finally got around to answering my query to them about why there wasn't a first class lounge at York. (For some reason they also answered a question I didn't ask about ticket barriers at York!). Here is their response anyway:

''I have been advised that Virgin Trains East Coast are very limited to the modifications they can make at York station due to the building being a listed building. Virgin Trains East Coast are looking into opening a 1st Class lounge within York station very soon but this is still very much in the planning stages and talks stages. To add to this, that is another reason why there are no ticket barriers placed at the station due to the building being a listed building but also the bridge next to York that links to the station which is classed as a public footpath.

I have made a note of this and passed your feedback on to our management team and planning teams who will look into this and will make use of this.''


I take their response to mean it probably won't be during Virgin East Coast's franchise time (oe even my lifetime) that a first class louinge will open at York.

Alan

 

[MidnightFlyer]

I note the hours given for the GWR lounges in this guide are different to those advertised by the Toc itself. The hours listed in their 'Guide to Services' are as below.
Paddington:
Mon-Fri :: 0600-2330
Sat :: 0600-2100
Sun and BH :: 1000-2330

Cardiff Central:
Mon-Fri :: 0600-1845
Sat :: 0900-1600
Sun :: 1000-1600
BH :: Closed

 

[Butts]

In the Newcastle Lounge Today - very poor offerings Hot drinks Machine, Orange Juice and Water in a Fridge and a tiny recepticle with biscuits in.

Mind you considering it's "open doors" policy with no staff present or ticket check or even a buzzer to negotiate anyone could and probably do wander in

 

[HowMuch?]

I suppose this has never come up, but...

Would Virgin East Coast would turn someone away from a lounge with a first class ticket discounted on a Senior Railcard to just below £10? I doubt it somehow, but then I'm very trusting in the essential goodness of human nature (or at least in the self interest of companies not wishing to be accused of age discrimination in the Daily Express).

I'm assuming the £10 minimum still applies? I haven't found a reference to it on the VEC website.

 

[Butts]

I suppose this has never come up, but...

Would Virgin East Coast would turn someone away from a lounge with a first class ticket discounted on a Senior Railcard to just below £10? I doubt it somehow, but then I'm very trusting in the essential goodness of human nature (or at least in the self interest of companies not wishing to be accused of age discrimination in the Daily Express).

I'm assuming the £10 minimum still applies? I haven't found a reference to it on the VEC website.

It is on there if you look in The Lounge Section. As I mention above if you are going to Newcastle you don't even need a 1st Class Ticket.

If you are worried about it switch to West Coast no £10 rule there and generally better fayre on offer.

 

[HowMuch?]

Thanks , Butts.

I see the reference to the £10 minimum now. I'll start practising my "poor old pensioner" spiel.

 

[Polarbear]

It looks as though Grand Central will be opening a first class lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate soon;

http://https://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/32550/uncategorised/grand-central-rail-investing-yorkshire/

To help make stations a friendlier and safer environment, train operator Grand Central Rail is investing in its fleet and the community in 2017 to improve the capacity and comfort of its services.

Station Ambassadors at Thirsk Station

In January, Grand Central expanded its award-winning Station Ambassador programme, which saw Thirsk and Northallerton Railway Stations benefit from the scheme. The programme builds on Grand Central’s ongoing commitment to invest in great passenger experience. The Station Ambassador programme at Thirsk and Northallerton is in association with train operator TransPennine Express.

As part of the programme, a selection of community volunteers are on-hand at participating stations on Sundays and occasionally Bank Holidays when stations are traditionally unstaffed and the majority of rail engineering work occurs. Their role is to assist passengers with enquiries, and ensure they board and disembark trains safely and efficiently, whilst providing a friendly welcome to passengers, making their journeys more enjoyable.

The extension of the programme at Thirsk and Northallerton is part of a series of Ambassador Programmes due to launch across Grand Central’s routes this year.

Wakefield Kirkgate station and its First Class lounge

Investment is high on the agenda for Grand Central in 2017, as it will open its first First Class lounge at the Wakefield Kirkgate station. The launch, due to take place in March, is part of the company’s ongoing support for the transformation of the station and is the latest phase in the station’s wider £5.6 million regeneration, led by Groundworks.

The new lounge has been tastefully furnished and*has been designed to provide a welcoming customer experience to all First Class ticket holders. With interior design by Yorkshire designer, Samantha Beeley of Design and Concepts, the lounge also showcases dramatic wall art by local street artist Gatch.

Grand Central’s First Class Lounge

Fully-equipped with power sockets, USB ports, free WiFi and task lighting, the exclusive lounge can accommodate at least 24 people and provides a number of areas for passengers*to relax in, as well as offering business travellers a dedicated space to work on the go.

Grand Central also recently revealed the refurbishment of the underpass at Wakefield Kirkgate. Featuring designs by Yorkshire artist, Ashley Jackson, it is one of the UK’s first permanent art shows in a railway subway.
Further investments

In addition to these investments, Grand Central will be expanding its fleet to 10 trains, boosting capacity and enabling the train operator to provide more services and additional destinations along its routes, including Low Moor Station. Launching later this year the brand new station will improve links with the capital for the immediate community. The station is conveniently situated, near to the M62 motorway, allowing better connectivity and greater accessibility via free all day parking.

Grand Central is also investing £10million to fully refresh its train fleet. The refurbishment project will see the interiors, including new seat covers, on-board signage and tables in keep with the Grand Central branding of black and orange.

Richard McClean, Managing Director of Grand Central Rail, said: “As we approach our tenth birthday this year, we continue to show our commitment and dedication to customer experience and these investments enable us to secure the high standards we provide for the future.

“The communities along our routes are at the heart of our business. We have listened to our passengers and we have ensured that our investment goes beyond just our fleet and right into the communities for the benefit of local passengers.

“The communities along our routes are at the heart of our business”
“We are starting our investments early to get a head start on improvements for passengers. With refurbishments to our current fleet, along with building on our previous station investments, including Wakefield Kirkgate, we are driven to improve passenger experience, making it easier for passengers to get to and from the train.*

“Our Station Ambassador scheme grew out of our desire to have a staff presence on the stations we serve to make rail travel easier and more accessible for local people and visitors to see the area. For the volunteering ambassadors, the programme presents a great way to contribute to the community they live in.”

“We are driven to improve passenger experience, making it easier for passengers to get to and from the train”*

Grand Central topped the Autumn 2016 National Rail Passenger Survey with a satisfaction score of 91% and it was Britain’s highest-rated long distance operator in the UK in the 2017 Which? magazine Train Satisfaction Survey.

 

[trainophile]

Glasgow today - there's a notice above the table that has the piles of Times and FTs on, saying something like "please do not remove the papers from the lounge, please leave them so that other people can read them".

Given there were only about three left at 1130-ish, it doesn't look like that request is working.

I had a good look on the 1200 Euston train that I was on, and couldn't see any papers on board, so of course people are going to take one with them from the Lounge.

(I'm pleading the fifth amendment as to whether I took one). Next thing they'll be chaining them up!

 

[ScotTrains]

Glasgow today - there's a notice above the table that has the piles of Times and FTs on, saying something like "please do not remove the papers from the lounge, please leave them so that other people can read them".

Given there were only about three left at 1130-ish, it doesn't look like that request is working.

I had a good look on the 1200 Euston train that I was on, and couldn't see any papers on board, so of course people are going to take one with them from the Lounge.

(I'm pleading the fifth amendment as to whether I took one). Next thing they'll be chaining them up!

The onboard papers tend to be located (out of sight) on the overhead racks at one end of each coach in 1st. I doubt many passengers are actually aware of this. Scotrail have a clearly visible (though often empty) paper rack in 1st. Perhaps Virgin could do something similar.

 

[trainophile]

The onboard papers tend to be located (out of sight) on the overhead racks at one end of each coach in 1st. I doubt many passengers are actually aware of this. Scotrail have a clearly visible (though often empty) paper rack in 1st. Perhaps Virgin could do something similar.

That was where I was looking, in the ends of the overhead racks, although admittedly only in coach H which is where my seat was. By midday I would think the supply that is put on early in the morning has pretty much been walked off the train by earlier travellers.

 

[Polarbear]

I'm writing this as I'm sat in the 1st class lounge at Aberdeen. One of the better ones on the British network in my opinion.

Lounge is staffed & whilst my VTEC 1st advance wouldn't be accepted, (as advertised so I didn't try), a first class single to Dyce at £3.40 was accepted as the "buy in". I don't think they even accept Scot Rail advance purchase first class tickets, which seems a little strange.

Facilities include a shower, various hot & cold drinks, a pretty wide selection of nibbles, including small oatcakes, cinammon buns, fruit pots, vegetarian spread, cheese, biscuits, shortbread.

Given the reaction of some of the retail staff to the appearance of a customer in the lounge on a Sunday morning, I get the impression it's normally very quiet. Not surprising perhaps when the TOC doesn't allow access with AP first tickets of any kind, and very few business travellers on full fare tickets being around on Sunday's. Makes me wonder why they bother?

 

[TheEscapist_]

Seems odd they won't let advance ticket holders in, surely they don't sell that many first advance tickets since they're first class section is so small.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bletchleyite]

Seems odd they won't let advance ticket holders in, surely they don't sell that many first advance tickets since they're first class section is so small.

To me a minimum ticket price would be a more sensible differentiator (perhaps a minimum fare paid of around £20-30 single or half the return if a return ticket), or allow purchase of entry at a price similar to that available at airports, say around £15-20 per entry.

 

[Butts]

To me a minimum ticket price would be a more sensible differentiator (perhaps a minimum fare paid of around £20-30 single or half the return if a return ticket), or allow purchase of entry at a price similar to that available at airports, say around £15-20 per entry.

No one is going to pay £15 to get into a Rail 1st Class Lounge unless it is a considerable step up from the normal offerings.

 

[Bletchleyite]

No one is going to pay £15 to get into a Rail 1st Class Lounge unless it is a considerable step up from the normal offerings.

That's sort of the idea - because one of the use-cases (families and the likes on cheap Advances) tends to damage the effectiveness of the other use case (a quiet place to do a bit of business while waiting for the train). There have been cases where I would have paid it for a seat, reliable wifi and free coffee. (Yes, I basically get the same by going to a coffee shop for a similar price, but the problem there is that they are much more open for thefts and you have to be away from some of your stuff, or risk losing your table, for longer when refilling).

That may well be why airlines typically have separate Business and First lounges - the former being the only ones admitting cheaper tickets and those with Priority Pass/Dragonpass and the likes.

I actually think Regus etc should have well-publicised, one-off desk hire at major stations, there are many cases when I'd have used it. I did use a more formal Regus office once, but that was slight overkill for what I needed - a desk with privacy partitions, some security (i.e. strictly no non-paying customers admitted unless booking a meeting room in a segregated part of the facility) and basic refreshments would have done the job fine.

 

[Polarbear]

The new lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate opened today according to a press release on Grand Central's website;

Grand Central First Class lounge Wakefield Kirkgate station will open 3 April
A characterful and welcoming Grand Central First Class lounge will be available to customers holding First Class tickets for travel to or from Wakefield Kirkgate station. The lounge is Grand Central’s first station-based facility, and is part of its significant investment in the regeneration of this historic station. The interior design, artwork and furniture were all sourced locally in West Yorkshire. Entry to the lounge is via the Taste Buds coffee shop at the front of the station.

What can I expect in the lounge?

Seating for at least 24 people, on a mixture of sofa seating, a large shared table, and high stool seating
Power sockets, USB ports and task lighting located at the high stool seating area
Free Wi-Fi
Airy, high ceilinged, characterful environment with lots of natural light
10% discount on most food and drink items purchased at the Taste Buds coffee shop; prepared fresh to order and served at your Lounge seat. The following items are excluded from the 10% discount- homemade cakes, confectionery, crisps and ice creams
Who can use the lounge?

Any customer holding a First Class ticket or Grand Central bearer pass, valid for a journey to/from Wakefield Kirkgate on the date of their lounge visit
This includes flexible tickets for travel with other train companies as well as Grand Central only tickets
This includes holders of First Class complimentary tickets, and authority to travel documents
This includes customers who have upgraded their ticket to First Class or have already purchased a Weekend First Class upgrade
There is no option to pay a supplement to use the lounge
When is the lounge open?

The lounge opens 3 April, once open customers can use facilities:

Monday- Friday 07.00-18.00
Saturday 07.00-15.00
Sunday and Bank Holidays- CLOSED
Times may vary in line with Taste Buds coffee shop opening hours.

http://https://www.grandcentralrail.com/customer-service/first-class-lounge-wakefield-kirkgate/

 

[theshillito]

The new lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate opened today according to a press release on Grand Central's website;

http://https://www.grandcentralrail.com/customer-service/first-class-lounge-wakefield-kirkgate/

This is the first actual station presence by Grand Central. I wonder if this will become more common in other stations...

 

[IanXC]

Very comprehensive access permissions compared to other TOCs in many other locations.

 

[yorksrob]

Very comprehensive access permissions compared to other TOCs in many other locations.

Indeed, although I can't think of any other TOC's passing through there which actually have 1st class provision !

Nice to see it come to fruition. Hopefully I'll get the chance to use it some time.

 

[jbg]

The new lounge at Wakefield Kirkgate opened today according to a press release on Grand Central's website;



http://https://www.grandcentralrail.com/customer-service/first-class-lounge-wakefield-kirkgate/

So it shuts well over an hour before the last southbound on a Saturday. (15.14)

 

[Polarbear]

Very comprehensive access permissions compared to other TOCs in many other locations.

I agree - but I am wondering whether this is because the hot drinks don't appear to be complementary (unless I've missed something).

The piece I posted above refers to a 10% discount from the catering establishment, but no mention of "freebies", other than wi-fi? I'm guessing that this may be the trade off in that it won't cost much for GC to operate the lounge, therefore they can allow those with 1st class tickets valid on other TOC's to use the facility.

That said, who would purposely go to Kirkgate and use said facilities if you had anything other than a 1st class ticket valid for GC?

 

[IanXC]

Indeed, although I can't think of any other TOC's passing through there which actually have 1st class provision !

Nice to see it come to fruition. Hopefully I'll get the chance to use it some time.

True - i was thinking of passengers connecting, for instance with VTEC or XC &Connections tickets.

 

[Chrism20]

Glasgow Central lounge will be closed from tomorrow until 28th May for a spruce up.

Notice says the following

"Pop along to the Travel Centre and speak to a member of the team for a complimentary hot drink. All you need to do is show a valid First Class Virgin Trains ticket.

The come and see us in a couple of weeks when we are bigger and better than ever".

With a bit of luck they will properly partition it off and it will be less noisy.

 

[FQ]

Hi all,

Do the complimentary refreshments change at all on Saturdays compared to a weekday in the Virgin West coast lounges, particularly Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International and Coventry?

Cheers,

FQ.

 

[ScotTrains]

Caledonian Sleeper is to open a new 1st class lounge at Perth station on platform 4. The work also includes meeting and training rooms, kitchen facilities and three wet rooms.

http://planningapps.pkc.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=summary&keyVal=OMTE0CMKIWN00

I'm surprised they haven't joined forces with Scotrail for this. Sleeper passengers from the first and last train of the day, and Scotrail passengers during the day. It'll be very quiet otherwise!

 

[Butts]

Hi all,

Do the complimentary refreshments change at all on Saturdays compared to a weekday in the Virgin West coast lounges, particularly Birmingham New Street, Birmingham International and Coventry?

Cheers,

FQ.

Can't speak about Coventry but with regard to the other two I have been in on Weekends and Weekdays.

International is unmanned so normally has a bit less on offer at the W/E. The Crisps might not be there just Biccies and Hot and Cold Drinks. New Street is manned so you could well get the full works.

Personally I love the "Uglies" chocolate biscuits look out for them.

 

[FQ]

Can't speak about Coventry but with regard to the other two I have been in on Weekends and Weekdays.

International is unmanned so normally has a bit less on offer at the W/E. The Crisps might not be there just Biccies and Hot and Cold Drinks. New Street is manned so you could well get the full works.

Personally I love the "Uglies" chocolate biscuits look out for them.

Excellent, thanks!

I agree with you - the 'Uglies' biscuits are truly brilliant.

 

[Polarbear]

Currently on an Jolly in the Leeds/Wakefield area today. Having re-visited 2 lounges (Leeds & Doncaster) and also the new lounge at Wakefield Westgate, it's notable how sparse the complimentary offer is.

Basically, it's down to hot drinks, water (no cola or juice) and biscuits. Is this a cost cutting measure?

Off to sample Grand Centrals offering at Kirkgate on the way back home.

part 2

Currently sat in the lounge at Kirkgate. It's an additional room accessed through the cafe that's been opened at the station. Comfy, with leather sofas, free wi-fi (ask for code at the cafe) and today, rather quiet.

Downsides are no air conditioning which admittedly, isn't a problem most of the year in the UK, but would be nice. Also, it's within the main building at the station, but the GC services leave from the island platform, so you have to leave sufficient time to get across.

Oh, and no complementary stuff & no loo. 10% discount off drinks from the cafe. Still a huge improvement on how things used to be in this part of Wakefield a few years ago!

 

[Butts]

Currently on an Jolly in the Leeds/Wakefield area today. Having re-visited 2 lounges (Leeds & Doncaster) and also the new lounge at Wakefield Westgate, it's notable how sparse the complimentary offer is.

Basically, it's down to hot drinks, water (no cola or juice) and biscuits. Is this a cost cutting measure?

Off to sample Grand Centrals offering at Kirkgate on the way back home.

I believe the first three are VEC and if so that is normal apart from the odd exception. VWC tend to better provisioned. Will be interested in the GC one and what they provide.